Defect in early development and formation of teeth:
1. Dentinogenesis imperfect
2. Amelogenesis imperfect
3. Enamel hypoplasia ***
4. oligodontia
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, tuftelin and amelogenin.
Enamel hypoplasia is defined as an incomplete or defective formation of the organic enamel matrix of the teeth in the embryonic stage of the tooth.
Oligodontia include six or more missing teeth, lack of development of maxillary and mandibular alveolar bone height and reduced lower facial height. Variation in tooth morphology is also observed along with problems in tooth development, eruption and exfoliation. Possible causes of oligodontia include viral disease during pregnancy, genetic predisposition, metabolic imbalances, developmental abnormalities and environmental factors.