By EKalman March 28, 2023 - 12:02am

Craze lines are straight, with small cracks in the teeth. This hairline cracking, which appears as small, vertical lines, is not a dental emergency, despite being potentially unsightly. It most commonly affects adults, particularly those who bite their nails, have bruxism (tooth grinding), or have a malocclusion (an uneven bite), among other bad dental habits.

Although craze lines are primarily an aesthetic issue, their impact on your appearance can have an impact on your self-esteem. This article discusses the causes of this problem, how it differs from other types of tooth cracking, and how it can be treated and avoided.

Causes
All teeth wear and tear as you age, and craze lines form as a result of stress and strain on them. As a result, the likelihood of developing them increases with age. They are caused by a variety of oral conditions and eating habits, including:

Bruxism
Jaw clenching and teeth grinding, particularly at night, put a lot of strain on your teeth. As a result, those with this condition are more likely to develop hairline cracks.

Malocclusion
Some people experience increased wear and tear when their teeth are not properly aligned. This can result in craze lines as well as more serious tooth damage.

Poor chewing habits
For example, nail-biting and chewing on pens or pencils are common causes of craze lines.

Frozen foods
When chewed, hard, frozen foods and ice can damage the enamel (the outer layer of teeth), resulting in tiny cracks.

Changing temperatures
Rapid temperature changes, such as drinking iced water immediately after eating very hot foods, can also compromise the integrity of your enamel.

Craze lines are not associated with tooth decay or other serious dental issues, and they do not cause pain or sensitivity. Instead, patients seek treatment for cosmetic reasons.

Craze Line vs. Cracked Tooth
Though both are forms of tooth damage, craze lines, and cracks are not the same clinically. Here's a quick rundown of the distinctions:

Craze line
A craze line is a small split in the tooth's outer or inner surface; only the outer layer, or enamel, is affected. This condition is asymptomatic and does not require treatment, though some people may choose to correct it with cosmetic procedures. While craze lines can affect the appearance of teeth, they do not progress to tooth cracks.

Cracked tooth
A true crack in the tooth is symptomatic and necessitates dental attention. It affects not only the enamel, but also the dentin, or middle layer, and can sometimes spread to the tooth's pulp or inner layer. Cracks most commonly form on the occlusal surfaces (where the teeth meet), but they can spread to the sides.

Craze lines are hairline cracks on the outside or inside of the teeth. They are vertical, straight, and especially visible when you shine a light on your teeth. Due to their increased staining risk, they can be translucent or appear yellowish, brown, or gray.

Treatment
While craze lines rarely cause serious dental problems, they can have an impact on the appearance of your smile. As a result, self-image and confidence may suffer. If they are an issue, both at-home and in-office procedures can be beneficial.

Though some at-home treatments cannot completely remove or reverse craze lines, they can help whiten teeth and minimize their appearance. You can try a whitening toothpaste, at-home whitening, and peroxide bleaching as treatments.

In-Office Treatment Options
To address this issue, several in-office cosmetic dental treatments are available. These are some examples:

Teeth whitening procedures
In-office teeth whitening can help with craze lines by lightening and brightening your enamel. Notably, research has discovered a link between these procedures and tooth sensitivity.

Porcelain veneers
A thin porcelain shell, or veneer, is fitted over the tooth. This provides a long-term, permanent solution to the problem.

Dental crowns
Some people may choose a dental crown (a permanent, natural-looking cap on an existing tooth) to cover up the damage.

Resin (tooth-colored fillings)
Your cosmetic dentist can also use specialized composite resin to fill tiny cracks in teeth, restoring their natural appearance.