PREVALENCE ASSESSMENT OF GINGIVAL BLACK TRIANGLES FOLLOWING INVISALIGN ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT AMONG PATIENTS IN SAUDI ARABIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Abstract
Background: An essential component of restorative dental treatment is treating the black gingival triangle, also known as open gingival embrasures, which are a condition brought on by the loss of interdental papillae. It has an impact on the gingival's aesthetics and may worry patients about things like phonetics, food impaction, oral hygiene maintenance, and attractiveness. There is currently very little information available to address the subject of whether orthodontic treatment and gingival black triangles are related. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore how common gingival black triangles were among Saudi Arabian patients who had undergone orthodontic treatment with Invisalign. Methodology: This study created use of a structured questionnaire that the authors created for an across-successional study questionnaire survey that would be carried out in Saudi Arabia (SA(. Results: In a cross-sectional study involving 450 participants in Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of gingival black triangles following Invisalign orthodontic treatment was assessed. The mean age of participants was 26.5 years, with a majority being female (64.4%) and predominantly Saudi nationals (88.9%). Notably, 51.1% of respondents reported awareness of black triangles post-treatment, an increase from 25.8% pre-treatment. The study revealed significant associations between the occurrence of black triangles and factors such as age, residential region, nationality, chronic diseases, and treatment duration, highlighting a gap in communication regarding this aesthetic concern in dental care. Conclusion: The present study contributes to the growing body of literature on the prevalence of gingival black triangles following Invisalign orthodontic treatment. The findings underscore the need for increased awareness and education among both patients and dental professionals regarding the potential aesthetic and functional implications of orthodontic treatment.
