TL;DR
Black triangles are small gaps near the gum line caused by gum recession, bone loss, or tooth shape. Treatment options range from non-invasive bonding to conservative cosmetic solutions like porcelain veneers. The best cosmetic dentists in Calgary start with the least invasive option that will work for your specific case.
You’ve noticed them in photos, when you floss, or when you smile in the mirror. Small, dark triangular spaces between your teeth near the gum line. These “black triangles” can make you feel self-conscious about your smile, even if your teeth are otherwise healthy and straight.
Modern cosmetic dentistry offers several effective solutions, from simple composite bonding to ultra-thin veneers. Finding a cosmetic dentist in Calgary who understands why you have black triangles and who recommends the most conservative treatment for your specific case makes all the difference in getting results that look natural and last.
What Causes Black Triangles Between Teeth?
Black triangles are technically called "open gingival embrasures.” They appear when the gum tissue and bone between your teeth recede or when there's naturally more space in that area. The "black" you're seeing is simply the dark space inside your mouth showing through.
Several factors can contribute to black triangles:
- Gum recession is one of the most common causes. This can happen due to aggressive brushing, gum disease, genetics, or simply as part of the natural aging process. When gums recede, they reveal more of the tooth root and create gaps.
- Bone loss often goes hand-in-hand with gum recession. The bone that supports your teeth can deteriorate due to periodontal disease or other factors, causing the gum tissue above it to recede as well.
- Natural tooth shape plays a role too. Teeth that are more triangular in shape (wider at the biting edge, narrower at the gum line) are more prone to visible gaps, especially if you have naturally thin gum tissue.
- Orthodontic treatment can sometimes reveal black triangles by aligning crowded teeth, particularly if teeth are triangular in shape or if gum and bone health weren't optimal before treatment began.
A thorough assessment helps your cosmetic dentist in Calgary determine which treatment approach will give you lasting, natural-looking results. The solution that works best depends entirely on what's causing the spaces in the first place.
Starting With the Gentlest Option
The best cosmetic dentistry preserves as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. Dr. Jennifer Graas starts every consultation by evaluating whether less invasive options can achieve the results you're looking for.
Improving Oral Health First
If gum disease or inflammation is contributing to your black triangles, addressing the underlying periodontal health is essential. Our Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) treatment provides gentle, thorough cleaning that can help stabilize gum tissue and prevent further recession.
While improving oral health alone won't eliminate existing black triangles, it creates a healthy foundation for any cosmetic treatment and prevents the problem from worsening.
Dental Bonding: The Most Conservative Cosmetic Fix
For many patients, composite bonding is an excellent first-line treatment. Your cosmetic dentist can apply tooth-coloured composite resin to the sides of your teeth, gently filling in the triangular gaps without removing any natural tooth structure.
The benefits of bonding:
- No tooth preparation required in most cases
- Completed in a single appointment
- Reversible if your needs change
- Cost-effective compared to other options
- Natural-looking results when done with precision
Bonding works particularly well when black triangles are small to moderate in size and when the underlying tooth structure provides a good surface for the composite to adhere to.
The results can last several years with proper care, though bonding may need periodic touch-ups, as it can stain or chip over time. For many of our Calgary patients, this trade-off is worth it to avoid more invasive treatment.
Composite veneers on lower front teeth eliminated black triangles.
When to Consider Microthin Veneers
If black triangles are more significant, or if you're also looking to address other cosmetic concerns like tooth shape, colour, or minor alignment issues, veneers might be the right solution.
Microthin veneers are ultra-thin porcelain shells (often just 0.3 mm thick) that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. Because they're so thin, they require minimal tooth preparation, preserving almost all of your natural tooth structure.
Dr. Graas completed her Microthin veneer certification in Nashville back in 2020, when this technique was still new to Calgary. Since then, she's used this conservative approach to help patients close black triangles and transform their smiles without the aggressive tooth preparation traditional veneers require.
Dr. Jennifer Graas completed her Microthin veneer certification in Nashville in 2020, bringing this conservative cosmetic technique to her Calgary patients.
A skilled cosmetic dentist uses Microthin veneers when:
- Black triangles are moderate to large.
- You want a comprehensive smile transformation.
- You're looking for longer-lasting results than bonding offers.
- The shape or colour of your teeth needs refinement alongside closing the gaps.
Microthin veneers can be designed to slightly overlap at the gum line, effectively eliminating the appearance of black triangles while creating a cohesive, natural-looking smile. The porcelain material resists staining and maintains its appearance for 10-15 years or more with proper care.
The difference between natural-looking results and obvious veneers comes down to technical skill and artistry—designing porcelain that mimics real tooth texture and translucency, not the overly bulky, unnaturally white look some practices default to.
Traditional Veneers: When More Coverage Is Needed
In some cases, traditional porcelain veneers may be the most appropriate choice. These require slightly more tooth preparation than Microthin veneers but can address more complex cosmetic concerns.
Traditional veneers might be recommended if you have significant tooth wear, larger structural issues to correct, or if you're combining treatment for black triangles with other restorative needs.
Even with traditional veneers, a conservative cosmetic dentist in Calgary will remove only the minimum amount of tooth structure necessary to achieve excellent results.
Four porcelain veneers closed black triangles between upper front teeth.
How to Choose the Right Treatment for You
The best treatment for black triangles depends on several factors:
- The size of the gaps: Smaller triangles may respond well to bonding, while larger ones might need veneers for complete coverage.
- Your other cosmetic goals: If you're happy with everything else about your smile, bonding preserves your natural teeth. If you want a more comprehensive transformation, veneers might make sense.
- Your oral health: Active gum disease needs to be addressed before any cosmetic treatment. A thorough evaluation ensures your gums and bone can support the solution you choose.
- Your budget and timeline: Bonding is typically the most affordable option and can be completed in one visit. Veneers require a larger investment and multiple appointments but offer longer-lasting results.
- Your long-term goals: Some patients prefer trying bonding first, knowing they can always move to veneers later if needed. Others want a definitive, permanent solution from the start.
What Sets Dr. Graas Apart as a Cosmetic Dentist in Calgary
When you're comparing cosmetic dentists in Calgary, look for someone who listens to your concerns, explains all your options, and recommends treatment based on what's best for your unique situation, not just what's trendy.
At Eau Claire Park Dental, Dr. Graas takes a comprehensive approach. She evaluates not just your teeth but also your gum health, bone support, bite alignment, and overall oral wellness. She explains the pros and cons of each treatment option and shows you examples of similar cases she's treated.
Most importantly, she follows a "least invasive first" philosophy. If bonding can give you the natural-looking results you want, there's no reason to jump to veneers. But if veneers are truly the better solution for your goals, she'll explain exactly why and show you what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Triangles
How do you fix black triangles between teeth?
The fix depends on what's causing them and how large they are. For small to moderate black triangles, composite bonding is often the best first option. It fills the gaps without removing any tooth structure and can be completed in one appointment. For larger gaps or when you're addressing multiple cosmetic concerns, Microthin veneers or traditional veneers may be more appropriate. Start with the most conservative approach that will give you lasting, natural-looking results.
Can you get rid of black triangles in teeth?
Black triangles can be closed with the right treatment. Composite bonding fills smaller gaps by adding tooth-coloured resin to the sides of your teeth. Veneers (either Microthin or traditional) fill larger black triangles with porcelain. The first step is addressing any underlying gum disease or recession to stabilize your oral health, then choosing the cosmetic solution that makes sense for your case. With proper treatment, the dark spaces become invisible and your smile looks seamless.
Are black triangles between teeth normal?
Black triangles are common, especially as we age, but they're not something you have to live with. They can develop due to gum recession, bone loss, natural tooth shape, or even after orthodontic treatment. While they're a normal occurrence for many people, they don't have to be permanent. If black triangles bother you or are caused by gum disease that needs treatment, a cosmetic dentist can help you understand your options for closing them while preserving your natural tooth structure.
Book Your Cosmetic Consultation at Eau Claire Park Dental
Black triangles don't have to be a permanent part of your smile. With the right approach and a skilled cosmetic dentist in Calgary, you have options that range from simple and conservative to comprehensive and transformative.
A consultation gives us the opportunity to assess your specific situation, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan that makes sense for you.
Contact Eau Claire Park Dental to schedule your cosmetic consultation with Dr. Graas.
We'll discuss which solution makes the most sense for your case and recommend the most conservative approach that will give you the results you're looking for.
