Do Craze Lines in Your Teeth Need Treatment?
You might have heard about craze lines, which are small vertical cracks in a tooth's dental enamel. They're superficial (often called hairline cracks), and are mostly a cosmetic concern, meaning treatment is optional. Is it worth exploring any of these treatment options? It largely depends on your own needs.
The Appearance of a Craze Line
You may have noticed your own craze lines when examining your teeth in the bathroom mirror. Alternatively, your dentist may have pointed them out during a routine examination. In any event, they're an issue to be monitored, and not one that requires urgent intervention. Since craze lines are superficial and are limited to your dental enamel, the tooth can still retain its structural integrity. In short, the appearance of a craze line doesn't necessarily mean that the tooth has been weakened.
A Cosmetic Issue
When treatment is sought for a craze line, it's generally due to cosmetic reasons—when the crack has become discoloured, meaning it's increasingly obvious. Smokers may be at elevated risk of having a discoloured craze line. In a similar scenario, dietary factors can contribute to a discoloured craze line. For example, someone who drinks a lot of coffee and red wine may have craze lines that become more and more noticeable.
Correcting Craze Lines
There are many dental services that can correct this minor issue. It might be sufficient for a dentist to whiten the discoloured areas. The surface of the tooth can also be rebuilt using a composite dental resin (the same substance a dentist uses to fix a cavity) or totally covered with a dental veneer. Your dentist may also give you guidance about how to preserve your teeth.
Mineralisation
These preservation efforts aren't all that involved. Your dentist may simply want to confirm that your teeth remain adequately mineralised in order to prevent enamel erosion—which can help to ensure that the craze line remains superficial. Your dentist may recommend a specific toothpaste, such as a hydroxyapatite product (which is rich in calcium). Fluoride treatments and a dental sealant targeted at the craze line can also be beneficial.
If a tooth with a craze line should become uncomfortable (especially if it's sensitive to temperature), it's a sign of a more serious problem. Reach out to a local dental service as soon as possible, as what was once a superficial crack has deepened, and you will need treatment. But when the crack remains superficial, treatment is optional.
