The Bioclear Method For Black Triangles And Gaps
Some cosmetic problems are stubbornly difficult to fix well. Dark triangular gaps that open up near the gumline. Small chips and worn edges on front teeth. A space between the two front teeth that has always bothered you.
The conventional answers have been veneers, which require permanently reshaping healthy tooth structure, or traditional bonding, which often struggles with exactly these cases. Bioclear is a third option, and for the right patient it is frequently the better one.
What Is Bioclear?
Bioclear is a technique for placing composite, the same tooth-colored material used in white fillings, using a different method than conventional hand-sculpted bonding.
Instead of layering and shaping composite by hand against a flat matrix band, Bioclear uses anatomically curved clear matrices that wrap around the tooth and extend slightly below the gumline. Warmed composite is then injected under pressure into that mold and cured.
The result is a single, seamless restoration rather than a series of hand-shaped layers. Because the matrix follows the natural contour of a tooth, the material can be brought all the way down to where the tooth meets the gum with a smooth, cleansable shape rather than the ledge that flat matrices tend to leave behind.
Before any composite is placed, the tooth surface is cleaned with a fine particle spray to remove the biofilm and surface film that ordinary polishing leaves behind. Composite bonds considerably better to a properly prepared surface, and this step is part of why the restorations hold up and resist staining the way they do.
Dr. Shelly King has pursued advanced training in esthetic composite techniques, including training in Bioclear.
Black Triangles
This is the problem Bioclear is best known for solving, and it is worth its own section because most patients who have black triangles have been told there is not much to be done about them.
A black triangle is the dark gap that appears between two teeth near the gumline when the gum tissue that used to fill that space has receded. They typically come from gum recession or bone loss associated with gum disease, from tooth movement after orthodontic treatment, or simply from the natural triangular shape of some people's teeth.
Once that gum tissue is gone, it does not grow back. The traditional options were gum grafting surgery, orthodontics, or veneers, all of which are significant undertakings for what is often a cosmetic concern.
Bioclear closes black triangles by adding composite to the sides of the adjacent teeth, reshaping them so they meet lower down and the gap disappears. Nothing is drilled away. The restoration is additive, which means your natural tooth structure stays intact underneath.
There is a practical benefit alongside the cosmetic one. Black triangles trap food and are difficult to clean properly, so closing them with a smooth, well-contoured surface often makes that area easier to maintain.
What Else Bioclear Treats
Gaps between front teeth
A diastema between the central incisors can be closed without touching the enamel, and the result can be adjusted or added to later if you change your mind about how much you want closed.
Worn or chipped edges
Front teeth that have worn down over decades, or lower front teeth that have flattened from grinding, can be rebuilt to their original proportions.
Small, narrow, or peg-shaped teeth
Teeth that are undersized relative to their neighbors, particularly the lateral incisors, can be widened and reshaped to match.
Old bonding that has stained or discolored
Composite placed years ago often picks up staining at the margins where it meets the tooth. Existing bonding can frequently be replaced with a better-sealed, better-polished restoration.
How It Compares
Against traditional bonding
Both use composite, so the material itself is not the difference. The difference is the method. Hand-sculpting against a flat band makes it genuinely difficult to build a proper contour at the gumline, which is precisely where black triangles live, and the layered technique can leave microscopic gaps at the margins that stain over time. The injection-molded approach produces a monolithic restoration with a smoother, more polishable surface, and it holds its appearance longer as a result.
Against porcelain veneers
This is the more meaningful comparison, and the honest answer is that neither wins outright.
Bioclear is additive, meaning healthy enamel is not removed. That matters, because once a tooth has been reduced for a veneer, it will need a veneer or a crown for the rest of your life. Bioclear costs less, is usually completed in fewer visits, and is repairable if a chip occurs rather than requiring a full remake.
Porcelain veneers hold an advantage in long-term stain resistance and typically last longer before needing attention. For dramatic full-smile changes involving significant color correction across many teeth, veneers remain the stronger tool.
We will tell you which one actually fits your case. If veneers are the right answer for what you want, we will say so, and the reverse is equally true.
What The Appointment Involves
Treatment usually starts with a consultation where we look at the teeth in question, discuss what you want changed, and confirm the underlying teeth and gums are healthy enough to restore. If there is active gum inflammation or decay, that gets addressed first, because composite placed against unhealthy tissue does not last.
The procedure itself is additive, so in many cases no anesthetic is needed at all and no tooth structure is removed. Depending on how many teeth are involved, the work is often completed in a single appointment, and the polishing stage is a meaningful part of it rather than an afterthought.
If you are also considering teeth whitening, do that first. Composite does not lighten in response to whitening agents, and the shade is matched to your teeth at the time it is placed.
Caring For Your Restorations
Brush and floss normally, and keep up with routine cleanings so we can monitor the margins over time.
Two habits are worth mentioning. Composite does not respond well to being used as a tool, so nail biting, opening packaging with your teeth, and chewing ice will all shorten its life. And if you grind your teeth at night, a nightguard protects the work. We can fit you with one.
Call our office at (239) 337-5464 to talk about whether Bioclear fits what you are trying to fix. We are at 6900 Daniels Parkway, Suite 30, just off the Daniels exit at I-75.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bioclear hurt?
How long does it last?
Will it match my other teeth?
Composite is shade-matched to your surrounding teeth. On front teeth this is a conversation we have before starting rather than a decision we make for you.
Can Bioclear fix crooked teeth?
Is it reversible?
Does dental insurance cover it?
How is this different from the bonding you already offer?
It is a specific technique for placing composite rather than a different material. For straightforward chips and small repairs, conventional bonding may be all that is needed. For black triangles, gap closure, and reshaping where the contour at the gumline determines whether the result looks natural, the Bioclear method produces a noticeably better outcome.
Kind Words From Recent Patients
Daniels Parkway Dental
6900 Daniels Parkway #30, Fort Myers
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This is a fantastic dental office. The staff and Doctors are top notch and punctual. They take the time to answer questions and always make me feel comfortable.
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Just had my first filling in 51 yrs Dr Shelly King explained the procedure & did an excellent job.hopefully i wouldnt have a cavity for another 51yrs.highly recommend them not a franchise. Non commission based employees.
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I was referred to Dr Shelly and her dental assistant Amanda by my daughter in law who is very pleased with their caring professional dental care. I am also very pleased as well. The receptionists are pleasant and professional. This is truly … More a family business who treats their patients just exactly like that. Thank you Dr Shelly and Team! Shirley Pine
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Dr. Bryant King is a very caring, detailed dentist. He has a wonderful bedside manner and explains everything and gives options for patients to consider. He is also very willing to give prices & estimates for any & all options so … More that the patient can make an intelligent decision as to what is best for the patient. I highly recommend Dr. Bryant. The staff are also very efficient and personable. Madeleine Dougherty, patient
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Dr. Shelly & Dr. Bryant King(s) have been my dentists for over twenty years. The doctors and staff have consistently provided professional, friendly and quality work for every visit. Their office is extremely clean and everyone's … More attention to detail, from cleanings to insurance to all things dental keeps me coming back and referring them again and again. Dr. Shelly has a jiggle technique that will make any dentaphobe at ease. I feel very fortunate to have found these wonderful people who make me feel so taking care of.
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As a new patient, I have been very impressed with being able to get an appointment easily, and happy with the efficiency and pleasant atmosphere, and mostly happy with my “new” tooth.
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Let me start by saying the BEST EXPERIENCE EVER! Two different appointments, xrays and filling. NO CHARGE. The Doctor was so kind and did not hurt at all. Things that he told me that I wish others would have been as honest and forthcoming … More as he. Wonderful staff. I would highly recommend this Dentist. THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!!
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This is by far the BEST visit ever to a dentist office. They were so nice, explained the procedure throughly so there were no surprises. Starting with my phone call to their office and up until I left everyone made the experience amazing. … More If your looking for a dentist this is the office to call... Happy teeth work
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Daniels Dental and Dr. Bryant King provided a great experience when I had a crown fall out. Getting an appointment was prompt, the staff was friendly, very helpful and efficient. Dr. King and the Technician were knowledgeable, friendly, … More efficient, skilled and gentle. Best dental experience I’ve had.
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Hands down Daniels Parkway Dental gets 5⭐️! The staff is friendly, welcoming, knowledgeable, and provides some of the best bedside manner I’ve ever experienced. Dr. Shelly, Dee, Amanda and staff went above and beyond to ensure that I wasn’t … More in any pain during my dental procedure and communicated with me what they were doing the entire time.
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The dentist is amazing having professional attitude and always giving care necessary for appropriate needs. The staff are professional as well as friendly, kind and gentle. Positive vibes from all in this dental office! 👍
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I cannot begin to express how WONDERFUL my experience is Every time i need to go to the DDS. Daniels Parkway Dental is the best. They have brought back good ole fashion bedside manner. Everyone in that office gets a 5 ⭐️ review. From the … More moment you check in to the moment they finish the dental procedure. Dr Shelly and Dr King are constantly checking on you throughout the process and explain in detail everything they are doing and making sure you are not feeling any discomfort. This also includes their FABULOUS DENTAL HYGIENIST “Keely” (the best, bar none!!!!)
Fort Myers is LUCKY, EXTREMELY LUCKY to have them in our area (even though if they were farther i would still go to them) I also want to give the Dental Assistant recognition for how extremely well she worked with Dr Shelly they were a perfect team.
So in conclusion if you are looking for a Dental Office and want great work done LOOK NO FURTHER!!!! Than Daniels Parkway Dental Office!!!!!!!!!!
Sincerely
Alex Gonzalo. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 -
Dr. Shelly King was wonderful. The best experience. Very caring and explained everything. Absolutely no pain or anxiety. I would highly recommend. The office staff was great too!
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Great dentist office. The staff is incredibly helpful and friendly. The dentist isn't quick to jump to fillings for children with tiny cavities that could heal or cavities in a baby tooth that's coming out soon. The hygienist … More we see if very respectful of the decisions we make regarding fluoride. They are a wonderful family own practice and Dr. Bryant and Dr. Shelley are so great with our family.
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Had an urgent need for an appointment (my porcelain crown fell out over holiday weekend). Being fairly new to the area and not having a regular dentist, I took a chance & stopped into Daniels Parkway Dental to see if I could get an … More appointment in the next few days. To my surprise they had an opening later that day. First let me say I was so impressed when I walked in to a beautiful bright well appointed clean office and warmly greeted by the friendly knowledgeable staff. Went ahead and took my insurance info (which they are filing for me so I can be reimbursed) and did all the paperwork. I say this because my time in the waiting area I noticed the pleased patients checking out and others coming in. Coming from up north who had a very modern excellent local dentist, Daniel Parkway Dental reminded me of what was left behind. And confirmed by the excellent medical care by Dr Shelly King. Both her & her assistant were gentle yet professional. In a layman’s eyes like myself I thought “just glue it back”, I’m so glad I didn’t try a do it yourself nor go to one of those “doc in a box” popping up on every corner. It was a very intricate procedure taking time to make sure the bites correct. Someone without much experience could have broken the tiny pins my old dentist had made. Or would have easily said I need a new one meaning lots of $$$$$. It was divine steering which brought me to Daniel Parkway Dental. A local family dentistry who’s been around for 20 years and not going anywhere. This evening I was able to enjoy my food and would never know it had fallen out few days ago. I’m so glad I’ve found a dental practice I can trust & look forward to going back for routine care for myself & my husband.
Thank you again Dr Shelly King & staff🤗
Contact Our Office
For immediate assistance or scheduling please contact our office directly at (239) 337-5464. All online inquiries are responded to within 24 hours.