Most often, when dentists refer to gaps in between the teeth, many people think of malocclusions or severe forms of separation between the teeth leading to misalignment. Patients are often referred to orthodontists to correct the issue in those cases. But in cosmetic dentistry, black triangles are a common issue. Also known as diastemas, black triangles are small spaces in between the teeth that appear larger and create greater contrast between the teeth and gums. These spaces indicate a lack of gum tissue, and beyond their appearances, they can trap food debris, plaque, tartar, and bacteria, all of which can contribute to additional problems to your health.
What Causes Dark Triangles In The Mouth?
Our teeth are naturally triangular in shape, and therefore black triangles typically taper in at the middle where the roots are contained. Black triangles often indicate serious issues to your oral health, as these spaces can make you more vulnerable to diseases and tooth decay. As about 60% of people have some degree of dark triangles in their mouths, a significant portion of the population often faces black triangles that are overtly large in their appearance and thus affect the smile’s chewing surface and alignment.
These spaces between the teeth may not seem like a huge problem at first but can pose certain risks if not treated. Black triangles can develop from these common causes:
- The Normal Aging Process: Black triangles are most prevalent in older patients, especially those who are at least 65 and older. This is because the aging process can cause the gums to recede over time, which contributes to poor enamel strength. These changes can lead to decay, and having improper vitamin D levels can also contribute to this problem.
- Gum Disease Symptoms: In younger adults, gum disease is one of the primary causes of dark triangles. This is due to how gum disease attacks the gum tissue and, in its severe stages, can cause the gums to recede over time, creating black triangles between the teeth.
- Tooth Root Decay: Overall, the combination of multiple factors, such as poor oral hygiene, gum recession, dental trauma, and other issues, can contribute to the tooth’s roots decaying over time.
- Failed Restorations: Dentists who perform improper restorations performed can also cause complications that lead to dental triangles, especially if they handle areas such as the gums and tooth roots.
What Can Your Cosmetic Dentist Do For Black Triangles
For cosmetic dentists, treating black triangles will depend on your oral health, history of previous treatments, and current health problems impacting your desired procedure. Some treatment options that cosmetic dentists can provide include gum contouring, veneers, Bioclear matrix systems, and Invisalign to correct the problem.
To learn more about your options for treating dental triangles, the first place you should go is to your primary dentist for an appointment. Through their consultation, they can provide you with a referral that can get you to a cosmetic dentist that will help treat the signs of black triangles and remove them, giving you a healthier, more aesthetically pleasing smile.
