Hairline Cracks in Teeth

Hairline cracks in teeth, also known as hairline tooth fractures or craze lines, are vertical and often superficial cracks in the tooth enamel. Although they may not look serious, they can lead to more complicated dental issues if they are left untreated.

These hairline cracks present themselves in different ways – some are deeper than others, while others run in different directions. While they may start as relatively shallow cracks on your tooth enamel, they can get deeper and eventually penetrate your teeth. So, if you notice cracks on your tooth, the best thing to do is visit your local dentist to get it checked out.

The treatment options for hairline cracks include teeth bonding, root canal therapy, dental crowns, inlays and onlays. In more serious cases, your tooth may have to be removed if the damage is too severe.

Continue reading to learn more about hairline cracks in teeth.

What Are Hairline Cracks?

Hairline cracks (craze lines or hairline tooth fractures) are minor vertical cracks on the tooth’s surface. Tooth enamel is the first line of defence against further tooth damage and decay. However, in some cases, the enamel can become damaged due to injury, extreme temperature changes in food and drinks, and damage from chewing hard foods.

Hairline cracks can begin as minor lines on the enamel, but if left untreated, they can become deeper and begin to penetrate the enamel, leading to more serious tooth fractures and damage to the tooth structure.

What Causes Hairline Cracks in Teeth?

Hairline cracks can be caused by:

• Teeth grinding: Teeth grinding (bruxism) is often done unconsciously while people are asleep. Over time, this grinding puts extra pressure on your teeth, wearing down the tooth enamel, eventually leading to hairline tooth fractures and cracked teeth.
• Wear and tear: As people get older, the tooth enamel naturally weakens due to years of wear and tear. This weakening of the enamel can result in hairline cracks.
• Diet: Our diet significantly impacts the state of our teeth. Regularly eating sugary foods and hard foods like lollies, popcorn, nuts, and ice can weaken your enamel and cause hairline cracks.
• Injuries and trauma to the mouth: A sports injury or an accident can lead to hairline cracks forming in your teeth.
• Temperature extremes: Constant exposure to extreme temperature changes (going straight from hot to cold and vice versa) leads to thermal stress and the expansion and contraction of your teeth. The movement of your teeth can cause hairline fractures.
• Tooth decay: Tooth decay severely weakens your teeth and makes them more prone to hairline cracks forming.

Signs of Hairline Cracks In Teeth

The symptoms of hairline cracks include:

• Tooth sensitivity: Noticing an increase in sensitivity to hot and cold foods or beverages can be one of the main signs of hairline cracks in the teeth. This increased sensitivity can be due to the cracks exposing more layers of the tooth and therefore affecting the nerves.
• Pain: You may experience tooth pain or discomfort, especially when biting or chewing on food.
• Swollen gums: Your gums around the affected tooth may be swollen and tender.
• Visible cracks: Although hairline cracks aren’t always visible to the naked eye, sometimes larger cracks might be more visible than others.

What Are the Different Types of Hairline Cracks?

• Craze Lines
  The most common type of hairline cracks in teeth. These cracks are often small, superficial and painless, and most don’t need immediate treatment.
• Vertical Cracks
  These cracks run from the top to the bottom of the tooth. These can be quite serious, as the crack can run beyond your gum line, and the tooth may need to be removed. However, if the dentist catches it early enough, your tooth can be saved.
• Cracked Tooth
  Occurs when a crack extends from the enamel to the root of the tooth.
• Split Tooth
  A split tooth is when your tooth is completely split into two and is often the result of an untreated cracked tooth. Split teeth usually cannot be saved.
• Vertical Root Fracture
  A crack that begins at the root of the tooth and extends towards the enamel. It usually goes unnoticed until the gum and tooth become infected.
• Fractured Cusp
  A fractured cusp occurs when a piece of the tooth falls off. It usually happens to teeth that have had a dental filling, and doesn’t affect the tooth’s pulp.

How Can Hairline Cracks in Teeth Be Diagnosed?

Sometimes it can be difficult to ascertain how deep or serious a hairline crack in the tooth is, so further examination is required. Here are some ways we may check your tooth for hairline cracks:

• Visual Examination
  Firstly, we will carry out a thorough visual examination of your teeth. We will look for any visible cracks and signs of damaged tooth enamel.
• Dye Testing
  A safe and special dye can be applied to the affected tooth to make the hairline cracks more visible and easier to examine.
• X-Rays and Imaging
  X-rays may not always be able to show hairline cracks, but they can rule out other potential dental issues like tooth decay.
• Bite Test
  We may get you to bite down on something soft and resistant, which can help determine where tooth pain is coming from and allow us to find hairline fractures.
• Tactile Examination
  Using a special dental tool, we will gently probe your mouth to feel for any cracks or damage to the enamel of your teeth.

Treatment Options for Hairline Cracks in Teeth

There are multiple treatment options for hairline cracks. Some may be more suitable than others. These treatment options include:

Teeth Bonding and Composite Resins

This treatment is the best option for minor hairline cracks that have not extended beyond the tooth’s surface.

Composite resin material is applied to the crack and then shaped to blend in with the tooth. It is then hardened and set in place with a curing UV light.

This protects the tooth from further damage and also improves its appearance.

Onlays and Inlays

Onlays and inlays are custom-made pieces of porcelain or composite resin inserted onto a tooth’s damaged part. They restore the functionality and appearance of your tooth.

This treatment is particularly effective for teeth that only have a damaged surface. Inlays are placed into a tooth’s interior, while onlays cover the external surface.

Dental Crowns

When the structure of a tooth has been damaged, a dental crown will offer the best solution. Dental crowns cover the whole damaged tooth, restoring its function and appearance and protecting it from further damage.

Root Canal

If the hairline crack spreads to the tooth’s pulp and leads to a tooth infection, root canal therapy is the best treatment option.

We will remove the infected pulp, clean and medicate the tooth and then fill and seal it to prevent any further infection or damage.

How to Prevent Hairline Cracks In Teeth

The best ways to prevent hairline cracks from forming include:

• Stop teeth grinding: Visit your dentist for a custom-made mouthguard or retainer you can wear while you sleep to stop you from grinding your teeth.
• Limit eating hard foods: Limit the amount of hard foods you eat, namely ice, hard lollies, popcorn and nuts.
• Increase your dairy and vitamin D intake: Eating and drinking more dairy and calcium-rich foods and beverages can strengthen your teeth and lower the risk of cracks forming.
• Protect your teeth: If you play sports, protect your teeth by wearing a mouthguard.
• Good oral hygiene: Practice a thorough oral hygiene routine: brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss, use mouthwash a few times a week and drink lots of water to decrease the risk of tooth decay.
• Decrease thermal stress: Avoid the intake of hot and cold foods and beverages in quick succession, which can lessen the risk of thermal stress.
• Regular dentist visits: Keeping up with your regular dentist check-ups can ensure that any potential issues get picked up on and resolved quickly.

Atria Dental is a family-owned dental clinic in Gordon, NSW, with a friendly and professional team and years of experience carrying out dental treatments. We understand the importance of our patients and are more than happy to sit down with you and listen to any questions or concerns you may have before beginning any treatment. We put your care and comfort before all else.

To learn more about hairline cracks, please contact us at 02 400 8310 or visit our website: https://atriadentalgordon.com.au/.