Craze lines, also known as superficial cracks, are translucent vertical lines that appear on your teeth. They are usually vertical, unnoticeable lines you can spot by looking closely at your teeth.
Craze lines commonly occur due to wear and tear as people age. In some cases, these lines can appear brown, yellow, and even gray. Your first reaction in noticing craze lines on your teeth is frowning in disgust.
After all, craze lines are unsightly and they can cause your teeth to stain more easily over time. If you want to begin treatment, it's highly important that you learn how to distinguish craze lines from cracked teeth.
Below, you'll find in-depth information about craze lines in comparison and contrast to cracked teeth.
Why Do Craze Lines Form?
The formation of craze lines can be attributed to a variety of different causes. Mainly, wear and tear is the top cause for craze lines. Years of eating tough food, chewing gum, and drinking acidic beverages can cause craze lines to develop over time.
As a result, most people notice craze lines as they grow older. Craze lines can also be formed due to:
- Grinding your teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Long-term trauma or tooth injury
- Nail-biting habit
- Eating or chewing non-food objects, such as tobacco or ice
- Smoking
- Drink soda, tea, red wine, and coffee
- Playing contact sports
Any adult can develop craze lines by putting their teeth in harm's way and not receiving regular dental appointments. Fortunately, craze lines are much different from cracked teeth.
Cracked Teeth vs. Craze Lines
Craze lines and cracked teeth are somewhat similar. In reality, craze lines are a less significant cracked tooth. In contrast, craze lines will usually never get worse or lead to any harsh symptoms.
In some rare events, craze lines can deepen if you're getting hit in the mouth by playing contact sports or using your teeth to open bottles.
Typically, craze lines are a cosmetic issue rather than a pressing dental concern. People with craze lines don't massive dental treatment. The quickest way to distinguish craze lines from a cracked tooth is to check if you're feeling:
- Major cold or heat sensitivity when you eat
- Pain when you eat
- Swelling
If you are not exhibiting any of these systems, then you most likely have craze lines instead of a cracked tooth.
Can Craze Lines Form into a Cracked Tooth?
While they may look unattractive, cracked lines are normal. It doesn't mean that your teeth have any lingering issues or must be prepared. Craze lines will almost always happen when a person approached middle to old age.
Fortunately, craze lines won't form into a cracked tooth. Craze lines can damage your tooth's enamel to an extent where cavities can quickly form. However, these cavities won't usually appear on the front of your tooth.
By brushing your teeth regularly, visiting your dentist, and practicing effective dental hygiene, you can avoid cavities and receive peace of mind knowing that your craze lines won't develop into a severe dental issue.
How to Fix Craze Lines
If you want to get rid of the craze lines on your teeth, you can use advanced whitening toothpaste and strips. These products can help reduce the visibility of craze lines with time.
You can also speak to your dentist about prescribing you a teeth whitening kit that's designed specifically for your mouth. If you don't achieve the type of results you're looking for, you can also try:
- Using resin to fill in the lines—composite resin works somewhat like a crayon in filling the vertical gaps craze lines bring to your teeth.
- Purchasing a professional teeth whitening kit from a retail company.
- Using veneers.
How to Prevent Craze Lines
Naturally, it's difficult to prevent craze lines. They simply happen over time regardless of your dental regimen. However, if you practice habits such as biting your nails, drinking too many acidic drinks, or regularly eating ice, you may need to stop.
Some people grind their teeth while they're sleeping, and this can cause craze lines to rapidly develop. If you're one of these people, you should try meditating, taking a warm bath, and exercising to mitigate the issue.
If you are struggling with grinding your teeth despite these methods, speak to your dentist about receiving a night guard.
A night guard is a device that is used to protect your teeth while you sleep, especially if you have a problem grinding your teeth.
Nightguards work just like the mouthguard that is used by professional athletes. Finally, you can reduce the appearance of craze lines and prevent them by avoiding too many dark beverages and nicotine products.
Helpful Reminders About Craze Lines
Rapid temperature changes can also negatively affect your teeth and cause craze lines. Shifting suddenly from cold to hot temperatures can actually damage your teeth.
For example, eating hot soup before it cools and drinking a very cold beverage can cause rapid temperature changes for your teeth. This can damage your enamel and cause craze lines to form.
To avoid this problem, consume foods and beverages that are somewhat consistent in temperature. If you're going to eat hot soup, make sure you drink lukewarm water.
This way, your teeth won't be affected in the long run and you can avoid the discomfort of damaging your enamel.
Repair Your Craze Lines Today
Craze lines and cracked teeth are not very similar. However, craze lines won't allow your teeth and smile to look their best. Many people who live social lives will want to get rid of craze lines instead of living with them.
Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry is the answer. At Taunton Village Dental, we offer a wide range of cosmetic dentistry services such as:
- Tooth-colored dentistry
- Porcelain veneers
- Mercury-free dentistry
- Teeth whitening
We also provide preventative care to help you avoid the long-term appearance of craze lines. Do you need help deciding which solution is best for you?
If so, click here to learn more about how you can schedule an appointment.
