Our teeth can be a big part of our self-esteem. More and more, we are hearing from patients who are concerned about unwanted spaces between their teeth, or “black triangles”.
Whether you call them “black triangles” or simply “teeth gaps”, the good news is that we can fix them for you.
But first, it can be helpful to know what they are, what causes them, and what your options are.
What are “black triangles” and diastemas?
Teeth naturally taper as they move towards the root, so the resulting gaps are often triangle-shaped. These “black triangles” can leave the teeth looking old and dark.
This isn’t because your teeth actually are dark; it’s just the contrast between your white teeth, your pink gums, and the dark space that makes them appear dark. This dark space, unfortunately, is what our human eye is drawn to.
Beyond appearance, however, gaps in our teeth can be a dental health issue. They trap food debris and bacteria, which can develop into plaque and tartar, creating additional problems for your oral health.
Another type of gap is known as a “diastema”. “Diastema” is a technical term for a natural gap that occurs between teeth; usually seen in the front teeth. Although there is nothing wrong with the teeth, many people do not like the appearance of gaps, and may feel embarrassed or self-conscious about them.
What causes “black triangles”?
There are several reasons that these black triangles form. In some people, there may be multiple causes for black triangles. The most common reasons are:
The tooth’s natural shape
Some teeth naturally taper more than others. When your teeth are naturally triangular in shape, they connect with one another at the chewing surface but not at the gum line. This leaves a larger gap between teeth.
Post-orthodontic treatment
Black triangles often develop after treatment with braces is completed, especially in adults. This is a natural consequence of the alignment correction and often cannot be avoided.
Gum line recession and bone loss
If the gums surrounding your teeth start to recede due to gum disease or bite-related trauma, you may notice these black triangles begin to appear. If left untreated, they will grow larger over time.
What are the treatment options for fixing gaps in teeth?
For a long time, the best options available to treat gaps were crowns or veneers. Both of these options required multiple appointments and the removal of tooth structure.
After years of research and development, Bioclear has created a new way to solve an old problem.
Using the Bioclear Matrix System, the space is filled with a glassy, smooth, and naturally shaped composite material. This process only requires one appointment, and will not only close the space, but will also dramatically brighten your smile.
One of the top benefits of Bioclear is how minimally invasive the procedure is. With traditional porcelain veneers or crowns, the tooth must be shaved to make room for them.
With Bioclear, minimal prep work is required, and no enamel needs to be removed. The only thing your dentist needs to do is to clean the biofilm (layer of bacteria, protein and saliva) from the tooth surface. Since the procedure is minimally invasive, it’s completely reversible. If you decide you no longer want your Bioclear application, you can have it removed. In the case of porcelain veneers, you would need to replace them if you have them removed.
On average, Bioclear can last about 10–20 years before it needs replacement. This durable material will only last long if you take proper care of your teeth, however. If you have poor oral health or bad hygiene habits, your results probably won’t last up to ten years.
About The Author
Dr. Jacqueline Gaudet
Chief Dental Officer - ASAP pathway comprehensive provider
Dr. Gaudet graduated as a doctor of medicine in dentistry (DMD) from the University of Montréal in 1998. Since then, she has spent thousands of hours on advanced training throughout Canada and around the world.
With experience, she has found that the “drill and fill” approach to dentistry does not make for long term success in dental and overall health. Her research and education has inspired her to take a global health approach to dental care using an evidence-based system to address the whole body.
“Many dental and oral health issues relate to lifestyle habits and/or underlying health issues,” she says. “The goal of Oceana Dental’s comprehensive new patient examination is to find the root cause of disease in the oral cavity so it doesn’t progress and cause more harm to the patient’s overall health.”
Commenting on the pace of technological improvement and the advances in research, she says, “it’s a great time to be a dentist!”
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