Have you recently noticed you have what looks like a crack in one of your front teeth? Are you completely unsure about what’s going on because you can only faintly see the crack that, surprisingly, is not resulting in any pain? When it comes to tooth cracks, it’s important that you can differentiate between a cracked tooth and a craze line. Allow us to explain a bit further, so you know what to expect and how to respond.
It May Not Be A True Crack
You may not actually be dealing with a truly cracked tooth but with something we refer to as a craze line. This is a minor crack in your tooth’s very strong, outermost tissue layer called enamel. The crack is often the result of pressure – commonly simply due to wear and tear over the course of your life. It poses no serious threat to your tooth or your overall over health. However, you may feel embarrassed by its appearance, particularly if it has become discolored. If this is the case, we may suggest a cosmetic treatment to improve the beauty of your tooth, whether that includes whitening, dental bonding, or porcelain veneers.
If It’s A Cracked Tooth
When we refer to your tooth as “cracked” we are referring to a problem that affects your oral health. A legitimate crack will compromise the structure of your tooth, damaging your enamel and your dentin (the deeper tissue layer). As a result, your tooth becomes vulnerable to bacteria making their way inside, at which point an infection may occur. You are also prone to the further breakage of that tooth. In these instances, we will need to rely on restorative treatments (unlike craze lines that require cosmetic care), such as a dental crown, to address the problem.