Prediction and causes of open gingival embrasure spaces between the mandibular central incisors following orthodontic treatment.
BACKGROUND
An open gingival embrasure space (OGES) between the mandibular incisors, also known as a "black triangle" (BT), can be an undesirable outcome of adult orthodontic treatment.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the parameters that contributed most to the occurrence of an OGES between the mandibular central incisors, the area with the highest incidence of BT in the lower arch following orthodontic treatment.


METHODS
A stepwise regression model was used to identify the variables (age, crowding, treatment duration, alveolar bone height, and six variables describing crown morphology) related independently to OGES score. Intra-oral photographs taken before and after orthodontic treatment, study models and intra-oral radiographs of 60 patients were used. Embrasures between the mandibular central incisors were measured and classified into three types: papilla filling, pinpoint, and BT.


RESULTS
Age at the first consultation, length of active treatment and maximum crown width were larger in the BT group than in the normal group. In contrast, incisal edge - centre of the contact point, upper contact point - lower contact point, mesial CEJ - distal CEJ, and mesial CEJ - distal CEJ / maximum crown width were smaller in the BT group than in the normal group. Variation in OGES score was explained by the independent contributions of age at the first consultation, duration of active treatment, maximum crown width, and mesial CEJ - distal CEJ width. The multiple regression coefficient was 0.98, and the regression coefficient square was 96 per cent.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that age at the first consultation, duration of active treatment, and crown morphology are involved in OGES manifestation. We suggest also that BT occurrence may be predictable prior to treatment.
Ikeda
Tadataka
T
Department of Orthodontics, Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo, Matsudo City, Chiba, Japan.
Yamaguchi
Masaru
M
Meguro
Daijiro
D
Kasai
Kazutaka
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D005881:Gingiva / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D003765:Models, Dental; D009811:Odontometry; D010781:Photography; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D019237:Tooth Cervix / Q000473:pathology; D019228:Tooth Crown / Q000473:pathology; D014087:Tooth Movement Techniques / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome