Black triangle gap between my two front teeth

I am getting my braces off in three weeks, and for the most part I am very happy. One of the spaces that won't close will need a little bonding, but that's it.

My problem is the black triangle gap that is between my two front teeth. I know this is going to bother me, but my dentist says that if he puts some bonding there to cover it, I might have problems later on because I won't be able to clean that spot properly.

How much of a worry should this be, if I want to bond it anyway? My cleaning habits are very good - I floss at least once a day and brush twice- but if I'll never be able to floss between my two front teeth, will the gums start to recede even more someday?

Also, If I will have problems flossing around the bonding, will a water pic do the job just as well?

2 answers to “Black triangle gap between my two...”

A: Bonding should not be a challenge to clean.

Lance Timmerman, DMD

If done well, flossing should not be too much of a challenge.  The bonding should be contoured in such a way that cleaning is not an issue, and hey shouldn't be attached to the adjacent teeth. Veneering with porcelain veneers would be more predictable, but you would need to decide if the triangle is big... more

A: You need to balance the options between the esthetics of the black triangle or additional treatment.

Michael J. Rechter, DDS

The black triangle is always a cosmetic challenge. Porvelain veneers can correct the issue.  You will be able to floss between the teeth after the veneers as they are separate restorations.  When done well they are imperceivable to the eye and compatible with the gum tissue. As an alternative you may... more

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