Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a group of congenital disorders, involving the abnormal formation of tooth enamel, the external layer of the crown of teeth.[1] Amelogenesis imperfecta can be unrelated to any systemic or generalized conditions or can be part of a syndromic condition.[1][2][3][4] Healthy, fully formed enamel is approximately 96% mineral by weight and forms over months to years in humans, depending upon the tooth in question.[5]
Amelogenesis imperfecta typically occurs as a result of mutations in the genes that encode proteins directly involved in amelogenesis[1], although there are some rare exceptions[6]. Knowledge of the specific functions of some of the proteins encoded by these genes is incomplete. In short, pathogenic variants in these genes prevent the process of amelogenesis from proceeding as it should, leading to amelogenesis imperfecta.
People with amelogenesis imperfecta may have teeth with thin or even absent enamel or enamel which is soft or brittle. Their remaining tooth enamel or tooth surface may be of abnormal color, for example yellow, brown or opaque white, and may be pitted.[2] Affected teeth have a higher risk for dental cavities and are likely to be hypersensitive to temperature changes. Teeth may exhibit rapid attrition post eruption and may have excessive calculus deposition due to pain upon brushing.[7]
History
Amelogenesis imperfecta was first recognised as a separate condition to dentinogenesis imperfecta in 1938.[8] There have been many attempts to classify sub types of amelogenesis imperfecta since 1945, first based on phenotype alone and then also on the underlying genetic defect.[9][10][2] The first gene to be identified for which pathogenic variants cause amelogenesis imperfecta was amelogenin X chromosome (AMELX) in 1991.[11] The first national genetic screen for amelogenesis imperfecta was developed in the UK and commissioned by the National Health Service in 2021.[12] Clinical decision flowcharts for the treatment of childhood amelogenesis imperfecta in the UK were published in 2025.[13]
The earliest known case of AI is in an extinct hominid species called Paranthropus robustus, with over a third of individuals displaying this condition.[14]
Genetics
Reviews of the genetics of amelogenesis imperfecta estimate that mutations in more than 90 genes may cause the condition when syndromic forms are included.[15][4] Non-syndromic disease can be hard to define before genetic diagnosis since other associated health conditions, for example kidney calcification, are not always initially present nor identified and can sometimes develop later in life.[16]
Early research focused on study of the genes that encode the enamel matrix proteins (such as amelogenin (AMELX), enamelin (ENAM)) and the enamel proteases (matrix metalloproteinase 20 (MMP20) and kallikrein related peptidase 4 (KLK4)) to identify mutations through targeted Sanger sequencing. The modern era of massively parallel sequencing, with human disease gene identification through this methodology first published in 2009[17] and in amelogenesis imperfecta specifically first published in 2013,[18] has accelerated gene discovery in AI, and research suggests that more genes for which damaging variants cause amelogenesis imperfecta remain to be identified.[1][3]
Amelogenesis imperfecta is identified in families with disease segregating in autosomal recessive, autosomal dominant and X-linked inheritance patterns [1][2][3][4]. Sporadic disease also occurs. Amelogenesis imperfecta caused by variants in some genes can display both recessive and dominant inheritance patterns (for example, AMBN).[39]
Cohort studies have shown that mutations in particular genes are more commonly identified in amelogenesis imperfecta than others; one study highlighted COL17A1, MMP20, FAM83H, ENAM and AMELX in one cohort of 181 patients (note that some individuals had been prescreened for variants in selected genes).[40] Another study highlighted AMELX, MMP20 and FAM83H as more commonly identified in patients with isolated amelogenesis imperfecta and LTBP3 and FAM20A in syndromic conditions involving amelogenesis imperfecta.[3]
Diagnosis
All teeth in both dentitions are affected by amelogenesis imperfecta,[1] although the primary teeth may appear less severely affected or amelogenesis imperfecta may be masked by poor oral hygiene and greater caries susceptibility in children and by the thinner enamel present in the primary teeth.[41] This diagnostic criterion of affecting all teeth of both dentitions is an important distinction between amelogenesis imperfecta and other more common conditions such as molar hypomineralisation and dental fluorosis, which are both influenced by the non-genetic factors during enamel development.[42]
In general, there are three distinct appearances (phenotypes) to enamel affected by amelogenesis imperfecta, which can be defined based on the thickness and hardness of enamel and reflect the stage at which amelogenesis failed,[2] together with a fourth category which includes changes to tooth shape.[43] Failure during the secretory stage results in hypoplastic (thin) enamel which is of similar hardness to healthy enamel.[44] Failure during the maturation stage results in hypocalcified (soft) or hypomature (brittle) enamel that may still be of similar thickness to healthy enamel before tooth eruption, but that wears away quickly.[44] The fourth category is a specific form of AI in which hypoplastic or hypomature enamel co-occurs with taurodontism, where teeth have smaller roots but the body of the tooth is enlarged. In reality all of these types overlap and mixed phenotypes can occur.[1] The degree of failure can also vary, resulting in phenotypes ranging from no enamel being formed at all to only very mild changes that may remain undiagnosed without the input of a dental specialist.
Therefore, AI can be broadly classified as follows, according to clinical appearance and dental radiography:[45]
Type 1 - Hypoplastic
Enamel of abnormal thickness due to malfunction in enamel matrix formation. Enamel is very thin but hard & translucent, and may have random pits & grooves. Condition is of autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or x-linked pattern. Enamel differs in appearance from dentine radiographically as normal functional enamel.[46]
Type 2 - Hypomaturation
Enamel has sound thickness, with a pitted appearance. It is less hard compared to normal enamel, and is prone to rapid wear, although not as intensely as Type 3 AI. Condition is of autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or x-linked pattern. Enamel appears to be comparable to dentine in its radiodensity on radiographs.
Type 3 - Hypocalcified
Enamel defect due to malfunction of enamel calcification, therefore enamel is of normal thickness but is extremely brittle, with an opaque/chalky presentation. Teeth are prone to staining and rapid wear, exposing dentine. Condition is of autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive pattern. Enamel appears less radioopaque compared to dentine on radiographs.
Type 4 - Hypomature hypoplastic enamel with taurodontism
Enamel has a variation in appearance, with mixed features from Type 1 and Type 2 AI. All Type 4 AI has taurodontism in common. Condition is of autosomal dominant pattern. Other common features may include an anterior open bite,[47]taurodontism, sensitivity of teeth.
People with amelogenesis imperfecta may have teeth with abnormal colour, most often yellow, brown or white. Pitting may be present.[2] Teeth will be at higher risk of caries, may be hypersensitive to temperature changes and will experience rapid attrition.[48] Diagnosis is via physical examination and use of panoramic radiographs. Treatment aims to maintain function and aesthetics.[13]
It is important to note that some individuals with pathogenic variants in particular genes associated with AI may have other associated health conditions that are not immediately obvious without further investigations but that may progress to cause more serious disease. This is particularly true of individuals with mutations in family with sequence similarity 20 member A (FAM20A), where kidney calcification can occur.[15]
Within the UK, patients diagnosed with amelogenesis imperfecta are offered genetic testing carried out via NHS Genetic Medicine Service using the R340 panel test.[12] In the US, testing is available via independent laboratories including Prevention Genetics,[49] Fulgent Genetics,[50] Blueprint Genetics[51] and others.[15] In France, genetic testing is available via the GenoDENT panel.[3]
Treatment
X-ray showing lack of enamel opacity and a pathological loss of enamel in patient with amelogenesis imperfecta
Preventive and restorative dental care is very important as well as considerations for esthetic issues since the crown are yellow from exposure of dentin due to enamel loss.[7] The main objectives of treatment is pain relief, preserving patient's remaining dentition, and to treat and preserve the patient's occlusal vertical height.[46]
Many factors are to be considered to decide on treatment options such as the classification and severity of AI, the patient's social history, clinical findings etc. There are many classifications of AI but the general management of this condition is similar.[citation needed]
Full-coverage crowns are sometimes being used to compensate for the abraded enamel in adults, tackling the sensitivity the patient experiences. Usually stainless steel crowns are used in children which may be replaced by porcelain once they reach adulthood.[52] These aid with maintaining occlusal vertical dimension.
Aesthetics may be addressed via placement of composite or porcelain veneers, depending on patient factors e.g. age. If the patient has primary or mixed dentition, lab-made composite veneers may be provided temporarily, to be replaced by permanent porcelain veneers once the patient has stabilized permanent dentition. The patient's oral hygiene and diet should be controlled as well as they play a factor in the success of retaining future restorations.[citation needed]
In the worst-case scenario, the teeth may have to be extracted and implants or dentures are required. Loss of nerves in the affected teeth may occur.
Evidence based treatment is lacking for amelogenesis imperfecta, however a UK based consensus on treatment of childhood amelogenesis imperfecta has been published.[13]
The psychological and societal impacts of amelogenesis imperfecta are under-appreciated and are often not formally addressed, but amelogenesis imperfecta can be associated with embarrassment and social avoidance.[53][15] Patients with AI (and relevant healthcare providers) also face increased dental treatments and costs.[54]
Epidemiology
The exact prevalence of amelogenesis imperfecta is uncertain and may vary. Estimates vary widely, from 1 in 233 people in Turkey,[55] 1 in 714 people in a study of an isolated Swedish population,[56] 1 in 4,000 people in Sweden[57] 1 in 1000 in Argentina,[58] to 1 in 14,000 people in the United States.[59] The prevalence of amelogenesis imperfecta in non-human animals has not been explored, however its presence has been noted.[60]
↑TenCate, Arnold Richard; Nanci, Antonio (2013). Nanci, Antonio (ed.). Ten Cate's oral histology: development, structure, and function (Eighthed.). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Mosby. ISBN978-0-323-07846-7.
↑Fonseca RB, Sobrinho LC, Neto AJ, Soares da Mota A, Soares CJ (2006). "Enamel hypoplasia or amelogenesis imperfecta – a restorative approach". Brazilian Journal of Oral Sciences. 5 (16): 941–3.
12Visram S, McKaig S (December 2006). "Amelogenesis imperfecta--clinical presentation and management: a case report". Dental Update. 33 (10): 612–4, 616. doi:10.12968/denu.2006.33.10.612. PMID17209536.
↑Bouvier D, Duprez JP, Bois D (1996). "Rehabilitation of young patients with amelogenesis imperfecta: a report of two cases". ASDC Journal of Dentistry for Children. 63 (6): 443–7. PMID9017180.
↑Altug-Altac, A.; Erdem, D.J. (2007). "Prevalence and distribution of dental anomalies in orthodontic patients". American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. 131 (4): 510–514. doi:10.1016/j.ajodo.2005.06.027. ISSN0889-5406. PMID17418718.
↑Sundell, S.; Valentin, J. (August 1986). "Hereditary aspects and classification of hereditary amelogenesis imperfecta". Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. 14 (4): 211–216. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0528.1986.tb01537.x. ISSN0301-5661. PMID3461907.
↑Hoppenreijs TJ, Voorsmit RA, Freihofer HP (August 1998). "Open bite deformity in amelogenesis imperfecta. Part 1: An analysis of contributory factors and implications for treatment". Journal of Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. 26 (4): 260–6. doi:10.1016/s1010-5182(98)80023-1. PMID9777506.
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