Newly noticed imperfections in teeth are often a cause of concern. Small crack lines in teeth are a prime example of this. When someone notices these cracks, a series of questions might pop into their heads. This article answers common questions about these hairline cracks, like what they are and what–if anything–to do about them.
What are Hairline Cracks in Teeth?
A hairline crack in a tooth, also called a craze line, is a superficial crack in the enamel, which is the tooth’s protective coating. Craze lines don’t go past the enamel layer of the tooth into the dentin or pulp. They are usually difficult to see, unless someone is looking very closely. Hairline cracks in the front teeth typically look like vertical lines.
These small crack lines in teeth are often caused by bad habits like teeth grinding (bruxism), nail biting, or chewing on hard objects, like ice. However, they can also be caused by trauma or an uneven bite that puts too much pressure on a particular tooth.
On the other hand, fractures are a little deeper and may reach the dentin layer of the tooth. A more severe crack can also split a tooth, which usually requires prompt treatment involving a root canal.
How Common are Hairline Cracks in Teeth?
Hairline cracks are common and become increasingly more common with age. According to a study from the Journal of the American Dental Association, the prevalence of hairline cracks in the front teeth was 50.7% from 284 scans, and the prevalence was significantly higher in patients over 20 years old. Patients over 40 had more frequent severe craze lines than patients younger than 30.
Tooth enamel can erode over time due to normal wear and tear. This might also include the consumption of acidic beverages, like soft drinks and coffee, and poor dental habits, like brushing too hard. This erosion weakens the teeth and can make hairline cracks in teeth more likely to occur.
Can Hairline Crack Lines in Teeth be Prevented?
It is difficult to completely prevent crack lines in teeth. However, getting the habits that cause them under control and minimizing tooth erosion can reduce the likelihood that they occur or, at least, delay their occurrence. This might involve treating teeth grinding with a mouth guard, working to stop bad habits like nail biting, or minimizing acidic food and beverage intake.
If the bite is not aligned, this might need to be fixed with braces or dental aligners to prevent hairline cracks or even deeper cracks from forming.
Do Hairline Cracks Ever Heal?
Unlike bones, teeth cannot heal on their own. Once a crack appears, it will either stay as it is or get worse over time, depending on the type of crack. Luckily, craze lines are only on the surface of a tooth and don’t usually worsen over time.
Can Hairline Cracks in Teeth be Repaired?
Hairline cracks in teeth that don’t extend beyond the enamel don’t have to be repaired, as they don’t present risk of infection and don’t usually cause pain. However, these cracks can become stained over time and may present some cosmetic concern. In this case, there are some treatments that can help to make these cracks less noticeable.
- Whitening strips
- Professional dental whitening
- Composite resin bonding
- Veneers
These options range from simple at-home procedures, like whitening strips, to expensive dental veneers, which require the teeth to be filed down.
It’s important to check with a dentist to make sure the hairline crack does not extend deeper than the enamel layer. If this is the case, repair becomes more of a priority. Cracks that extend into the dentin or pulp of the tooth can worsen to the point that a root canal or extraction is needed. If caught early enough, a dental crown can fix the problem. These deeper cracks also present the risk of infection, which can be serious.
Can Braces Cause Hairline Crack Lines in Teeth?
Since the brackets used in dental braces are bonded to enamel and are then used to pull the teeth in various ways, it might seem like braces can cause hairline cracks in teeth. Technically, this is possible. However, it is highly unlikely with good dental care.
According to a study done by the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, no significant difference was found in either the frequency or length of enamel cracks after the removal of brackets from braces. As mentioned earlier, getting braces can actually help reduce the risk of getting hairline cracks in teeth by correcting the bite.
When to See a Dentist
It is a good idea to check with a dentist anytime a new concern pops up. While a hairline crack is unlikely to be a serious problem, there is a possibility that the crack is deeper than it looks. If this is the case, it might need to be treated. This is especially true if pain and sensitivity are present with the crack.
Find a dentist and make an appointment with Dental Health Society today to get any crack lines in teeth checked out.