Ankey Cosmetic Dentist Explains Tiny Tooth Cracks

, Dr. Amanda Foust can easily correct.

What are these tiny cracks in my teeth?

Craze lines are hairline fractures in your tooth enamel that make a big impact on your smile. Your enamel is the hard outer layer of your tooth that protects the soft layer of dentin, and sensitive pulp from , discoloration, and temperature. A deep crack through the tooth enamel can result in extreme tooth sensitivity, infection, and chipping.

Fortunately, since craze lines do not pass the surface of the enamel, the cracks are not deep enough to cause serious oral health problems. However, even miniscule cracks in your tooth enamel can collect dark stains and discoloration. That’s why, if you have craze lines, you may notice dark vertical lines on the front of your tooth.

What causes craze lines?

You may have developed these tiny fractures from a variety of . This includes teeth grinding, biting your nails, chewing on hard objects, or crunching ice. You can also develop craze lines from oral piercings or dental trauma.

What can I do about craze lines?

Our Ankeny cosmetic dentist offers aesthetic dentistry to eliminate staining from craze lines. Teeth whitening is a quick and effective way to remove staining inside the cracks, however, the results will not be permanent. Porcelain veneers or dental bonding are great cosmetic dentistry options for covering the front side of your tooth and hiding craze lines.

Cosmetic Dentistry in Ankeny

If you want to liven up your smile and say goodbye to embarrassing stains, contact our Ankeny cosmetic dentist, Dr. Amanda Foust. Call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, Iowa at (515) 965-0230 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Foust. Our dental office welcomes families from Polk City, Bondurant, Elkhart, Alleman, Ankeny, and neighboring communities.