Lines. They’re a part of life we’ve all learned to roll with. At the grocery store, we get in line to make our purchases. At a red light, we line up to wait our turn to drive again. We may even draw a line on a piece of wood or other material before we cut it to make sure it’s straight.
But what happens when lines suddenly appear on your teeth? It’s natural to be a little concerned when an otherwise healthy-looking tooth suddenly shows a tiny line on the surface. So, what is it, how did it get there and what does it mean for your tooth?
They’re called “craze lines,” and no, they don’t mean you’re going crazy. They’re microfractures in the enamel of the tooth that get their name from similar lines that occur in pottery. Thankfully they are only surface lines and don’t go any deeper into the teeth, making them essentially harmless.
So, what causes craze lines? There are actually a number of factors that can cause craze lines, including normal wear and tear on the teeth, biting too hard, or even grinding the teeth, which is known as bruxism. These cracks are quite common, especially as we get older, and for the most part, they are not any cause for concern.
While they don’t mean your tooth is weakened in any way, craze lines can still make your teeth more prone to cavities, so if you do see them, be sure to pay extra attention to those teeth when brushing, and if you’re still concerned about their presence, talk to us.
Despite craze lines being a mostly cosmetic issue, many people feel insecure or unhappy about them and would prefer they not have craze lines at all. Thankfully there are some solutions to caring for your craze lines that you may want to consider.
Cosmetic bonding can help repair craze lines by covering the lines with a cosmetic bonding material. This is the same material we use to repair cavities. It is very durable, blends with the color of your other teeth, and will improve the appearance of the tooth or teeth it is installed on.
With cosmetic bonding, it is important to remember to treat them with care, especially on the front teeth. That’s because those are your biting teeth, and biting down on hard foods with the front teeth can cause the bonding to crack or break. So if you do get bonding on the front teeth, we recommend you try to bite foods like chips, pretzels, and even fresh fruits and vegetables with your back teeth.
Cosmetic veneers are thin sheets of porcelain that fit over the teeth and create the appearance of smooth, even teeth. Veneers can be done on one tooth or many teeth and can even be used to change the shape and color of your teeth. So you may want to consider a full set instead of just one tooth.
One of the benefits of veneers is that they don’t stain, so if you do opt for veneers, you can not only change the color of the teeth, but you can also enjoy a brighter, whiter smile for the life of the veneers, which can last up to 20 years with excellent care and gentle use.
While a bite guard won’t cure or hide your craze lines, you may want to consider getting one if your craze lines are likely caused by grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw, regardless of if you choose to cover them with a cosmetic product. This will not only prevent further craze lines from forming, but it will help your overall oral health by reducing the risk of real chips and cracks. It can even improve jaw pain and stiffness that may occur due to the act of grinding or clenching.
While there are ways to hide your craze lines, remember, they’re not a big deal and don’t usually signify the presence of another problem. You can feel free to embrace them as part of the personality of your teeth and smile or speak to Dr. Smith and Dr. Juricek about covering and/or preventing them with cosmetic products.