CASE REVIEW Clinical diagnosis and management s rategies of amelogenesis imperfecta variants

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a group of inherited disorders primarily affecting dental enamel. Variants of AI generally are classified as hypoplastic, hypocalcified, or hypomaturation types based on the primary enamel defect. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical presentations, diagnostic features, and clinical complications of different variants of AI. Thirty-two patients from 17families with several subtypes of AI were studied. The results showed that distinctive clinical features may be observed in each variant. However, all AI patients suffered common clinical problems of poor esthetics, teeth sensitivity, and loss of occlusal vertical dimension. The mildest problems were found in the pitted hypoplastic type whereas the most severe problems were encountered in the hypocalcified type of AI. Management strategies include composite resin veneers and jacket crowns for anterior teeth as well as steel crowns for posterior teeth. Knowledge of the clinical features and dental complications of each variant of AI helps in the diagnosis of the condition and allows institution of early preventive measures. (Pediatr Dent 15:384-93, 1993)