Amelogenesis Imperfecta, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

CLINICAL CONTENT WRITTEN & REVIEWED BY CLOVE CLINICAL TEAM

Last Modified: October 27, 2023

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What is Amelogenesis Imperfecta?
Symptoms of Amelogenesis Imperfecta:
What are the Causes of Amelogenesis Imperfecta?
How is Amelogenesis Imperfecta treated?

A healthy smile begins with healthy teeth. Just imagine that some rare genetic disorder, such as amelogenesis imperfecta, is keeping you from the perfect smile. In the next blog, we shall read about amelogenesis imperfecta, its symptoms, causes, and ways of treatment.

What is Amelogenesis Imperfecta?

Amelogenesis Imperfecta can best be explained as the hereditary malfunctioning in the development of tooth enamel. Normally, this enamel is the very hard outer layer of the teeth. That great smile solution lies in its vitality. One has to maintain and retain that outlook of dazzling whiteness; it may come off differently hence causing dental problems that might make a person second-guess flashing those pearly whites.

Types of Amelogenesis Imperfecta

Amelogenesis Imperfecta represents a very heterogeneous group of genetic disorders regarding imperfect tooth enamel development. While a number of varieties differ clinically, there are many more than one hundred known genetic mutations in the amelogenesis imperfecta of the teeth. Common forms include:

Hypoplastic AI: Characterized by thin, under-mineralized enamel, the teeth affected with hypoplastic AI are small and yellowish in color. Surface texture may be roughly pitted.
Hypomineralized AI: This is related to a normal amount but contains very few minerals within. Hence, this makes the enamel soft and weak or chip and break easily. Mineral deficit of enamel may stain teeth in a more opaque way. Thus, missing enamel in focal areas selectively.
Hypocalcified AI: This is a type of the condition whereby enamel is poorly mineralized, and it has the tendency to get worn out and break very fast. The teeth affected with hypocalcified AI could be of average thickness; however, characteristically, they are chalky white or creamy yellow in color. The enamel is so soft that it can wear out very fast, leaving it very sensitive and wearing out very fast.

Symptoms of Amelogenesis Imperfecta:

Abnormal Tooth Color-teeth appear yellow, brown, or pitted.
Sensitive Teeth-very sensitive to heat and cold.
Brittle Teeth-chipping or wearing down of the enamel can make you prone to more dental problems.
Irregularly Shaped Teeth-misshapen teeth or one with rough surfaces.

What are the Causes of Amelogenesis Imperfecta?

Major causative factors developing Amelogenesis Imperfecta include the genetic factors in the enamel development. Some causes are also transmitted from one or both parents.

What is the treatment for Amelogenesis Imperfecta?

The specific pathway may differ depending on the acuteness of the case and needs of the patient. Following are some of the common modalities of treatments:

Esthetic Treatments:

Dental bonding involves the application of composite resin on the tooth surface to enhance both aesthetics and functioning.

Porcelain Veneers: These are thin porcelain shells placed at the front of teeth to enhance esthetics.
Crowns: These dental crowns could be placed on top of the unwell teeth to enhance their strength, durability, and appearance.
Orthodontic Treatment: Basically, the structural and cosmetic defects of the teeth would all be corrected through Braces or other orthodontic appliances.
Dental Implants: In severe conditions, when teeth are too much affected and their health can no longer be restored, then the option is to replace the teeth with the help of dental implants.
Routine Dental Care: Routine dental care, including checkups, cleaning, fluoride treatments, is a part of healthcare required to achieve and maintain oral health and prevent complications, as it would for any other kind of disease.

Can Amelogenesis Imperfecta be prevented?

This is almost genetic hence it cannot be prevented. However, follow-ups with the dentist, fluoride treatments, good oral hygiene routine and a balanced diet are all significant in controlling its effects and keeping the teeth in good health. If you feel you do have amelogenesis imperfecta or maybe you have a history of one in your family, seek a dentist for early diagnosis and care.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question 1: What is Amelogenesis Imperfecta (AI)?
Answer: A very rare autosomal dominant hereditary disorder related to the development of tooth enamel that causes some kind of problem in the teeth.

Question 2: Is Amelogenesis Imperfecta hereditary?
Answer: Yes, in most cases Amelogenesis Imperfecta is an inherited disorder. Some type of mutation in genes may cause the disorder and transmit from one generation to another.

Question 3: Common symptoms of Amelogenesis Imperfecta?
Answer: Symptoms include teeth that are discolored and variably yellow or brown in color, sensitive teeth, brittle and thus break easily, and also the teeth will be in poorly shaped form.

Question 4: Is there any treatment for Amelogenesis Imperfecta?
Answer: Yes, by dental bonding, veneers, crowns, orthodontic procedures, and preventive care to make the teeth more cosmetically and functionally acceptable.

Question 5: What is the maintenance of oral health in the case of a patient suffering from Amelogenesis Imperfecta?
Answer: The establishment and maintenance of oral health in cases of Amelogenesis Imperfecta rely on preventive measures in the shape of good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing regularly should go side by side with regular visits to the dentist and following the advice for preventive care given by him.

At Clove Dental, is absolutely dedicated to the fact that you always have a healthier, shinier set of teeth. At Clove Dental, it is all about the smile, which pretty much gets geared up perfectly with an ultra-experienced team of dentists and fully equipped, state-of-the-art facilities guiding you on your road to a healthier and happier smile. So do not kill another minute; just come right in, lock hands, and unleash a smile that really will do justice to you.

With more than 450 pan-India clinics and over 1.5 million happy patients, Clove Dental becomes your most trusted companion in oral healthcare. Much better equipped with the best facilities for service deliverance are our professional dentists at Clove. You would have our Clove Dental clinics in every major city in the country, having committed doctors there who help you get a healthier and happier smile.