Black Triangles between Teeth and How to Treat Them

Have you ever noticed tiny dark spaces near your gumline? These are often called black triangle teeth. And while they may seem small, they can seriously impact the way your smile looks. Dentists refer to them as open gingival embrasures, and they are actually more common than you might think.

In this blog, we’ll break down what these gaps are. And why they form, and the different treatment options for gum gaps. This will include bonding and other cosmetic dental solutions.

What Are Black Triangles between Teeth?

Black triangles are those dark, triangular-shaped spaces that appear between teeth, usually near the gums. Instead of the gum tissue naturally filling the space, there’s a visible shadow or gap.

They’re not just a cosmetic issue. These spaces can also trap food and plaque, making them harder to keep clean and sometimes leading to gum problems.

Causes of Black Triangles between Teeth

Several factors can lead to these gumline gaps:

• Gum Recession Gaps – When gums begin to pull back because of natural aging or aggressive brushing habits, or even gum disease, the soft tissue that once filled the space between your teeth slowly disappears, and this process leaves behind what dentists call gum recession gaps that look like small dark spaces near the gumline.
• Bone Loss from Gum Disease – If periodontal disease is left unchecked, it can gradually weaken and destroy both the bone and gum structures that hold your teeth in place, and as that foundation shrinks away, noticeable spaces begin to appear between your teeth.
• Orthodontic Treatment – After wearing braces or clear aligners, the teeth may shift slightly into new positions, and although this straightens the bite, it can also create small open areas between them where gum tissue no longer fills the space.
• Tooth Shape – Some people naturally have teeth that are narrower at the gumline and wider at the edges, forming a more triangular shape, and this geometry makes them more likely to show gaps that appear as black triangles.
• Dental Work Issues – If crowns, fillings, or veneers don’t fit the way they should. They can leave the contact point between teeth slightly open. That tiny gap near the gumline often ends up looking like an unwanted dark space.

Why Do Black Triangles Matter?

Beyond how they look, black triangles can affect your oral health:

• Food Trapping & Plaque Build-Up – These spaces make it easier for debris to collect.
• Harder to Clean – Even with flossing, the angle can make cleaning tricky.
• Smile Aesthetics – The dark shadows can make your smile look less youthful.
• Gum Health – The buildup of plaque in these parts can cause gum disease.

Treatment for Gum Gaps: How to Fix Black Triangles

Thankfully, there are many cosmetic dental solutions available. The best option depends on the size of the gaps between gums , your gum health, and your personal preferences.

Dental Bonding for Black Triangles

One of the most common treatments, bonding, uses a tooth-colored resin to reshape the sides of your teeth. This closes the space and blends naturally with your smile.

• Minimally invasive
• Quick (often a single appointment)
• Affordable compared to veneers or crowns

Veneers or Crowns

Veneers are a quick fix to most issues related to the appearance of teeth, such as white spots on teeth or discoloured teeth, and even black triangles between teeth. If the gaps are larger or if your tooth shape contributes to the problem, porcelain veneers or crowns can be used to cover and reshape the teeth.

• Long-lasting and durable
• Natural-looking cosmetic solution
• More expensive but highly aesthetic

Orthodontics (Braces or Aligners)

Sometimes, repositioning teeth with braces or clear aligners can close or reduce black triangles.

• Natural correction
• Good for patients already considering orthodontics
• Takes longer than bonding or veneers

Gum Treatments (h3)

In cases of significant gum loss, gum grafting or specialized periodontal treatments can help restore gum tissue to cover the gaps.

• Restores both health and aesthetics
• May require a specialist (periodontist)

Hyaluronic Acid Injections (Newer Option)

A non-surgical approach where hyaluronic acid gel is injected into the gums to plump up the tissue and reduce the triangular appearance.

• Less invasive than surgery
• Temporary and may require repeat treatments

Preventing Black Triangles in the First Place

While not all causes are preventable (like natural tooth shape), there are steps you can take to lower your risk:

• Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid gum recession.
• Floss or use interdental brushes to keep spaces clean.
• Treat gum disease early with professional dental care.
• Maintain regular dental checkups for monitoring.

Best Treatment for Gum Gaps and Open Gingival Embrasures?

Black triangles between teeth may look small, but they can impact both your oral health and the way you feel about your smile. The good news is, there are several cosmetic dental solutions that can help, from bonding for black triangles and veneers for grey teeth to orthodontic adjustments and gum treatments.

If you’ve noticed gum recession gaps or open gingival embrasures, it’s important to speak with your dentist. They’ll assess your specific case and recommend the most effective treatment for gum gaps so you can protect your oral health and restore a naturally confident smile.