Posted by AllSmiles
Last month, I got Zoom whitening. My dentist asked me to wait two weeks for the color to settle before I started at-home whitening if I wanted it. Now that I am whitening my teeth and looking at them close up in the mirror, I see fine lines, like hairline cracks that I have never noticed. Is the bleaching gel too strong for my teeth and causing them to crack? Will these cracks get worse if I keep using the gel? Thank you. Krystiana from NM
Krystiana,
Thank you for your question.
Does Zoom® Whitening Cause Hairline Cracks in Teeth?
Zoom® and other brands of in-office whitening do not cause hairline cracks in teeth. The bleaching gel breaks down stains but does not cause fractures. You may notice preexisting craze lines while examining your teeth more closely as you whiten them.
What Are Craze Lines in Teeth?
Craze lines are tiny, thin vertical cracks in teeth enamel. The lines occur with age and are most noticeable in middle-aged adults and seniors. The American Association of Endodontics states that most adult teeth have craze lines.
Factors that contribute to craze lines include:
- Habitually chewing ice or hard objects
- Misaligned teeth
- Nail biting
- Teeth clenching or grinding
- Tooth trauma or injury
Facts About Craze Lines
What you should know about craze lines in teeth:
- They are harmless and painless.
- Most often, they affect the front teeth.
- They are limited to tooth enamel and do not affect the layers beneath.
Can a Dentist Hide Craze Lines in Teeth?
An experienced cosmetic dentist can apply dental bonding to your teeth and hide craze lines. The bonding will perfectly match your tooth shade and translucence. Still, if you have prolonged sensitivity while whitening your teeth or feel any discomfort in the teeth with craze lines, speak with your dentist.
Dr. Thomas Goebel, a Moline, Illinois dentist, sponsors this post.
