As fun as a name like “craze lines” may sound, there’s nothing enjoyable about having vertical fractures on your teeth. The presence of these shallow cracks in tooth enamel can negatively affect your smile confidence. They’re not deep enough to put you at a higher risk for tooth decay, or deeper cracks and chips, but they can get stained over time, making them more and more visible (and potentially embarrassing).
What Causes Craze Lines?
Craze lines occur as a result of pressure applied to your teeth. Activities like biting your nails, exposing teeth to extreme hot and cold temperatures in a short period of time, wearing lip and tongue piercings, and traumatic injury are all craze line creators. Many vertical fractures are caused when someone uses their teeth as a tool to crack nuts, open bottles, or do anything teeth are not designed for.
A Few Craze Line FAQs
Q1: Can I Bleach Away Vertical Stains on My Teeth?
A1: Professional teeth whitening (such as Zoom!) can cover up craze lines. The cracks will still exist, but the stains will no longer draw attention to the tiny lines.
Q2: What If Teeth Whitening Doesn’t Work for Me?
A2: Porcelain veneers are a restorative option for repairing teeth. Some people don’t achieve the desired results from whitening, in which case wafer-thin pieces of porcelain can be color-matched, adhered to your teeth, and shaped to match the surrounding teeth for a flawless smile.
Q3: Since Enamel Protects Teeth, Won’t Craze Lines Allow Cavities?
A3: Provided that you pay regular visits to your dentist and keep up with good oral hygiene, craze line cracks are shallow enough that your teeth should remain cavity free. Just be sure to brush twice a day, floss, and rinse with an anti-bacterial mouthwash.
ABOUT YOUR DEERFIELD DENTIST:
Dr. Brent Engelberg and his highly-skilled team proudly serve patients and their families from Arlington Heights, IL, and all surrounding communities, including; Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, and the Northern and Northwest Chicago Suburbs. To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at 847-259-8030.
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