How can I tell if my veneer has a crack?
Some lines are harmless surface marks; others run through the shell. Home checks only go so far.
Fine lines on a veneer are not always structural cracks. Porcelain can show shallow craze lines in the glaze that change little over time, while a true crack tends to deepen, pick up stain, or move slightly under biting pressure.
Signs worth noting at home
Run a fingernail across the line: a mark that catches, a line that darkens over weeks, or new sensitivity when biting on that tooth all point toward a real crack rather than a surface blemish. Note when the line appeared and whether it has grown.
Only an exam with magnification, light transillumination, and a bite test can confirm the difference, and how a crack behaves varies from case to case. If any of these signs are present, book a visit with your dentist rather than waiting for the shell to fail.
MediIndex articles are for general information only and are not medical advice, diagnosis, or advertising. Outcomes vary by individual — consult a board-certified specialist for personal decisions.