Restoring function and esthetics in a patient with amelogenesis imperfecta: a case report.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this case report is to present the esthetic and functional rehabilitation of the teeth in a 22-year-old patient with Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI).


BACKGROUND
AI is a group of hereditary defects of enamel, unassociated with any other generalized defects. It is a rare developmental abnormality of the enamel, with a variable occurrence of approximately 1:4000 to 1:14000 in Western populations. Al results in poor development or complete absence of the enamel of the teeth caused by improper differentiation of the ameloblasts.


METHODS
This report describes the diagnosis and treatment of a young male patient with AI and missing molar teeth using contemporary restorative strategies. Initially, the tooth surfaces were treated with a professional cleaning along with conservative restorative treatment. Later, metal-ceramic crowns for posterior teeth and full-ceramic crowns for anterior teeth were utilized for final restorations.


CONCLUSIONS
The complexity of the management of patients with AI supports the suggestion the dental profession should have appropriate methods for the rehabilitation of rare dental disorders. The treatment of patients with AI should start with early diagnosis and intervention to prevent later restorative problems.
Gokce
Kagan
K
Department of Operative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey.
Canpolat
Ceyhun
C
Ozel
Emre
E
D000328:Adult; D000567:Amelogenesis Imperfecta / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003442:Crowns; D003776:Dental Porcelain; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016876:Metal Ceramic Alloys
D016876:Metal Ceramic Alloys; D003776:Dental Porcelain