Braces leads to spaces
Question: After wearing braces for two years as an adult in my 50s, I now notice I have noticeable black triangular spaces between my teeth at the gum line. I am constantly trapping food in these spaces . What causes this and what can be done about it? - Gale via e-mail.
Answer: What type of triangle? My guess is the isosceles, with two equal sides; the base being at the gum line, the apex diving, down between the teeth. We call these gingival embrasures. They can arise due to age, periodontal disease, faulty restorations or after normal orthodontic tooth movement. The small triangular shaped gum between the teeth, called the papilla, becomes blunted, leaving a space. Treatment can consist of composite resin tooth bonding, all-porcelain crowns or veneers.