If you have looked in the mirror recently and noticed fine lines on your teeth, you may have wondered if you needed to be worried. These are craze lines or very tiny cracks, and they are perfectly normal as you get older. Likely, they will only cause aesthetic problems as most are very shallow. Often, craze lines are difficult to see, but they can cause your teeth to stain more easily, especially if you like a glass of red wine or use tobacco products or drink coffee and tea or soda. Sometimes craze lines are translucent, but other times they may be brown, grey or yellow.
What Causes These Fine Crack Lines in Teeth?
Your teeth work very hard every day as you bite and chew food, and these lines are almost certainly part of normal wear and tear on teeth. Sometimes they are also associated with other habits such as biting your nails. If you are a nailbiter, this might be the incentive you need to quit for good. Chewing other hard foods like ice cubes can also cause very fine cracks in teeth. If you tend to clench and grind your teeth, a habit called bruxism in Oshawa, this can create tiny cracks in teeth. Crack lines or craze lines can develop if you suffer some form of injury or trauma affecting your teeth.
Can Craze Lines Affect Dental Health?
Usually, craze lines in teeth will not affect dental health, but you might need treatment if they are deeper. Crack lines that extend deep into the enamel can cause tooth sensitivity. This is because every time you bite down, the cracks will open slightly, letting in sensations when you eat anything hot or cold or sweet or sour.
These cracks may potentially let in harmful bacteria that may eventually cause cavities. In this case, you could need treatment to mend the crack lines, reducing tooth sensitivity and protecting your teeth. If you do have craze lines on your teeth, it’s worth taking preventive action by making sure you brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day and floss each day and practice good oral hygiene.
If a problem like bruxism causes the issue, you may need treatment to prevent you from clenching and grinding your teeth. Generally, bruxism in Whitby is a nocturnal habit that can be addressed by wearing a custom-made nightguard that prevents your teeth from contacting while you sleep.
How We Can Help You
When you see our dentist for a checkup, we can soon tell if you have any tiny cracks in your teeth and the extent of the damage. If needed, we can discuss suitable restorative treatments to protect and preserve your teeth and your smile.
If you are concerned you may have bruxism, talk to our dentist here at Margolian Dentistry. We can gently examine your teeth to see if you have signs of clenching and grinding, and if needed, we will provide a custom-made night splint.
Improving the Appearance of Teeth with Crack Lines
If you are concerned about the appearance of teeth with craze lines, one treatment that could help is to consider porcelain veneers in Ajax. Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain, precision-made to fit over the front of teeth, hiding minor imperfections like fine lines, cracks, and tooth discoloration. Another possible treatment is to have teeth bonded, a straightforward procedure where a dentist applies tooth-colored composite resin to the front surface of a tooth, creating a more cosmetically perfect appearance.
