Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed little dark spaces between your teeth? They’re right near your gums, kind of like triangular windows into blackness, and they don’t just disappear on their own. Dentists call them ‘black triangles.’ While common, they can signal underlying oral health issues and may also draw attention, leaving a smile looking uneven or older rather than healthy and full.
It makes you wonder: why do these gaps show up? And is there a way to get your smile back to looking smooth and healthy again?
What exactly are black triangles?
Black triangles, or clinically known as open gingival embrasures, are those little dark spaces that appear between your teeth near the gumline. They show up when the gum tissue no longer fills the area between teeth completely. Instead of that healthy, scalloped look where the gums hug your teeth, you see a small triangular gap that looks darker in photos or when you smile in the mirror.
While they may seem like just a cosmetic issue, black triangles can cause more than self-consciousness. Food and plaque tend to collect in these spaces, which makes cleaning harder and can increase the risk of gum irritation, sensitivity, and even gum disease if left unchecked.
In other words, they don’t just change how your smile looks; they can also affect how healthy it feels.
Why your teeth get triangular gaps
The most common reason black triangles form is gum recession. When gums shrink back or lose volume, they no longer cover the areas between teeth the way they used to, leaving behind those shadowy gaps.
But gum recession isn’t the only cause. Other factors can play a role, such as:
- Orthodontic treatment – After braces or aligners, teeth may shift slightly, creating new spaces between them.
- Tooth shape – Some teeth are naturally more triangular or tapered, leaving less gum tissue to fill the gap.
- Bone loss – Gums rely on healthy bone for support. If bone is lost due to gum disease, triangular spaces often appear.
- Aging – Just like skin and other tissues, gums naturally thin over time, which can make gaps more noticeable.
So, while black triangles may seem like they’ve appeared suddenly, they’re often the result of gradual changes in the teeth, gums, and bone over the years.
Here’s what you can do
The great news is that dentists have a range of solutions to improve both the look and health of your smile. The right option will depend on what’s causing the spaces in the first place.
Some of the most common treatments are:
Composite bonding – A tooth-coloured material is skilfully applied and shaped to fill in the gaps. This is often a quick, minimally invasive option with instant results.
Porcelain veneers or crowns – For larger or more noticeable spaces, these can reshape teeth and restore a smooth, even smile.
Gum treatments – In some cases, procedures that rebuild or reposition gum tissue can help restore natural contours and reduce dark spaces.
Orthodontics – If the gaps are related to tooth movement, subtle realignment with braces or clear aligners can bring teeth into a position that minimises black triangles.
Surgical approaches – Minor gum surgery can correct severe gum recession and reshape the tissue to fill open spaces more effectively.
Tissue regeneration – Advanced techniques encourage the regrowth of gum and supporting bone tissue, improving both function and appearance.
Tissue volumising – Using grafts or filler materials, dentists can add volume to thinning gums to reduce black triangles and support healthier contours.
Because every smile is different, the first step is always a thorough assessment. Your dentist will look at your teeth, gums, and bite to recommend the treatment—or combination of treatments—that’s best for you.
Why it’s worth addressing
When black triangles are treated, the benefits extend beyond appearance. Everyday life becomes easier and oral health improves. Closing these gaps can:
- Make cleaning easier – Brushing and flossing are more effective without awkward spaces catching debris.
- Reduce food traps – Less chance of food getting stuck means less frustration and fresher breath.
- Protect gum health – Fewer plaque build-ups lower the risk of gum irritation or disease.
- Improve comfort – Less sensitivity and fewer hard-to-clean areas.
- Boost confidence – A smile without dark gaps looks more youthful, balanced, and natural.
Closing the window on black triangles
The best way to avoid black triangles is to take care of your gums. Regular check-ups, professional cleanings, and a gentle routine of brushing and flossing help keep your gums healthy and reduce the chance of gaps forming.
If you’ve already noticed small gaps between your teeth, bring it up with your dentist at your next visit. With modern treatments, they can help restore the shape of your gums and teeth, make cleaning easier, and give your smile a more balanced, comfortable feel. Even a few small changes can make a noticeable difference in how your smile looks — and how confident you feel every day.
