Are you wondering what those vertical lines in the front of your teeth are? Those are almost certainly what are called Craze Lines.
Craze Lines
Vertical lines in the front of your teeth are called Craze Lines. Over years and years of use of our teeth, they develop small vertical cracks in your enamel (the hard outer shell of our teeth). Normally, pain is not accompanied with craze lines, but they are stained easily causing the lines you see in the front of your teeth.
Causes
Craze lines can be caused by stress over time. Usually, craze lines are caused by the use of our teeth over time but can be caused by any other process which stresses your teeth. Things like biting your teeth, grinding your teeth while you sleep, using your teeth as a tool to open packaging or other items, or drastic changes in temperature during use (chewing ice cubes after a hot drink or food).
Craze Lines Vs. Cracked Teeth
The appearance of craze lines does not mean that your teeth are cracked. Craze lines are small cracks that do not crack all the way through your teeth. A cracked tooth can be very painful, sensitive, and is usually noticed in the back molars due to their heavy use in breaking down food. You do not need to worry about your tooth cracking all the way through when you see craze lines.
The enamel of our teeth is very strong. The way it forms creates an exceptional resistance to cracking. Cracking usually occurs with abnormal amounts of pressure on teeth, like trauma.
Treatments
If you would like to treat your craze lines you can do so with teeth whitening. Craze lines are visible most likely due to staining over time. By whitening your teeth you can reduce the staining of your teeth and therefore reduce the visibility of craze lines. Other, more invasive options, involve tooth-colored fillings or having a veneer placed over the craze lines.
Conclusion
At Eagle Rock Dental Care, we work hard to keep our community smiling brightly. If craze lines are keeping you from smiling bright, please give us a call or make an appointment online at our Idaho Falls Dentist Office, Rexburg Dentist Office, or Arco Dentist Office.
