Amelogenesis Imperfecta

amelogenesis imperfecta

Amelogenesis Imperfecta: Definition, Types, Radiological Features, Treatment | Dentistry.

What is Amelogenesis Imperfecta?

It is a developmental disorder affecting the teeth. It is caused due to the absence or little bit of enamel formation of the teeth. Dentin, Cementum, and Pulp are normal. In radiographs, it shows a thin layer of enamel surrounds the dentin and pulp. Amelogenesis Imperfecta transmitted from one generation to another generation.

Before going into the types of amelogenesis imperfect, we should know the stages in enamel formation. In enamel formation, the first stage is enamel matrix formation. Then the second stage is Early Mineralization, which means the enamel matrix gets mineralized. And the final stage is the Maturation of the mineralized enamel. Any defects or impairment in these stages causes amelogenesis imperfect.

It is also known as Hereditary enamel dysplasia/ hereditary brown opalescent teeth/  hereditary brown enamel.

Types of Amelogenesis Imperfecta

It is divided into 4 types based on the formation of enamel. There are 18 sub-types in amelogenesis imperfecta. Here we see only the four major types.

Type-I:- Hypoplastic

Type-II:- Hypomaturation

Type-III:- Hypocalcification 

Type-IV :- Hypomaturation- Hypoplastic with taurodontism.

Hypoplastic stage

Here the enamel matrix cannot be laid down. If enamel cannot be laid down there will be no enamel. So, there is absent or thin enamel is present in the hypoplastic stage.

Hypomaturation stage

In this stage, the enamel has normal thickness but the enamel is not hard and is not translucent. There is a presence of white opaque flex which appears on the incisal area which gives snow-capped teeth appearance. If you put an explorer and put some pressure on the teeth, it will pierce due to lack of hardness and translucency.

Hypocalcification stage

It occurs due to the defect in the early mineralization of the enamel. So here also loss of hardness is seen.

Hypomaturation-Hypoplastic Stage with Taurodontism

Here both the features of Type-I and Type-II are seen along with the taurodontism.

Radiological Features

In radiographs, the enamel may be present or absent. If present, there is a very thin layer of enamel is seen. Due to the thin layer of enamel, there is the presence of incisal and occlusal wear of the involved tooth.

Treatment

There is no known treatment for amelogenesis imperfecta but it can be overcome by improving the aesthetic appearance of the teeth.