The surface of genetically determined hypoplastic enamel in human teeth

Abstract A localized form of hypoplastic amelogenesis imperfecta was compared to a form of febrile hypoplastic enamel to ascertain the potential for alternative surface enamel morphologies predicated on differing influences during development. Surface observations with the scanning electron microscope (SEM) in febrile altered enamel revealed surfaces resembling that of developing enamel. The genetically determined form of the defect suggested that other influences rather than alteration of ameloblasts were included in the phenotype; these were suggested to be vascular in origin.