Closing “Black Triangles” Between the Lower Front Teeth with the Bioclear Method

This patient came to SOL Dental Arts bothered by the small, dark triangular gaps that had appeared between their lower front teeth, right near the gumline. These open spaces — often called “black triangles” — can show up when the shape of the teeth and the level of the gum and bone leave a gap that the teeth don't quite fill. The goal was to close them and make the lower teeth look fuller and more even, using the most conservative approach possible.

The starting point

Up close, the lower front teeth had several visible black triangles — small dark spaces between the teeth near the gumline — which made the teeth look narrow and a little uneven. The teeth themselves were healthy; the issue was the open spaces between them rather than the teeth needing to be removed or drilled.

A minimally invasive plan: the Bioclear Method

To close the spaces we used the Bioclear Method, a modern, additive way to reshape teeth with tooth-colored composite. Rather than removing any natural tooth structure, warmed composite is injection-molded around the teeth using clear, anatomically shaped matrices that wrap the tooth and recreate a natural, slightly broader contour. As the teeth are built to meet, the open gaps close from the gumline up.

Because it's entirely additive — adding material rather than cutting tooth away — Bioclear is one of the most conservative ways to treat black triangles, and in a case like this it can be completed in a single visit. (Bioclear is a technique Dr. Arthur Volker teaches to other dentists.)

The result

In one visit, the black triangles were closed and the lower front teeth read as fuller, smoother, and more even. The composite is shaped and highly polished so it blends with the natural teeth and is easy to keep clean.

What to know about Bioclear bonding — and caring for it

Composite bonding done with the Bioclear Method is durable, and it can be polished and repaired over time. Like all composite, it can pick up some stain at the edges over the years and can chip, so it does best with good day-to-day hygiene and regular checkups. It's worth knowing that black triangles are partly related to the level of the gum and bone between the teeth, so significant future gum changes can affect how the spaces look down the line.

For most people who simply want their black triangles closed, this additive approach is appealing precisely because it preserves the natural teeth — other paths, such as veneers, orthodontics, or gum procedures, are options in certain situations but are larger undertakings. Every mouth is different, and the results shown here reflect one patient's treatment; individual outcomes vary.

Frequently asked questions

Will black triangles come back after Bioclear?

The closed, fuller contours are durable. Because these spaces relate partly to gum and bone levels, keeping your gums healthy helps them stay closed.

Is Bioclear better than veneers for black triangles?

For closing gumline gaps conservatively, Bioclear adds composite without removing tooth structure, whereas veneers usually require some enamel reduction.

Does closing black triangles help with food getting stuck?

Often yes — smoother, fuller contours can reduce the spaces where food tends to collect between the teeth.

More from our case studies: Reshaping peg laterals with no-prep crowns · A same-day smile before a wedding · See all in Our Work.

Bothered by little gaps between your teeth?

If black triangles or small spaces between your teeth have been on your mind, we'd be glad to take a look and walk you through your options.

Request an appointment → and we'll help you find the most conservative fix for your smile.

More from SOL Dental Arts: the Bioclear method. Related cases: front-tooth reshaping with bonding and evening out uneven front teeth.