The Dreaded Black Triangles
And how to make them go away!
“You’re looking long in the tooth” is used to describe the appearance of teeth that often occurs as we age. While the appearance is that of an elongation of teeth, the cause is quite the opposite. This condition happens as a result of gingival (gum) recession, which is caused by several different factors, all adding up to some level of periodontal disease. Genetics, inadequate oral hygiene in brushing and flossing, untreated early periodontal disease, etc., can all contribute to a chronic progression of supporting bone and gum loss. The result is the appearance of longer teeth due to a lowered or receding gum line.
The gum tissue between the teeth is also ultimately affected, resulting in what is referred to as “black triangles” between the teeth. The gold standard of care for periodontal disease is scaling of deposits on teeth, possible periodontal surgery, frequent follow-up periodontal maintenance, and thorough daily oral hygiene with brushing AND flossing.
The goal of periodontal treatment is to address bone loss that has occurred and to take measures to stop the progression of the disease and preserve the amount of supporting bone that is left. Unfortunately, this treatment does not address the esthetic consequences of periodontal bone/gum loss — dark spacing between the teeth.
Enter esthetic calcium hydroxylapatite or Type I and Type III collagen and biostimulator a.k.a. FDA cleared injectable filler for oral and maxillofacial defects which has been in use since 2003. As the name might imply, this treatment is simply a “filler” that only expands the gums. Studies have shown that collagen and elastin biostimulation could be taking place as well. While bone regeneration is unlikely in moderate and advanced cases of periodontitis, injectable periodontal filler can both provide dramatic esthetic results as well as improve gum health.
We offer this procedure at North Branch Dental Works as a ½ to 1 hour minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that gives immediate esthetic improvement to eliminate those dreaded dark triangles. Reserve a consultation appointment today instead of hiding your smile to conceal dark triangles.
