CAN CRAZE LINES AFFECT ORAL HEALTH?
Craze lines are very thin vertical lines that can be observed in the surface of a tooth. They are usually noticed in front teeth and consist of hairline cracks in the enamel.
Although some people find them esthetically unpleasing, craze lines do not harm the structure of the tooth nor oral health in general. They can be compared to the cracks seen in glazed pottery objects. Upon examination, the dentist needs to make sure that the lines are superficial and not caused by deep cracks in the tooth.
WHAT CAN CAUSE DENTAL CRAZE LINES?
Craze lines are mainly a sign of stress. Everyday activities such as chewing, biting and chomping can subject our teeth to stress. Other situations that can subject our teeth to stress include:
- Bite issues and misalignment of teeth
- Grinding of teeth
- Using teeth to open bottles and biting into hard objects
- Drastic changes in temperature (chewing ice cubes after a hot coffee for example)
- Contact sports can lead to light trauma, and it can manifest as craze lines
HOW BITE ISSUES CAN CAUSE CRAZE LINES
Under normal conditions of health, when teeth bite together, they all touch at the same time, causing the chewing forces to spread evenly. However, this is a rare condition in adults. Most people have conditions that cause imbalance to their bites. This can be a smaller filling or a general bad bite, caused by the position of the teeth or the relation between the jaws.
When there is a bad bite and the jaws meet together, the biting pressure concentrates in some areas and are capable of causing injury to teeth, as seen in the form of craze lines.
Teeth grinding and clenching, which is a common finding among people who have a bad bite, produces even higher amounts of pressure, increasing the risk for craze lines and other complications.
TREATMENT FOR CRAZE LINES
Craze lines typically look dark due to the entrance of debris into the crack.
The space in not big enough to accommodate the bristles of a toothbrush, hence debris can buildup and become a cosmetic concern. Some lines can get progressively wider, increasing the risk for tooth decay.
The line itself cannot be removed, but it can be filled, covered or bleached. Bleaching can be very effective for the removal of stains, reducing their visibility.
In rare instances, if the appearance of the tooth is really a problem for the patient, a thin veneer can be placed to cover the lines. Use of a mouthguard is essential during the practice of contact sports to avoid trauma. No one should use their teeth to open bottles or to bite into hard objects.
ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT: CORRECTION OF BITE ISSUES, PREVENTION OF CRAZE LINES
Although craze lines are not a serious problem, they can be a sign of an underlying bad bite. Because bite issues can be serious and contribute to problems in the jaw joint, migraine and pain in the head, neck and back areas, it requires correction to keep teeth, mouth and body healthy.
By balancing the bite and the forces associated with it, craze lines can be prevented, as well the other serious complications. If teeth grinding is part of the problem, a customized mouth-guard is recommended to alleviate the pressure and protect the teeth.
The best way to adjust your bite and get the perfect smile is through clear aligner therapy, a convenient option for adults who do not want braces. These devices are especially made from plastic via 3D printing, being thin and discrete. Eating and cleaning your teeth is easy, as the trays are removable.
Do you think you have craze lines? Does your bite feel balanced? Your dentist can help you find out if clear aligner therapy is the solution for you.
Get your appointment today.