[Health Column] A Comprehensive Guide to Solving Black Triangles: The Dark Gaps Between Teeth After Orthodontics

 

Hello! ✨ I am Cho Byung-joo, a board-certified orthodontist with 16 years of experience and the Representative Director of Nowon Shine Orthodontics Dental Hospital. 😊

 

The orthodontic treatment finished well, but the spaces between my teeth look dark and empty.

 

After orthodontic treatment, the teeth became straight, but the spaces between them look dark and empty. Black Triangle Quite a few people experience discomfort or stress due to this. 💭

 

Will this gap fill in on its own over time?
"Won't filling it with resin cause gum problems?"

 

I fully understand how upset you must be, having gone through the trouble of finishing your orthodontic treatment only to have another worry arise. 🥺

 

Today, I will organize the frequently asked questions about the Black Triangle step-by-step to help you decide on the direction of your treatment!

 

1️⃣ Why do black triangles form?

The space between the gums that was hidden becomes visible after orthodontic treatment.

 

When crooked and overlapping teeth are straightened through orthodontics, the spaces between the gums that were previously hidden by the teeth may become visible.

 

At this time, the space between the teeth that appears dark in a triangular shape Black Triangle It is called.

 

📌 Spaces between teeth revealed during orthodontic treatment (top) and appearance after tidying up (bottom) · Results may vary depending on the individual.

 

It does not happen the same way to everyone. Age, original tooth shape, gum health, degree of tooth overlap before orthodontics The size and severity vary depending on the individual. The likelihood of occurrence is particularly higher after the age of 50. ⚠️

 

🔹 Please remember this.
Black triangles are not caused by improper orthodontic treatment, but rather are a phenomenon where the pre-existing spaces between the gums become visible as the teeth align.

 

2️⃣ Can it be predicted in advance before correction?

🦷 Yes, the possibility of occurrence can be identified during the diagnosis stage.

 

The important thing here is, Black triangles can be predicted in advance during the diagnostic stage before correction. The point is...

 

📌 As the distance from the alveolar bone to the tooth contact point increases, the likelihood of the interdental papilla filling the space decreases (Tarnow DP et al., 1992)

 

Since the shape of the teeth and the condition of the gums allow us to determine in advance how much space will be created after orthodontic treatment, it is important to include this in the treatment plan and provide guidance from the beginning.

 

👉 If you fall into these categories, be sure to check this before getting braces!
If the shape of your teeth resembles a triangle that tapers downward, if your gums feel more sunken than before, or if your front teeth overlap significantly, it is advisable to address these issues during the pre-orthodontic diagnosis.

 

3️⃣ What are some possible solutions?

🦷 The approach varies depending on the size of the gap and the condition of the teeth and gums.

 

Black triangle treatment There is no single correct answer. This is because the approach varies depending on the size of the gap, the condition of the teeth and gums, and the patient's criteria.

 

✨ ① Interdental Reduction (IPR)
This is a method of adjusting the space by trimming a very small amount between the teeth.

 

🔗 ② Resin / Veneer Restoration
Consider this if you want to preserve the original shape of your teeth as much as possible.
• ceramic veneer It is suitable when there are many noticeable gaps and the size is large.
• Direct Resin When the gap is small, resin is directly filled without removing tooth structure, and the surface is finished smoothly.

 

🛡️ ③ Shine Fill (Bioclear Resin + Interdental Papillary Filler)
This method reshapes the teeth using BioClear resin without grinding them down and restores receding gum volume using interdental papilla fillers. It is applied alone or in combination depending on the cause.

 

📌 The black gap in the area indicated by the arrow is naturally smoothed out after restoration. · Results may vary depending on the individual.

 

⚠️ A quick tip!
Even if they look like the same 'gap,' the method you choose differs completely depending on whether the cause is the shape of the teeth or receding gums. It is essential to identify the cause first rather than choosing a method.

 

4️⃣ Won't filling it with resin cause gum problems?

🦷 The procedure determines the result more than the resin itself.

 

To start with the conclusion, The procedure is more important than the resin itself.

 

In most cases, gum discomfort after resin restoration When needles get mixed in during the procedure or the surface finish is insufficient It appears. In this case, plaque adheres easily, making gum care difficult. 😮

 

Conversely, if moisture control is thoroughly maintained and the resin surface is finished smoothly in multiple stages, the burden on the gums is reduced.

 

Ultimately, what matters is How meticulously the procedure is performed Even with the same resin treatment, results can vary depending on moisture control, the surface finishing step, and a meticulous approach tailored to the condition of the teeth and gums. 💡

 

5️⃣ How should I care for it after treatment?

🦷 Maintaining cleanliness in the spaces between the gums determines the duration of the retention.

 

Regardless of how you resolve the black triangle, post-treatment care has a significant impact on maintaining the results for a long time.

 

Since the restored area is a newly created boundary where teeth meet, plaque accumulation in this area can place a burden on the gums. Because it is difficult to reach between the teeth with brushing alone, Use dental floss or interdental brushes to clean the spaces between teeth. This is good. 🪥

 

✅ Post-treatment checkpoints
• Please clean the spaces between your teeth every day with dental floss or an interdental brush.
• If the restoration area feels rough or the sutures keep getting caught, please have the surface condition checked.
• If you experience bleeding gums or persistent swelling, please do not neglect it and visit our clinic.
It is recommended to check the condition of the restored area and gums together during regular checkups.

 

Once the gums recede, it is difficult for them to return to their original height on their own. Therefore, the black triangle is An area where prevention and management are just as important as treatment It is. ⚠️

 

 

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q1. Does the black triangle fill in on its own over time?

A1. No. Once exposed, the space between the gums does not fill naturally. Depending on the size and condition of the gap, it is necessary to select and treat it using an appropriate method such as interdental reduction, resin, veneers, or shine fills.

 

Q2. Can I know in advance if a black triangle will form before orthodontic treatment?

A2. Yes, it is predictable. By checking the tooth shape, gum condition, and degree of overlap during the pre-orthodontic diagnosis phase, the likelihood of occurrence can be identified in advance and included in the treatment plan from the beginning.

 

Q3. How can I know which treatment method is right for me?

A3. The appropriate method varies depending on the size of the gap and the condition of the teeth and gums. It is most accurate to determine which method is right for you among IPR, resin, veneers, and shine fills through a direct consultation.

 

🏁 Conclusion & Summary

 

If you are delaying correction due to concerns about black triangles, we recommend that you first check your condition through a consultation.

 

By examining tooth shape, gum condition, and the degree of overlap during the pre-orthodontic examination, the likelihood of black triangles occurring can be roughly predicted. Based on this, if a treatment plan is established from the beginning... By reducing occurrence or planning restorative treatment together if necessary You can expect more satisfying results. ✨

 

However, as treatment results may vary depending on the individual's oral condition, we recommend that you consult thoroughly with an orthodontist to find the right path for you. 😊

 

The medical content of this column is based on Tarnow DP et al., J Periodontol It was written by referring to , 1992, etc.

 

Shine Orthodontics

Director Cho Byeong-ju

Graduated from Seoul National University Graduate School of Dentistry / Doctor of Dental Surgery

Catholic University of Korea Seoul St. Mary's Hospital Department of Orthodontics Intern / Resident

Graduated from Catholic University of Korea Graduate School of Medicine with a minor in Plastic Surgery / Master of Medicine

Visiting Professor, Department of Orthodontics, Catholic University of Korea Seoul St. Mary's Hospital

Visiting Professor at CHA University Gangnam Hospital

Invisalign Official Faculty

Regular member of the Korean Association of Orthodontists (KAO)

Member of the Korean Society of Clinical Orthodontists (KSO)

2019/2020/2021/2022 Awarded the Excellent Case Presentation by the Korean Association of Orthodontists