What a black triangle is
The small triangle of gum that normally fills the space between two teeth is called the papilla. When it shrinks or the bone beneath it recedes, a space opens up and appears dark against the mouth behind it.
Black triangle teeth
Small gaps near the gumline, closed without crowns or veneers.
Black triangles are the small triangular spaces that can appear between teeth near the gumline. They are usually a gum and bone issue rather than a problem with the teeth themselves. Your dentist will assess the cause before discussing whether bonding, orthodontic treatment or gum care is appropriate for you.
Compare the approaches
Which treatment might apply to you?
| Approach | How it closes the space | Tooth structure removed | Reversible? | Typical timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bioclear (composite bonding) | Reshapes the tooth with composite so the contact point sits lower | Usually none or minimal | Largely — composite can be removed or replaced | Often one or two visits |
| Orthodontic closure (Invisalign or braces) | Moves teeth together, sometimes with reshaping of contact points | Minimal, where reshaping is used | Tooth movement is not reversed by stopping | Months, depending on the case |
| Gum and periodontal care | Treats the underlying cause; does not itself close the space | None | Not applicable | Assessed case by case |
Swipe sideways to compare all columns.
About Bioclear at Teeth Q
A specific bonding system, not a general filling.
What it is
Bioclear uses clear anatomic matrices and heated composite to shape the tooth around the gumline. It is a defined system with its own instruments and technique, not the same as a standard composite filling.
Ongoing care
Composite can stain, chip or wear over time and may need polishing, repair or replacement. Daily cleaning between the teeth remains important, and the gum condition still needs monitoring.
Limitations
Results depend on the size of the space, gum health, bite and tooth position. Very large spaces may be better addressed with orthodontic treatment first, or may not fully close.
Your assessment and treatment journey
The cause is established before anything is treated.
- 01
Examination and records
Your dentist examines the gums, bone level, tooth shape, bite and the spaces themselves. X-rays may be recommended to assess the bone supporting the papilla.
- 02
Cause and suitable options
You discuss whether the cause is recession, gum disease, tooth shape or alignment, and which approaches are appropriate. Expected results, maintenance and fees are explained.
- 03
Any gum treatment first
Where active gum disease or heavy deposits are present, these are managed before cosmetic work, so the result is built on stable tissue.
- 04
Treatment and review
Bonding is usually completed over one or two visits. You receive cleaning guidance for the treated area and a review plan for the gums and the restorations.
Bioclear fees
$200 per tooth. $400 to close one black triangle.
A black triangle sits between two teeth, so closing one space means treating both adjacent teeth—$200 each, $400 for the gap. This indicative fee excludes GST. Prevailing GST applies at Hougang Green, Matilda Portico, Fernvale Woods and Hougang RiverCourt. Dakota Breeze and Tampines GreenGem do not add GST.- How to count it: one gap involves two teeth. Two adjacent gaps share a tooth, so three teeth rather than four. Your dentist will confirm the exact number at assessment.
- Included: shaping and finishing of the composite, and the review relating to the bonding.
- Not included: consultation, X-rays, scaling and polishing or gum treatment needed beforehand, orthodontic treatment, and later repair or replacement due to wear, staining or chipping.
- Orthodontic pathway: where closure is planned with Invisalign or braces instead, fees follow those treatments rather than this one.
- Subsidies: closing black triangles is cosmetic treatment. CHAS filling subsidies are for clinically necessary fillings, assessed by your dentist against the CHAS claim guidelines, and MediSave is for eligible surgical procedures—neither applies to cosmetic bonding.
Availability
Provided by selected dentists.
Bioclear-trained dentists
Dr Audrey Chua, Dr Grace Lau, Dr Sherianne Lew, Dr Nadya Neo, Dr Tan Mae Yee, Dr Arthur Liew, Dr Gavin Tsu, Dr Soh May Leng, Dr Krystell Chiu, Dr Tay Min Yi and Dr Emily Tham.
Booking
Like Invisalign and Botox, this treatment is practitioner-based rather than offered at every session. Availability varies by clinic and dentist, so book an assessment with one of the dentists listed.
Already having orthodontic treatment?
If you are in braces or Invisalign, raise black triangles with your treating dentist. Spaces are often better assessed once alignment is complete.
Common questions
Clear answers before your assessment.
What causes black triangles between teeth?+
They form when the gum papilla between two teeth shrinks or the bone beneath it recedes. Common reasons are gum recession, gum disease and bone loss, triangular tooth shape, and the unmasking of spaces after orthodontic treatment.
Do black triangles grow back on their own?+
Lost gum papilla does not reliably regenerate. Treatment generally closes the space by reshaping or repositioning the teeth rather than by regrowing gum tissue.
How much does it cost to fix a black triangle?+
Bioclear at Teeth Q is $200 per tooth. Because a black triangle sits between two teeth, closing one space is $400. The fee excludes GST at clinics where GST applies, and excludes consultation, imaging and any gum treatment needed first.
Can black triangles be fixed without veneers or crowns?+
Often yes. Bioclear composite bonding adds material to reshape the tooth and usually removes little or no tooth structure, unlike crowns or veneers. Suitability depends on the size of the space, gum health and your bite.
Is Bioclear the same as normal composite bonding?+
It is a specific system rather than a general technique. Bioclear uses clear anatomic matrices and heated composite to shape the tooth around the gumline, and requires particular instruments and training.
Can Invisalign or braces close black triangles?+
Sometimes. Moving teeth closer together, occasionally with reshaping of the contact points, can reduce or close a space. Whether this suits you depends on your alignment, bite and the cause of the space.
Can MediSave or CHAS be used?+
Not for the cosmetic treatment itself. CHAS filling subsidies are for clinically necessary fillings, assessed by your dentist against the CHAS claim guidelines, and MediSave is for eligible surgical procedures. Closing black triangles with Bioclear is cosmetic bonding, so neither applies. Gum treatment carried out for dental health reasons is assessed separately.
How long does the result last?+
Composite can stain, chip or wear over time and may need polishing, repair or replacement. Longevity depends on your bite, habits, oral hygiene and gum health. Your dentist will explain what to expect for your case.
Sources and further reading
Evidence-informed patient information.
HealthHub Singapore
Oral care, gum disease and age-related dental problems. Read more ↗
Clinical review
Reviewed by Dr Audrey Chua on 7 September 2026. General information here does not replace an individual dental assessment.
Compare your options
Ready for the next step?
Start with an assessment, not a treatment.
Your dentist will examine the gums, bone and tooth shape, explain what is causing the spaces, and set out which approaches are suitable and what each involves before you decide.
Book an assessment →