The interdisciplinary management of patients with amelogenesis imperfecta – restorative dentistry

Advances in clinical diagnosis and management of amelogenesis imperfecta in children and adolescents

OBJECTIVE

To summarize studies published between 2017 and 2023 examining the clinical diagnosis and restorative management of amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) in children and adolescents.

DATA

The review incorporated publications on clinical diagnosis, patient-reported outcomes, clinical trials, cohort studies, and case reports that included individuals below 19 years of age with non-syndromic AI.

SOURCES

A literature search was conducted across electronic databases, PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL, including papers published between 2017 and 2023. The search yielded 335 unique results, of which 38 were eligible for inclusion.

RESULTS

New evidence on the genetic background of AI makes it now advisable to recommend genetic testing to supplement a clinical AI diagnosis. The discussions of the dental profession and the public on social media do not always incorporate recent scientific evidence. Interview studies are finding that the impact of AI on quality of life is more severe than previously appreciated. New evidence suggests that single-tooth ceramic crowns should be the first choice of treatment. Due to incomplete reporting, case reports have been of limited value.

CONCLUSION

In young patients with AI symptoms of pain and hypersensitivity decreased, and aesthetics were improved following all types of restorative therapy. Resin composite restorations were mainly performed in cases with hypoplastic AI and mild symptoms. Single tooth ceramic crown restorations have a high success rate in all types of AI and can be used in young individuals with AI.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Prosthetic rehabilitation in adolescents with severe AI is cost effective, improves esthetics, reduces tooth sensitivity, and improves oral health-related quality of life.

Dental treatment approaches of amelogenesis imperfecta in children and young adults: A systematic review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review was to compare various types of restorations used in children and young adults affected with amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) to determine the most effective restorative treatment.

METHODS

This systematic review included randomized controlled trials, retrospective and prospective cohorts conducted on children and young adults diagnosed with amelogenesis imperfecta and written in French or English. A systematic search was conducted using four databases, namely Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE via PubMed, Science Direct and Scopus, using a selection of MeSH terms: "Amelogenesis Imperfecta," "Therapeutics," "Treatment Outcome," "Adult, young," "Child," "Dental Restoration, Permanent," "Dental Restoration, Temporary," and "Esthetics, Dental."

RESULTS

Out of 138 articles identified in the initial search, four articles met all the inclusion criteria. The results showed that ceramic restorations had better quality scores and longevity compared to other restorations.

CONCLUSION

Ceramic restorations could be considered the restorative treatment modality of choice for AI-affected children and young adults. However, more high-quality clinical trials involving young patients affected with AI are required to evaluate and compare the outcomes of different restorative approaches.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Young patients affected with amelogenesis imperfecta usually suffer from low self-esteem, psychological problems and social avoidance, caused by the alteration of teeth such as discoloration, sensitivity, fractures and reduced size. For the dentist, selecting the appropriate restorative treatment for AI in young patients could be a veritable challenge. Therefore, it is important to have an evidence-based modality. For this reason, in this review, the different restorative approaches used in AI-affected young patients were compared to recommend the most effective treatment.

Restorative Treatment of Amelogenesis Imperfecta with Prefabricated Composite Veneers

This case report presents the use of prefabricated composite veneers for restorative treatment of amelogenesis imperfecta (AI). This technique bridges the gap between a conventional direct technique and a conventional indirect technique and introduces an alternative semidirect restorative technique for AI patients. The aim of this case report is to describe restoration of a young girl with severe AI using prefabricated composite veneers and to discuss the benefits and limitations of this technique compared to the alternative restorative techniques.

Conservative anterior treatment with CAD-CAM technology and polymer-infiltrated ceramic for a child with amelogenesis imperfecta: A 2-year follow-up

Amelogenesis imperfecta is a genetic disorder that affects the structure of enamel and consequently the function, esthetics, and psychology of young patients. Restoring the dentition of a child with minimal tooth preparation is achievable with polymer-infiltrated ceramics. The treatment of a 12-year-old child presenting with amelogenesis imperfecta is described. An in-office computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) system and polymer-infiltrated ceramic blocks were used in a noninvasive procedure. The definitive clinical outcome showed a major esthetic improvement and allowed for the normal eruption of the permanent dentition.

Amelogenesis Imperfecta and Early Restorative Crown Therapy: An Interview Study with Adolescents and Young Adults on Their Experiences

Patients with Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) can present with rapid tooth loss or fractures of enamel as well as alterations in enamel thickness, color, and shape; factors that may compromise aesthetic appearance and masticatory function. The aim was to explore the experiences and perceptions of adolescents and young adults living with AI and receiving early prosthetic therapy. Seven patients with severe AI aged 16 to 23 years who underwent porcelain crown therapy participated in one-to-one individual interviews. The interviews followed a topic guide consisting of open-ended questions related to experiences of having AI. Transcripts from the interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. The analysis process identified three main themes: Disturbances in daily life, Managing disturbances, and Normalization of daily life. These themes explain the experiences of patients living with enamel disturbances caused by AI and receiving early crown therapy. Experiences include severe pain and sensitivity problems, feelings of embarrassment, and dealing with dental staff that lack knowledge and understanding of their condition. The patients described ways to manage their disturbances and to reduce pain when eating or drinking, and strategies for meeting other people. After definitive treatment with porcelain crown therapy, they described feeling like a normal patient. In conclusion the results showed that adolescents and young adults describe a profound effect of AI on several aspects of their daily life.

The Prosthodontic Pathway for Patients with Anomalies Affecting Tooth Structure

There are a number of anomalies that affect the structure of the dental hard tissues which impact upon the form, function and aesthetics of the dentition. Understanding the challenges these conditions pose will enable dentists to manage the functional and aesthetic problems with restorative techniques better. This article will present cases that demonstrate the different conditions, the restorative challenges experienced and a variety of restorative treatments in the management of these conditions. Clinical relevance: Awareness of different anomalies affecting tooth structure that may present to the dental practitioner is necessary. Clinicians should appreciate the specific restorative challenges that may arise in treating such patients and the possible treatment options that may be available.

Oral health-related quality of life before and after crown therapy in young patients with amelogenesis imperfecta

BACKGROUND

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a rare, genetically determined defect in enamel mineralization associated with poor esthetics and dental sensitivity. Because the condition is associated with negative social outcomes, this study evaluated oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), dental fear, and dental beliefs before and after early prosthetic crown therapy for AI during adolescence.

METHODS

The study included 69 patients with AI, aged 6-25 yr: 33 males and 36 females (mean age 14.5 ± 4.3); healthy controls (n = 80), patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP; n = 30), and patients with molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH; n = 39). All matched in age and gender, and all but the CLP group insocioeconomic area. Patients completed three questionnaires measuring OHRQoL (OHIP-14), dental fear (CFSS-DS), and dental beliefs (DBS-R). Twenty-six patients with severe AI between ages 9 and 22 yr received crown therapy and completed the questionnaires twice: before and after therapy.

RESULTS

OHIP-14 scores were significantly higher among patients with AI (7.0 ± 6.7), MIH (6.8 ± 7.6) and CLP (13.6 ± 12.1) than healthy controls (1.4 ± 2.4) (p < 0.001). After crown therapy, quality of life problems in the 26 patients with severe AI decreased significantly, from 7.8 ± 6.1 to 3.0 ± 4.8 (p < 0.001). Early prosthetic therapy did not increase dental fear or negative attitudes toward dental treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

OHRQoL increased after early crown therapy in patients with severe AI. Therapy did not increase dental fear or negative attitudes toward dental treatment.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Crown Therapy in Young Individuals with Amelogenesis Imperfecta

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a rare, genetically determined defect in enamel mineralization. Existing treatment recommendations suggest resin-composite restorations until adulthood, although such restorations have a limited longevity. New crown materials allow for minimal preparation techniques. The aim of this study was to compare the quality and longevity of 2 crown types—Procera and IPS e.max Press—in adolescents and young adults with AI. A secondary aim was to document adverse events. We included 27 patients (11 to 22 y of age) with AI in need of crown therapy in a randomized controlled trial using a split-mouth technique. After placing 119 Procera crowns and 108 IPS e.max Press crowns following randomization, we recorded longevity, quality, adverse events, and tooth sensitivity. After 2 y, 97% of the crowns in both crown groups had excellent or acceptable quality. We found no significant differences in quality between Procera and IPS e.max Press crowns. Tooth sensitivity was significantly reduced after crown therapy ( P < 0.001). Endodontic complications occurred in 3% of crowns. The results show that it is possible to perform crown therapy with excellent results and without severe complications in young patients with AI. The study is registered at http://www.controlled-trials.com (ISRCTN70438627).

Correction of malocclusion and oral rehabilitation in a case of amelogenesis imperfecta by insertion of dental implants followed by Le Fort I distraction osteogenesis of the edentulous atrophic maxilla

Background

Amelogenesis imperfecta refers a group of hereditary diseases affecting the teeth and can present a variety of clinical forms and appearances, compromising esthetic appearance. Amelogenesis imperfecta variably reduces oral health quality and can result in severe psychological problems.

Case presentation

We present the management of an amelogenesis imperfecta Angle class III malocclusion case with speech, esthetics and functional problems. This is an example of the rarely presented delayed eruption with multiple morphologic dental alterations and edentulous maxilla.

There are only a few available reports in which this method is used method to correct sagittal discrepancies in edentulous patients.

Our treatment plan consisted of a preoperative diagnostic and prosthodontics phase (including preparation of guiding prosthesis), followed by a surgical phase of Le Fort I osteotomy, distraction osteogenesis to correct the malocclusion, implant insertion and a follow up final restorative phase.

Conclusions

Our treatment strategy attempts to serve patient needs, achieving function and esthetics while also minimizing the risk of reconstruction failure. Treatment not only restored function and esthetics, but also showed a positive psychological impact and thereby improved perceived quality of life.

Outcome of restorative treatment in young patients with amelogenesis imperfecta. a cross-sectional, retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

The longevity of dental restorations in patients with amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is limited. The aim of this paper is to compare oral health and longevity of dental restorations in a group of young patients with AI compared to a control group.

METHODS

Patients included were 82 patients with AI, 40 boys and 42 girls, 6 to 25 years old (mean age 14.5±4.3 years) and a control group matched in age, gender and residential area. All patients received an examination recording dental caries, gingivitis, previous therapy, replaced restorations, tooth sensitivity, and number of dental visits. Patient dental records, extending from 6 to 10 years before the study, provided data on previous care.

RESULTS

Annual mean number of dental visits in the AI group was 2.9±1.7 compared to 1.9±1.2 in the control group (p<0.001). DMFS was 8.1±15.6 in the AI group compared to 1.0±2.0 in the control group (p<0.001). The longevity of dental restorations was significantly lower in the patients with AI, with 24.7±35.1% of the AI group requiring replacement of fillings during the observation period compared to 9.23±23.7% in the control group (p=0.001). Patients with hypomineralized/hypomaturized AI have restorations of shorter longevity than those with hypoplastic AI (p<0.01). Porcelain crowns had significantly longer survival than composite resin materials in the AI group (p<0.001). Clinical Significance This study shows the need for long-lasting restorative solutions for patients with AI. It also shows the importance of establishing an early permanent therapy plan for these patients to avoid frequent dental visits.