I got Zoom whitening last week and now I see these fine cracks, like hairline cracks. I didn’t see them before I got Zoom and I wish I had known about this side effect before I got my teeth whitened. I am wondering if this is a common and known problem that is not talked about. Are hairline cracks common? Do you have patients that have reported this issue? Is it the light or the strong bleaching gel that causes these small cracks in the teeth for some patients? I am also wondering if the cracks will get worse. Thanks. Joelle
Joelle – Neither Zoom bleaching gel nor the Zoom acceleration light cause teeth to crack. The treatment breaks down stains in your teeth, but it doesn’t cause fractures.
Tiny surface cracks in teeth are common, and whitening your teeth can make them more noticeable. These cracks, or craze lines, affect only the enamel of your teeth. They do not extend into the dentin (layer beneath the enamel), and they are harmless and painless.
Craze lines can occur from stress on a tooth—trauma, teeth, grinding, nail biting, or biting on hard surfaces can cause the lines. Noticeable craze lines can be concealed by an experienced cosmetic dentist. You can ask your dentist to examine your teeth and the craze lines. You may choose to have them concealed with dental bonding.
If you experience pain in a tooth that has a craze line, or that is cracked, schedule an appointment with your dentist right away.
This post is sponsored by Bedminster cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.