Have you ever looked closely at your teeth and noticed little hairline cracks? These lines are called craze lines and are a common dental issue. In this blog, we will go over what causes craze lines, what you need to do to treat them, and how to prevent them In the first place. We will also go over if craze liens are harmful to your health, and if they can become a more serious problem.
What Are Teeth Craze Lines?
Teeth craze lines are tiny cracks that can form on your teeth. They’re usually harmless and don’t cause any pain or discomfort. However, they can be unsightly and make you self-conscious about your smile.
The lines are caused by the wear and tear of everyday life. When you bite or chew, the force of your teeth pressing against each other can cause tiny cracks to form. Over time, these cracks can become more pronounced and affect your teeth’ structure.
Craze lines are most commonly found on the front teeth, visible when you smile. However, they can also occur on other teeth, including molars.
Are craze lines permanent?
Yes, teeth craze lines are usually permanent. Once your teeth have been damaged, the lines will remain. The only thing you can do is try to prevent them from getting worse. There are many ways to do this, and your dentist can help you find the best way.
Cosmetic procedures can sometimes help improve teeth craze lines’ appearance, but they will not completely remove them.
Can Craze Lines Turn Into Cracks?
Yes, craze lines can turn into cracks. Craze lines are very small, superficial cracks in the tooth enamel. Over time, these tiny cracks can become bigger and deeper, causing the tooth to become weak and eventually crack. While most craze lines are harmless and do not cause any pain or sensitivity, it is important to monitor them closely as they can progress into bigger problems.
Also, craze lines can easily lead to other problems, such as tooth decay or gum disease. This is because the cracks allow bacteria to enter the tooth and cause an infection.
Do Craze Lines Get worse over time?
In most cases, craze lines won’t get worse over time. However, if you continue to chew on hard objects or brush your teeth too aggressively, you may end up with more craze lines.
What Causes Teeth Craze Lines?
Many factors can contribute to craze lines in teeth. Trauma is the most common cause of craze lines. Here are common habits and conditions that can cause teeth trauma that can eventually lead to craze lines.
Grinding
Do you find yourself clenching or grinding your teeth? Grinding, or bruxism is a common cause of tooth craze lines. When you clench your teeth, you put a lot of pressure on them. This can damage the enamel and cause it to wear down over time. If you grind your teeth at night, you may not even be aware that you’re doing it.
The grinding puts stress on the teeth and can cause them to crack. The good thing is that grinding can be stopped, and the damage to the teeth can be repaired.
Nail biting
Biting nails is a common stress-relieving behavior. When people bite their nails, they may subconsciously try to relieve anxiety or tension. Nail biting can also be a way of coping with boredom. However, nail biting can damage your teeth. The constant contact can wear down your tooth enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to craze lines.
Also, you introduce bacteria into your mouth when you bite your nails. This can cause an infection in your gums, which can lead to gum disease. You’re more likely to develop craze lines if you have gum disease. Therefore, breaking the nail-biting habit is important if you want to protect your teeth.
Misaligned teeth
Misaligned teeth are the number one cause of teeth craze lines. When your teeth are not properly aligned, the enamel experiences more wear and tear. This can lead to cracks, which then turn into craze lines.
The uneven bite forces are also a major contributor to teeth craze lines. The forces are not evenly distributed across your teeth when you bite down. Different factors cause misaligned teeth, but it occurs mostly in kids. You can correct it through dental treatments like braces or Invisalign.
An orthodontist can help correct misaligned teeth and give you a beautiful smile. Ensure you realign your teeth as soon as possible to avoid tooth craze lines.
Chewing hard objects
Your teeth are not meant to be used as tools for biting into hard objects like fingernails, hard candy, or ice. When you do, it can put too much pressure on your teeth and cause them to develop craze lines.
Some foods are hard on your teeth, like candy corn, pretzels, and chips. Biting into these foods can also cause craze lines. Although your teeth are strong, they can only handle so much pressure before they show signs of wear.
Temperature changes
Temperature changes can also contribute to the formation of craze lines. When your teeth are exposed to extreme cold or heat, it can cause the enamel to crack. This is why avoiding eating very hot or cold foods and beverages is important.
Ensure your food has a warm or neutral temperature to protect your teeth from developing craze lines.
If you eat something too hot or cold, drink water afterwards to help return your mouth to a neutral temperature. Also, don’t switch immediately from hot to cold beverages. Doing so can cause thermal shock, which can lead to cracks in your teeth.
Some people who chew on ice or other cold foods experience craze lines in the tooth.
How To Fix Craze Lines
Craze lines are permanent cracks in the teeth, and fixing them will require a visit to the dentist. However, there are some ways to reduce the appearance of craze lines at home. We will go over different methods and treatments for reducing the appearance of craze lines and also how to fix them completely if you are willing to make a visit to the dentist.
Teeth Whitening strips and Whitening Kits
The basic thing you can do is try to make the craze lines unnoticeable. Whitening strips refer to using peroxide-based bleaching agents to make your teeth a few shades lighter. This will make the craze lines less visible and give you an overall brighter smile.
There are many at-home whitening kits available over the counter. You can also ask your dentist about in-office bleaching treatments. These usually involve applying a stronger bleaching agent to your teeth and may require multiple sessions for optimal results.
Resin Composite filling
Resin composite fillings are tooth-colored fillings that are made to match the color of your teeth. They are made of glass or quartz filler and plastic resin. The composite filling is then bonded to your tooth using a special light. Resin composite fillings are strong and durable and can last many years. However, they may not be as strong as metal fillings and require more frequent replacement.
Composite resin filling can help cover your craze lines and give your smile a more uniform look. It can also be used to fill in gaps between your teeth. The process is simple and can be done in one visit to your dentist. Talk to your dentist about whether or not resin composite filling is right for you.
Veneers
Veneers are an extremely popular cosmetic dental procedure. They are very thin pieces of porcelain glued to your teeth’ front surface. Veneers can be used to fix a variety of dental issues. When it comes to craze lines, veneers can be an excellent option. Veneers will cover the craze lines and give you a beautiful, uniform smile.
Also, veneers are long-lasting and durable. With proper care, they can last for many years. Veneers are also stain-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about your smile losing its luster. The process of fitting veneers is not painful. It is usually quite comfortable. The entire process can be done in just two visits to the dentist.
How To Prevent Craze Lines.
You can do various things to prevent or at least minimize the formation of craze lines. Firstly, avoid chewing on hard objects such as ice, pen caps, or fingernails. It’s easy to develop the habit of chewing on ice cubes without realizing it, but this can stress your teeth and lead to craze lines.
Stop Grinding Your Teeth
You may not even notice this is something you are doing, but grinding your teeth can add a lot of unnecessary pressure on your teeth, which could cause those pesky craze lines. So if you notice yourself grinding your teeth, try to recognize that is something you are doing and stop doing it.
If you find yourself chronically grinding, speak with your dentist or primary care physician about anxiety, medication you take, or other causes of your grinding.
Chew On Sugar-Free Gum
If you need to chew on something, then try to chew on sugar-free gum. When you chew gum, it relieves some of the stress on your teeth. It’s not as good as not grinding your teeth or chewing at all, but if you can’t seem to stop, then this is a great option. Make sure to choose a sugar-free gum option because sugar can harm your teeth and cause cavities.
Reduce Caffeine Intake
Cutting back on caffeine and alcohol can also help reduce teeth grinding. If you smoke tobacco, quitting may also help lessen the urge to grind your teeth.
Wear a Mouthguard
In some cases, your dentist may recommend wearing a mouthguard at night to protect your teeth from damage caused by grinding. Talk to your dentist if you think you might be grinding your teeth. He or she can help you determine if you have bruxism and develop a treatment plan.
Go for Realignment
Many people who suffer from teeth craze lines did not have their teeth properly aligned when they were younger. If your teeth are not aligned, it puts unnecessary stress on the tooth enamel, leading to cracks and fissures. You can prevent this by making sure that your teeth are properly aligned. You can visit your orthodontist and get braces or other orthodontic treatments. Realignment is crucial for children because it will prevent major problems in the future.
Conclusion
Craze lines are a common dental issue that various things can cause. However, there are ways to prevent and treat them. If you have craze lines, talk to your dentist about the best way to treat them. With the right treatment plan, you can restore your smile and avoid further damage to your teeth.
Related Articles
White Spots On Teeth: Causes + Treatment
Marcus Ramsey has been a professional writer for over seven years. He has talked about and produced content for industries like Dentistry, Healthcare, and more.
Erica Anand is a certified dental expert. She holds a BA in Chemistry and a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Stony Brook University. After completing a two-year pediatric dentistry program, she now runs a private practice focusing on preventive dentistry and is a member of the American Association of Dental Consultants.
