CASE · Porcelain veneers
Black Triangles After Braces: Fixed with 8 Veneers Instead of a Third Round of Orthodontics (Case Study)
Can veneers fix black triangles that are still there after braces?
Often, yes: in this case, black triangles that remained after two rounds of braces were closed with eight upper porcelain veneers (first premolar to first premolar), without more orthodontic treatment. The teeth were prepared on the day of the consultation and the veneers were bonded the next day: 2 visits over 2 days.
I’m Dr. Sunmin Kim, an orthodontist and the lead dentist at Ceramic Dental Clinic in Seoul. When someone asks me about their front teeth, my first question is always whether braces or veneers suit them better. This patient, a woman in her 30s, had braces twice specifically to get rid of the black triangle between her front teeth, yet the dark gap was still there. Here is why we chose veneers rather than a third round of orthodontics, and how we also corrected her short, wide front teeth and uneven canines.
Case at a glance
- Concern: A black triangle between the upper front teeth, through which the orthodontic retainer wire showed. Front teeth that looked short and wide. She had already had braces twice to fix the black triangle (woman in her 30s)
- Diagnosis: Black triangle between the upper central incisors. Short, wide tooth shape. Anterior open bite (the front teeth did not touch when biting together). Worn, shorter upper right canine, so the two canines were different lengths
- Treatment: Eight CERANATE veneers in e.max ceramic on the upper teeth (first premolar to first premolar), with changes to length, width-to-length ratio and shade, plus bite adjustment
- Tooth reduction: Five teeth 0.2 mm or less, no anesthesia. Upper left canine about 0.7 mm for the desired design, with local anesthesia
- Number of teeth: 8 upper veneers
- Schedule in this case: teeth prepared on the day of the consultation, veneers bonded the next day. 2 visits, 2 days in total
- For patients traveling from abroad: veneers usually take 1–2 weeks with 2–3 visits
Why do black triangles appear after braces?
A black triangle is the dark space you see when the gum between two teeth (the interdental papilla) does not fill the gap all the way to the contact point. When crowded or overlapping teeth are straightened, a space that was hidden can become visible.
What the research says: In a study of photos from 337 adult orthodontic patients aged 20 and over, a black triangle between the upper central incisors was found in 38%. It was more common when the contact point between the teeth was short or close to the biting edge, when the crowns were triangular, and when the roots were angled apart.
Source: Kurth JR, Kokich VG. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 2001
With braces, we usually make black triangles smaller by slimming the sides of the teeth very slightly (interproximal reduction, IPR) and then closing the space. This brings the contact point closer to the bone below it. I aim for 5 mm or less. When the teeth are moved together while the gum volume is preserved, the gum is pushed up and fills the space.
Why 5 mm? A study of 288 sites in 30 patients found that when the distance from the contact point to the crest of the bone was 5 mm or less, the papilla filled the space in almost every site (98% or more). At 6 mm it was 56%, and at 7 mm or more, 27% or less.
Source: Tarnow DP et al. Journal of Periodontology, 1992
This patient did not know whether IPR had been done during her previous treatment.
Why veneers instead of orthodontic retreatment?
A third round of braces with IPR was an option. But she had already been through orthodontics twice, and doing it again was a big burden. That was the main reason we chose veneers. She also wanted her short, wide teeth to look more refined, and a shade without the yellow tint that suited her complexion without looking artificially white. Braces cannot change tooth shape or color, so veneers, which could close the gap and change shape and shade at once, were the better fit for her.
How did we handle the open bite and the uneven canines?
Her front teeth did not touch when she bit together (an anterior open bite), so lengthening them slightly was fine. Making them too long, though, would make them hit the lower teeth, which can cause veneers to come off or chip, so we adjusted the bite carefully at bonding.
Her upper right canine was worn and short, while the upper left canine was longer. Cutting the left canine down to match the right would risk sensitivity and could eventually lead to a crown. Instead, we lengthened the right canine slightly toward its original, unworn shape and shortened the left one just a little, meeting in the middle.
How much tooth was removed?
Our CERANATE veneers start from a no-prep or minimal-prep approach. In this case, the seven teeth other than the upper left canine were reshaped by 0.2 mm or less, without anesthesia. Only the upper left canine was reduced by about 0.7 mm to achieve the design she wanted, under local anesthesia to avoid sensitivity. Whether any reduction is needed, and how much, is decided tooth by tooth. See No-Prep or Minimal-Prep Veneers? for more.
How was the shade chosen?
Shade matters a great deal with veneers, and everyone’s ideal is different. We give patients about 20 minutes to check the shade under different lighting: the restroom, the waiting room and natural daylight. The veneers have their own color, but natural teeth can also vary from tooth to tooth, so we keep several shades of bonding cement for warm and cool skin tones and match each tooth individually. After checking under different lights, she was happy with the shade, so we bonded the veneers.
What did the result look like?
The black triangle between the front teeth is no longer visible, and neither is the retainer wire. We changed the width-to-length ratio of the short, wide front teeth and balanced the lengths of the two canines. The shade is bright, as she wanted, with an even tone across the teeth. The photo has not been retouched.
She had no sensitivity after bonding, and her one-year check-up was normal. Because the front teeth were lengthened, we will keep checking at regular visits for chipping or debonding and for any change in how they meet the lower teeth.
How long do I need to stay in Korea, and what does it cost?
- This case: teeth prepared on the day of the consultation, then shade check and bonding the next day. 2 visits, 2 days in total.
- Typical plan: for patients traveling from abroad, veneers usually take 1–2 weeks with 2–3 visits. The schedule depends on the number of teeth, the bite and shade selection.
- Stay: We recommend 1–2 spare days between your final appointment and your flight home.
- Cost: CERANATE is KRW 550,000–770,000 per tooth including VAT, depending on the material and fabrication method, about USD 415–580 per tooth. Eight veneers, as in this case, come to KRW 4.4–6.16 million (about USD 3,320–4,650).
- Exchange rate: USD 1 ≈ KRW 1,325 as of Oct 23, 2026. The actual amount depends on the exchange rate.
- Other costs: Flights and accommodation are not included.
For planning your trip, see How Many Days in Korea for Veneers, Crowns or Implants? For prices, see Veneers in Korea Cost.
Are veneers the only black triangle treatment?
No. Depending on the size of the gap, the tooth shape and the gums, the options include braces with IPR, composite bonding and porcelain veneers. This patient chose veneers because more orthodontics was a heavy burden. If you have never had braces, it is worth checking first whether orthodontics with IPR can solve it. When black triangles come from receding gums, we sometimes combine veneers with gum contouring (see this case of a patient in her 70s).
Frequently asked questions
Can braces cause black triangles?
Yes. When overlapping teeth are straightened, a space that was hidden between them can become visible. In a study of 337 adult orthodontic patients, a black triangle between the upper central incisors appeared in about 38% of cases. It is usually related to tooth shape and the gum and bone level, not to a mistake in the treatment.
Can more orthodontics fix black triangles?
Often it can make them smaller. The sides of the teeth are slimmed very slightly (interproximal reduction, IPR) and the space is closed, moving the contact point closer to the gum. It takes time, though, so if you have already had braces or also want to change tooth shape or color, veneers may suit you better.
Will veneers for black triangles make my teeth sensitive?
The more tooth is removed, the higher the risk of sensitivity. In this case five teeth were reshaped by 0.2 mm or less without anesthesia, and only the upper left canine was reduced by about 0.7 mm, under local anesthesia, to achieve the design. The patient had no sensitivity after bonding.
Can veneers really be done in 2 days?
In this case, yes: the teeth were prepared on the day of the consultation and the veneers were bonded the next day, 2 visits in total. The schedule depends on the number of teeth, the bite and shade selection. For patients traveling from abroad, we usually plan 1–2 weeks with 2–3 visits, plus 1–2 spare days before your flight.
What if a veneer comes off after I fly home?
Keep the veneer, take a photo and send it to us on WhatsApp. We will tell you whether it can be rebonded or needs to be remade. Either way, you will need to visit the clinic.
About the author
Dr. Sunmin Kim, Representative Director, Ceramic Dental Clinic
Board-certified Orthodontist (Korea), PhD, Tokyo Medical and Dental University. Ceramic Dental Clinic is a registered medical institution for international patients with the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
Important information
※ This is a real treatment case. Results, treatment time and the number of visits vary from person to person.
※ Some veneer cases require tooth reduction. Sensitivity, chipping, debonding or gum changes may occur, and regular check-ups are needed.
※ Photos show the teeth only and are published with the patient’s consent. Prices are as of October 2026.
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