Amelogenesis Imperfecta -- the unspoken, invisible stigma!! ( Part 1 ) Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) presents with a rare abnormal formation of the enamel or external layer of the crown of teeth. Enamel is composed mostly of mineral, that is formed and regulated by the proteins in it.
Amelogenesis imperfecta is due to the malfunction of the proteins in the enamel: ameloblastin, enamelin, tuftelinand amelogenin. People afflicted with amelogenesis imperfecta have teeth with abnormal color: yellow, brown or grey; this disorder can afflict any number of teeth of both dentitions. The teeth have a higher risk for dental cavities and are hypersensitive to temperature changes as well as rapid attrition, excessive calculus deposition, and gingival hyperplasia About 5% of amelogenesis imperfecta cases are caused by mutations in the AMELX gene and are inherited in an X-linked pattern.…
