The dilemma of the open gingival embrasure between maxillary central incisors.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this report is to present the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment planning strategy in the presence of an open gingival embrasure between the maxillary central incisors.


BACKGROUND
The open gingival embrasure or "black triangle" is a visible triangular space in the cervical region of the maxillary incisors. It appears when the gingival papilla does not completely fill in the interdental space. The space may occur due to: (1) disease or surgery with periodontal attachment loss resulting in gingival recession; (2) severely malaligned maxillary incisors; (3) divergent roots; or (4) triangular-shaped crowns associated with or without periodontal problems and alveolar bone resorptions.


METHODS
The post-treatment prevalence in adult orthodontic patients is estimated to be around 40% compromising the esthetic result.


CONCLUSIONS
Several methods of managing patients with open gingival embrasure exist, but the interdisciplinary aspects of treatment must be emphasized to achieve the best possible result. The orthodontist can play a significant role in helping to manage these cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Various treatment strategies are available to treat cases of an undesirable black triangle and are dependent on the etiology of the condition.
Tanaka
Orlando Motohiro
OM
Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil. tanakaom@gmail.com
Furquim
Bruno D'Aurea
BD
Pascotto
Renata Corrêa
RC
Ribeiro
Gerson Luiz Ulema
GL
Bósio
José Antonio
JA
Maruo
Hiroshi
H
D000328:Adult; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000150:complications; D003970:Diastema / Q000628:therapy*; D005882:Gingival Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D005889:Gingival Recession / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor; D008437:Maxilla; D019516:Orthodontic Space Closure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective / Q000379:methods