toothbusters; dental black triangle
Restoring Black Triangles Caused by Periodontal Bone Loss Using the Bioclear Bonding System
O.K., I know it sometimes feels like your dentist is marketing new terms to induce panic (really, all we want is for you to brush, floss, and see us twice a year). Still, I can guarantee that you’d much rather experience the Bermuda Triangle than dental black triangles.
In a perfectly symmetrical and healthy smile, teeth are aligned in a straight row, where each tooth touches the adjacent one with a buffer of healthy gum tissue in between. If you’re like many people and take the opportunity to scrutinize various parts of yourself when looking in the mirror; brushing, flossing, waterpik-ing, tweezing, or squeezing, you may have noticed a triangular-shaped space between the teeth (or in dental lingo, ‘embrasure’) that isn’t completely filled by gum tissue. Studies have shown that these black triangles occur in up to 67% of people over the age of 20, making it relatively common. Black triangles may result from numerous underlying causes and, if not appropriately managed, can lead to more serious oral health issues.
Disease, Loss & Recession
Yes, this does make your periodontal health sound a little like the world right after COVID-19, but if you brush too hard or use a toothbrush with a bristle better served for cleaning tile grout, you can cause gum recession just from pressure. Periodontal disease and the accompanying bone loss means gums no longer fill the space between your teeth, leaving you with a row of black triangles along the gum line.
The next round of bad news (now I do feel like the technician at Valvoline holding up one of your air filters) is that food particles and plaque have
a natural spot to accumulate, which can lead to cavities and, worst case scenario, an abscess.
Minimally Invasive at the Dental Office? Yes, Please!
So the standard approach to treating black triangles caused by periodontal bone loss has previously involved invasive procedures like gingival grafting (I recommend not going to Google images) or dental veneers, which means eroding much of your natural tooth during prepping (not to mention your wallet at the check out). Our office uses the Bioclear bonding system (feel free to Google that), which is both conservative and aesthetically pleasing to your mouth and budget.
Bioclear uses clear matrices (creating a temporary mold around affected teeth) for the flowable composite (precisely color-matched to adjacent teeth) and a specialized polishing technique to shape and contour, effectively closing gaps and restoring the natural curvature of the teeth. The polished finish of the composite closely resembles the appearance of natural enamel.
Because Bioclear preserves the integrity of natural tooth structure, it decreases the risk of potential complications associated with more invasive treatments. Ultimately, eliminating the spaces between your teeth reduces food impaction and accumulation of plaque, thereby supporting improved oral hygiene and periodontal health and minimizing your chances of a lecture from the hygienist.
If you have questions about the Bioclear system, or just remembered that you still need to schedule your next appointment, give us a call.
ABOUT THE PRO
Dr. Peter Drews is a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, past president of the Androscoggin Valley Dental Society, and past President of the Maine Dental Association. He is currently serving as Treasurer for the Androscoggin Valley Dental Society. Practicing general and cosmetic dentistry in central Maine, Dr. Drews professionally serves families and individuals of the Lewiston and Auburn Maine communities.
207-782-5308
