My Clincheck shows a black triangle. Should I be worried? (Photo)

Question

I'm currently on the first tray of my Invisalign treatment. I asked to approve my Clincheck before the trays were made, but the tech never told my orthodontist. It shows a big triangle forming between my bottom two front teeth for the completed result! He told me that he could fix it through refinements and IPR, but I'm concerned about creating a problem to fix when I'm completely happy with my bottom row as it is. What can I do? Any suggestions or input are appreciated!

Paola Annoni Patel, DDS · Answer

I've come to find that the online Clincheck is a good way to see how your teeth are to move, but not an accurate depiction of how the gums will move. As your teeth shift, your gum tissue will shift as well, so that black triangle may likely be filled in. However, in the case that it isn't, I agree with your orthodontist- refinements and IPR should close it up nicely. I can see how it seems like this may be unnecessary movement if you'll just be closing the space up created, but even small movements in the lower teeth (notice how their position shifts slightly to become more upright) can make a big difference in adjusting your bite. These shifts make it so that the lower teeth fit appropriately with your upper teeth.

Jennifer S. Stachel, DMD · Answer

Dear PixelsMommy,Thank you for posting your question on RealSelf. I will do my best to provide advice with the information given. Regarding black triangles, it is not abnormal to see after straightening teeth. It has to do with your gum tissue receding either from the crowded teeth impinging on your tissue for so many years, the triangular shape of your teeth or just the natural recession that occurs as we age. It is easy to fix toward the end of treatment once all of the teeth are perfectly aligned. If you truly are content with your teeth as they are then you should let your orthodontist know, but I wouldn't choose to not have perfect teeth because you are afraid of dark triangles. I hope that this helps and good luck.Best,Dr. Jenn

Supriya Verma, DMD, FAGD · Answer

When Invisalign creates a clin-check it is an estimate of how teeth move as well as how the gums will move. Before treatment the lower two teeth seem to overlap each other and the edges of the teeth are slanting down away from the midline.  Since the bottom two teeth are moving down and the edge of the tooth is getting straightened, the contact is pretty high up which makes it likely that you will get a black triangle. It would be best to evaluate at the end of treatment and see where the gums are. If a black triangle is present then a refinement with IPR can be done to correct it. Hope that helps!  Good Luck!

My Clincheck shows a black triangle. Should I be worried? (Photo)

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My Clincheck shows a black triangle. Should I be worried? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Invisalign

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