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Molar Incisor Hypomineralization: Structure, Composition, and Properties

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Planning and Care for Children and Adolescents with Dental Enamel Defects

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Abstract

The first permanent molars in molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) are characterized by localized demarcated lesions or opacities within the enamel. These lesions are often rough and plaque retentive and at risk of rapid caries and post-eruptive breakdown (PEB). There is increasing evidence to suggest that the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of MIH-affected enamel are different to those of otherwise healthy enamel. Studies suggest that the hardness and modulus of elasticity of MIH-affected enamel are reduced by between 50 and 75 % and are accompanied by a simultaneous 20 % reduction in mineral content. Furthermore, the protein content of affected enamel is up to 15 times higher than in sound enamel particularly in the darker brown opacities. These findings may explain why hypomineralized enamel fractures easily under occlusal function causing PEB. Scanning and transmission electron microscopic studies have shown that the microstructure of this enamel is more disorganized and, when etched with phosphoric acid, it does not show the typical etching pattern. This may contribute clinically to the compromised bonding of adhesive dental materials to affected teeth. Knowledge of the physical and mechanical properties and composition of developmentally defective enamel helps clinicians understand the challenges associated with treating affected individuals.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dentistry, Hutt Valley District Health Board, 84 Te Anau Road, Hataitai, Wellington, 6021, New Zealand

    Erin K. Mahoney BDS, MDSc PhD

  2. Department of Oral Sciences, University of Otago, 310 Great King Street, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand

    Rami Farah BDS, MPhil, DClinDent, PhD

Authors
  1. Erin K. Mahoney BDS, MDSc PhD
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  2. Rami Farah BDS, MPhil, DClinDent, PhD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Erin K. Mahoney BDS, MDSc PhD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Oral Sciences, University of Otago School of Dentistry, Dunedin, New Zealand

    Bernadette K. Drummond

  2. Cleft and Craniofacial Research, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

    Nicola Kilpatrick

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Mahoney, E.K., Farah, R. (2015). Molar Incisor Hypomineralization: Structure, Composition, and Properties. In: Drummond, B., Kilpatrick, N. (eds) Planning and Care for Children and Adolescents with Dental Enamel Defects. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-44800-7_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-44800-7_6

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-662-44799-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-662-44800-7

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