Can orthodontic treatment fix black triangles in teeth?

Have you ever noticed a triangular gap between your tooth and gum line? That gap is commonly called a “black triangle”, or to us dental professionals, “open gingival embrasures.”

And about one-third of adults have black triangle teeth

Most reasons behind black triangles are not considered unhealthy or problematic; however, they do throw off the balance of your smile and can cause embarrassment. Luckily, there are treatments available to correct this condition!

 

How do you get black triangles in your teeth

These small triangles can form due to the shape of your teeth, a lack of gum tissue, or periodontal disease

In the case of orthodontic treatment, the alignment process of your teeth may reveal black triangles; yet, they are not the cause of black triangles. 

Black triangles can be problematic not only because they have an undesirable appearance, but they can harbor food particles, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

But how do you prevent them in the first place, and what can you do once they appear? Here’s what you need to know.

 

Can black triangles be prevented?

You cannot always avoid black triangles. In fact, some spacing between your teeth is natural and can be helpful for flossing. 

When you have black triangles, it’s crucial to stick to a strong oral hygiene routine, including brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. Plus attending all of your dental cleaning appointments! Because visiting your dentist regularly is incredibly important to monitor your gum and dental health. Doing all of this will keep your smile bright and healthy.

 

Can braces cause black triangles? 

The belief that black triangles are caused by orthodontic treatment, such as braces or Invisalign, is false. Orthodontic treatment doesn’t cause black triangles; it simply exposes them. 

When your teeth are aligned, receding gums or lack of gum tissue between the teeth can expose these black triangles. 

If you visit a highly-qualified orthodontist, you do not have to fear gum loss or black triangles due to orthodontic treatment. Especially if that orthodontist is dual-trained in periodontics as well – like Dr. Matsumoto!

As with every treatment plan Dr. Matsumoto creates, the full harmony of your smile is considered – from your teeth, gum tissue, to your bone structures. If any periodontal problems are spotted during your first orthodontic exam or if any pop up during your treatment, Dr. Matumoto is equipped to address them and help balance the beauty of your smile. 

 

How do orthodontists get rid of black triangles between teeth?

If you notice a small triangle between your teeth, we can provide orthodontic treatment to close it! 

At Matsumoto Orthodontics & Periodontics, Dr. Matsumoto can treat black triangles using Interproximal Reduction (IPR), braces, Brius, or Invisalign®.

  • Braces, brius, or Invisalign 

Dr. Matsumoto may recommend treatment with braces, brius, or Invisalign to reduce the appearance of black triangles. The treatment consists of applying gentle, consistent pressure to specific teeth to encourage movement toward healthy alignment – effectively eliminating black triangles between teeth! 

  • Interproximal Reduction (IPR) 

Interproximal Reduction is a technique performed by experienced orthodontists to close black triangles. The treatment is performed by hand, using flexible diamond coated strips that are worked back and forth between your teeth. A tiny part of the tooth enamel is trimmed, which will allow your teeth to be pushed closer together. Thus reducing the black triangles and spaces your gum needs to fill between teeth. 

 

Let Dr. Matsumoto close your black triangles!

We understand the presence of black triangles can make you feel self-conscious about your smile. We want you to feel confident during and after your orthodontic treatment. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! 

If you’re ready to begin your own journey, request your complimentary consultation with us at Porters Neck in Wilmington, NC, today. 

Related Posts

kids pose on the beach wearing santa hats and listen in to stocking stuffer ideas

The holidays are right around the corner! If you’re starting to think of gifts or stocking stuffer ideas for someone who’s currently wearing braces, BRIUS® or Invisalign®, or someone who’s considering orthodontics, we prepared the ultimate guide to make it easy on you. Bring on the holidays, festivities, and beautiful, healthy smiles! Here are the...

teen smiles after using whitening toothpaste with braces

On your smile transformation journey with BRIUS truly invisible braces, you may wonder how to keep your teeth white and bright from day 1 – through the day your braces are removed. So, can you use whitening toothpaste with braces? Is there anything you should be aware of before buying whitening toothpaste? Your team at...

mom and daughter at the beach after learning invisalign faqs

Hey there, parents! In your busy day-to-day, you may be wondering if it’s still possible to fix your crooked teeth and get the smile you’ve always dreamed of. And if you can benefit from orthodontics, can your 7 year old or teenager benefit too? Well the team at Matsumoto Orthodontics & Periodontics is here to...

woman holds invisalign tray and asks about Invisalign buttons Vs. attachments

If you’re on the journey to a stunning smile with Invisalign and the experienced Matsumoto Orthodontics & Periodontics team, you may have heard of Invisalign buttons and Invisalign attachments. Or maybe you haven’t heard of them yet! Either way, we’ll dive into what these are, how they work, and how they differ.   The Basics...

What causes crowded teeth

Whether your family dentist talked with you about braces or maybe you’re just considering orthodontic treatment, you may be wondering if it’s worth it! At Matsumoto Orthodontics & Periodontics, we believe that a beautiful, healthy smile is worth the journey. And it doesn’t hurt to know a little more about how your teeth can affect...

kids sit on lawn in front of house with parents and ask how long does a palatal expander stay in

So you’ve just taken your child in for their first orthodontic exam and as Dr. Matsumoto is going over their recommended treatment plan for your kiddo, you hear the word “palatal expander”. If you immediately thought of some kind of alien vs predator device, we promise you it’s not that sinister! While Dr. Matsumoto will...