Are you familiar with a dental condition called craze lines? They can literally drive patients crazy when small fractures in tooth enamel develop and become stained. When craze lines develop on the front teeth they can create the appearance of vertical lines that will likely be visible to others when you talk and smile. Many people find this affects their smile confidence negatively. Smiles are essential to your quality of life. We all deserve to feel good about our grins. Sheridan dentists, Dr. Cody Coon, Dr. Justin Coon, and Dr. Donald Coon explain what causes craze lines, and how to proceed in repairing them if you are avoiding smiling because of them.
Craze Line Habits
There are several possible causes for craze lines. Some are in your control, and others cannot be helped. The following list cites habits, choices, or accidents that put you at a higher risk for vertical fractures:
Traumatic dental injuries
Bruxism (Teeth grinding)
Routinely chewing/gnawing on non-food items (pens, pencils, straws, toothpicks, etc.)
Nail biting
Using your teeth as a tool to open packages, bottles, crack nut shells, take apart items, etc.
Wearing oral jewelry (i.e. lip and tongue piercings)
Treating Craze Lines
While you can’t technically erase vertical fractures, it may almost seem so with cosmetic dentistry. Craze line fractures are so shallow that they don’t even fully penetrate tooth enamel in most cases. This means they shouldn’t raise your cavity risk, and you can certainly live with them from a functional standpoint, as long as you stick to proper oral hygiene and visit your dentist for regular checkups. However, if you are unhappy with the look of craze lines because the fractures have been stained by dark food and beverages, simple professional teeth whitening can often do the trick. If your stains don’t respond to teeth whitening, other cosmetic dental procedures (such as porcelain veneers) will cover up those lines and stop them from driving you crazy anymore.
About your Sheridan Dentists
Dr. Coon wants to make your dental appointment as worry-free and comfortable as possible. If you have any questions about your appointment, or to schedule a visit, call Grinnell Street Dental in Sheridan, WY at 307-672-7567.
