By “black triangles” we mean the presence of evident, triangle-shaped spaces between two contiguous teeth. They can be present in both anterior and posterior teeth (though it is more common in the front few teeth on the top and bottom), as well as in baby teeth or permanent dentition. This space between the teeth can create great embarrassment and profound discomfort, so much so that the subject who has this problem never smiles.
Black triangles can be caused by any of the following reasons:
* Shape of the teeth
* Position of the teeth
* Gum recession
* Lack of papilla once the teeth are aligned
Depending on what is causing your black triangles, your dentist will recommend treatment. If the triangles are caused by periodontitis or gum disease, that problem will need to be corrected first, as the physiological problem will continue if any cosmetic issues with the spaces are solved but the underlying issue remains. This is something you must think about when thinking about the cost of your treatment; any pre-treatment will add to the overall amount you will pay. Then, according to your specific case, your dentist might recommend one or a few of the following options:
* A restorative therapy
* Orthodontics
* Reconstructive periodontal therapy, also called "plastic periodontal surgery" or " gum grafting ", may also be considered to increase the height and volume of the interdental papilla to fill the black triangle space.
Restorative therapy
In all cases where the causes are not of orthodontic origin, restorative therapies can be chosen to solve the problem. Restorative therapy may be suitable for filling small spaces caused by insufficient interdental gum tissue or by teeth that are naturally narrower at the bottom and widen towards the top. This can be done with composite material (white fillings or “bonding”) or applying ceramic dental veneers. Bonding is where dental composite material is built up over your affected teeth, essentially correcting the shape of them and closing the triangle-shaped gap. Veneers are thin facades or lenses made porcelain or other ceramic material. The choice of one or the other strategy is taken starting from the expectations of the duration of the restoration and the economic budget. Direct composite restorations are quick to make and relatively inexpensive, costing less than $100 per tooth, depending on the issue. However, the durability of bonding over time is the drawback of this method, and generally, bonding must be corrected again a few years later. Ceramic veneers, on the other hand, represent the longest-lasting restoration over time, but can cost upwards of $1,000 a tooth. Even though the aesthetic result is superior, veneers represent a greater investment of money.
Orthodontics
Orthodontics can be an effective remedy for teeth that are too far apart. It is often applied to children who have teeth still in the development stage but can also be used with adults. In some cases the closure of a black triangles requires a stronger approach. In this case, the use of the orthodontic appliance has the purpose of bringing the teeth closer together and consequently reducing the space between them. While sometimes necessary, orthodontics can be expensive. It is important to understand your case and all costs up front before treatment begins. Orthodontics can cost thousands of dollars, depending on your case.
Reconstructive periodontal therapy
Reconstructive periodontal therapy, also called "plastic periodontal surgery" or " gum grafting ", may also be considered to increase the height and volume of the interdental papilla to fill the black triangle space. This is often reserved for more serious cases of black triangles and can cost tens of thousands of dollars. It would be up to you and your dentist or surgeon to discuss if this could be covered by your insurance, though generally, because most insurance companies deem black triangles to be a cosmetic problem, this procedure is often not covered. Don’t worry, though, talk to your dentist about financing options!