Black Triangles Between Your Teeth? Here's What You Can Do About It

Have you ever noticed small gaps between your teeth near the gums that form tiny “black triangles”? You’re not alone and they’re more common than you think. At Dental Designs Clinic, we often see patients concerned about these little spaces that can affect the look of their smile. Various treatment options are available that may reduce or close these spaces.

What are black triangles between teeth?

Black triangles are small triangular spaces that appear between your teeth near the gum line. They’re caused by a lack of gum tissue between the teeth, and they can become more noticeable over time especially after orthodontic treatments like invisalign+ or braces

That might sound complicated, but it’s simple when broken down:

• “Open” means there’s a visible gap

• “Gingival” refers to your gums

• “Embrasure” is the small space between two teeth, just under where they touch

Open gingival embrasures are little triangle-shaped gaps near the gum line where the gums don’t fully fill in between the teeth. These can look dark when you smile, hence the nickname, black triangles.

You might also hear them called gum gaps or spaces between the teeth, especially after orthodontic treatment. No matter what you call them, the good news is they can often be treated with the right dental care.

What causes black triangles between teeth?

Black triangles or gaps between teeth can form for several reasons. Understanding the cause is the first step in choosing the right treatment. Here are the most common reasons they appear:

1. Gum shrinking away from the teeth

When the gums shrink or pull away from the teeth (gum recession) due to aging, aggressive brushing, or gum disease, they no longer fill the space between the teeth—leaving behind dark, triangular gaps.

2. Bone loss

If the supporting bone around the teeth decreases (often from periodontal disease), the gum tissue above it can no longer stay in place, leading to black triangles.

3. Teeth alignment treatment

Sometimes after Invisalign+ treatment or dental braces, the teeth are aligned nicely but the contact point between teeth moves higher, creating space below that the gum can't fill in.

4. Tooth shape

Teeth that are naturally more triangular or narrow at the base are more likely to leave gaps when positioned side by side. These shapes don’t leave enough room for the gums to fill the space completely.

5. Poorly fitting restorations

Old or poorly contoured crowns, fillings, or veneers can cause gum irritation or recession, leading to triangle formation.

Are black triangles a problem?

From a health perspective, black triangles don’t always mean something is wrong. However, they can:

• Make your smile look aged or uneven

• Trap food more easily, making flossing trickier

• Lead to plaque build-up or bad breath

Most patients simply don’t like how they look and that’s okay! Treatment is optional, and suitable approaches can be discussed with a dentist.

What are the treatment options for black triangles?

At Dental Designs Clinic, we offer several solutions depending on the cause and severity of the gap:

1. Tooth alignment + Tooth reshaping (IPR)

This is a conservative approach that involves:

• Gently reshaping the sides of the teeth to make them less triangular

• Using braces or aligners to move teeth closer together

Once the teeth are in the right position and the contact points are closer, the gums often grow back into the space naturally.

2. Dental filling with Composite bonding

This is a quicker, non-invasive solution:

• We apply tooth-colored resin to reshape the tooth and close the gap

• Carefully sculpted to look natural and blend in with your smile

The key here is placing the bonding high enough so the gum tissue can fill in over time if the space is under 5mm from the bone, the gum often regenerates into it.

3. Porcelain veneers

For patients who want a longer-term and more aesthetic result, ceramic veneers are a fantastic option:

• Veneers are custom-designed to change the shape and size of your teeth

• They not only close the gaps but also enhance the overall look of your smile

What is tooth reshaping? 

Interproximal tooth reduction or IPR is a technique used by dentists or orthodontists to gently remove a small amount of enamel from the sides of the teeth. This creates extra space to:

• Align crowded teeth

• Reduce black triangles

• Improve how teeth fit together after orthodontic treatment

It’s completely safe when done correctly and only removes a tiny amount of enamel just enough to help the teeth move or fit better. Think of it as a subtle reshaping of the tooth edges to make them less triangular and more rectangular, which can help close unwanted gaps near the gums.

Conclusion

Black triangles may be small, but they can have a big impact on how you feel about your smile. Management can range from minimally invasive techniques to more comprehensive aesthetic treatment, depending on individual needs.

Every smile is different. Some patients want a fast fix, while others prefer a more permanent cosmetic solution. At Dental Designs Clinic, we’re here to help you smile confidently. We’ll assess the cause of the gaps, measure the space, and recommend a treatment that suits your needs, lifestyle, and budget. Contact us to find out how we can help close those black triangles and bring harmony back to your smile.