I Am on Trays 28/28 of my Invisalign Treatment and my Teeth. Are my Black Triangles Permanent? (photo)

Question

Do you think I have too much space between my teeth or is this normal?

Shervin Abbaszadeh, DDS · Answer

In your particular case, your papillas have become blunted.  This can occur following orthodontic treatment in adults if the teeth were significantly overlapped and where then straightened out.  In adults, the gum tissue does not usually fill in the embrasure (triangular area between two teeth at the gum line). 

	Another cause could be gum disease. 

	These black triangles can sometimes be reduced in size by either mildly tipping the roots of the adjacent teeth towards each other, or by doing filing between the teeth which brings them closer together.  

	I would suggest asking your treating doctor.  Orthodontists are often able to give you some suggestions and choices where black triangles can be reduced or minimized. 

	Otherwise, a general dentist may be able to help by adding bonding material to help conceal the black triangles.

Jay Neuhaus, DDS · Answer

Very often, the black triangles are permanent. It is one of the normal outcomes after Invisalign or Braces. Wait a few months after completion of Invisalign, and then your dentist can cosmetically improve them with some bonding or even with injections of dermal-filler into the gum papilla.

Robert Penning, DMD · Answer

The black triangles are usually a sign of lost gum and/or supporting bone. There may be some small improvement in the next 18 months after treatment but usually not enough to say the triangles have disappeared.

Sue Wendling, DMD (retired) · Answer

In adults, black triangles may appear after orthodontics. It happens if the teeth were extremely crooked or if you have gum disease. Over time, some of them may fill in with gum tissue, so give it a few months.

	Sue Wendling DMD

I Am on Trays 28/28 of my Invisalign Treatment and my Teeth. Are my Black Triangles Permanent? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Black triangles

Answer: Black triangles

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Everything you need to know about Invisalign

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I Am on Trays 28/28 of my Invisalign Treatment and my Teeth. Are my Black Triangles Permanent? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Black triangles

Answer: Black triangles

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Invisalign

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.