What do you see when you look at your smile in the mirror or in photos? Do you see dark triangles between your teeth? Gaps, between where the gums and the teeth meet? What are these triangles, and what can you do to prevent or repair them?
They’re called gingival embrasures, they’re caused by receding gums or gum recession. Gum recession can be caused by several things, including gum disease, genetics, and even osteoporosis.
So, what can you do to prevent gingival embrasures? In some cases, prevention may not be possible, but generally speaking proper care of your teeth and gums should prevent gingival embrasures from worsening or appearing at all. In other, more advanced or severe cases, more intervention may be required. This may include the following treatment options.
ORTHODONTICS
Orthodontics can help move your teeth closer together, stopping gingival embrasures and closing the gaps between your teeth.
VENEERS
Veneers are another fix for gingival embrasures. These micro-thin sheets of porcelain can cover up gaps in the teeth, making your smile look brighter, whiter, and with fewer gaps.
HYALURONIC ACID
This new treatment is used to regenerate gum tissue growth but is not widely available just yet.
RESIN COMPOSITE FILLINGS
Resin composite fillings can close the gaps between the teeth. Patients can choose white resin that matches their teeth, or pink resin to match their gums. This is not a quick fix, however, as it may take several months to acclimate the gums to the reduced space between the teeth.
SURGERY
Another option for reducing gingival embrasures is surgery. For severe cases, tissue grafting may be recommended. This procedure uses gum tissue from the roof of your mouth and attaches it to the gum line above the teeth.
Another procedure that may be recommended is the pinhole technique, which loosens the gums and reattaches them with a collagen strip.
If you have gingival embrasures, don’t fret! You have several options for repairing them. Speak to Dr. Abelar about which solution will work best for you, and he will custom craft a treatment plan with your individual smile in mind.
