Amelogenesis Imperfecta (AI) and Dentinogenesis Imperfecta (DI) are both genetic disorders affecting dental development, but they impact different parts of the tooth.
Distinguishing AI from DI
While Amelogenesis Imperfecta (AI) affects enamel, Dentinogenesis Imperfecta (DI) impacts the dentin, another crucial part of the tooth structure. Both conditions require specialized care but differ in symptoms, treatment, and management approaches.
Understanding Amelogenesis Imperfecta (AI)
Amelogenesis Imperfecta (AI) is a genetic condition affecting the dental enamel, leading to its improper development. Patients with Amelogenesis Imperfecta may experience various symptoms, including:
– Increased tooth sensitivity
– Prone to dental decay

The Impact on Enamel
Amelogenesis Imperfecta (AI) primarily affects the enamel, the protective outer layer of teeth, causing it to be:
– Weak and easily damaged
– Discolored, often yellowish, or brownish

Understanding Strength and Durability
The durability of teeth is significantly compromised in Amelogenesis Imperfecta (AI), resulting in:
– Greater susceptibility to wear and tear
– Increased risk of dental fractures

Genetic Patterns in Amelogenesis Imperfecta
Amelogenesis Imperfecta (AI) can be inherited through various genetic patterns, influencing the condition’s severity and presentation.

Initial Assessment at Lakefront Family Dentistry
Dr. Derek Hauser and Dr. Mark Phillipe conduct a thorough assessment to diagnose Amelogenesis Imperfecta (AI), involving:
– Detailed dental examinations
– Advanced imaging techniques
Preventative Care Strategies
To combat the effects of Amelogenesis Imperfecta, our beautiful and relaxing private practice in Lake Elsinore focuses on preventive measures, including:
– Regular dental check-ups
– Customized oral hygiene routines
– Fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel
Restorative Treatment Options
For those affected by Amelogenesis Imperfecta (AI), Lakefront Family Dentistry offers various restorative treatments:
– Porcelain crowns and veneers fabricated using CEREC technology
– Personalized treatment plans focusing on both aesthetics and functionality
Understanding Dentinogenesis Imperfecta (DI)
Dentinogenesis Imperfecta (DI) is a rare genetic disorder affecting dentin—the hard tissue beneath the enamel that forms the bulk of the tooth. This condition leads to translucent, discolored, or greyish-blue teeth, which are brittle and prone to wear and breakage.
Characteristics of Dentinogenesis Imperfecta
Tooth Appearance: Teeth affected by DI often appear translucent or opalescent, with shades ranging from grey to bluish brown.
Structural Weakness: The dentin in DI patients is defective, making teeth fragile and susceptible to rapid wear, chipping, and fractures.

Diagnosing Dentinogenesis Imperfecta
Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management of DI. At Lakefront Family Dentistry, the diagnostic process includes:
– Comprehensive oral examinations and patient history analysis.
– Utilization of advanced imaging techniques to assess the integrity and structure of dentin.
Treatment Strategies for Dentinogenesis Imperfecta
Managing DI requires a multifaceted approach, focusing on both protective and restorative measures to maintain oral health and functionality.
Protective Overlays and Crowns: To safeguard the weakened teeth from further damage, custom-fitted overlays or crowns are often recommended. These restorations encapsulate the teeth, providing strength and improving aesthetics.
CEREC Technology in DI Treatments: Leveraging the CEREC system, Lakefront Family Dentistry offers efficient and effective restoration solutions, crafting durable overlays and crowns that fit seamlessly with the natural teeth.
Maintaining Dental Health with DI
Ongoing care and regular dental check-ups are essential for patients with DI. The clinic emphasizes the importance of:
– Regular monitoring to track the progression of the condition and the integrity of restorations.
– Tailored oral hygiene programs to prevent decay and gum disease.
Ongoing Dental Support and Education
Lakefront Family Dentistry is committed to providing continuous support and education to AI and DI patients, helping them understand their condition and manage their oral health effectively.
Advanced Restorative Options: Crowns and Veneers
Given the structural vulnerabilities associated with Amelogenesis Imperfecta (AI) and Dentinogenesis Imperfecta (DI), Lakefront Family Dentistry employs advanced restorative techniques, including:
– Use of high-quality, durable materials for porcelain crowns and overlays to withstand the mechanical stresses on fragile teeth.
– Aesthetic considerations to ensure that restorations not only protect but also enhance the appearance of the patient’s smile.
Purpose and Function in AI and DI Treatment
– Crowns and veneers are not merely aesthetic solutions; they provide essential protection for teeth affected by Amelogenesis Imperfecta (AI) and Dentinogenesis Imperfecta (DI). The thin or absent enamel with these conditions makes teeth vulnerable to decay and damage. Crowns cover the entire tooth, offering robust protection, while veneers cover the front surface, improving appearance and providing a layer of defense.
Material Selection for Durability and Aesthetics
– The choice of materials for crowns and veneers is crucial in both treatments. Porcelain and ceramic options are preferred for their durability and resemblance to natural tooth enamel. These materials withstand the pressures of biting and chewing, crucial for teeth compromised by this condition, and their translucent quality mimics the natural luster of healthy teeth.
Customization Process
– Customization is key to ensuring that crowns and veneers meet the individual needs of Lakefront Family Dentistry’s patients. The process involves detailed color matching and shaping, ensuring that the restorations blend seamlessly with the patient’s natural teeth, restoring not only function but also a natural and appealing appearance.
The Role of CEREC Technology in AI and DI Treatment
Innovative One-Visit Restorations
– CEREC technology revolutionizes the way restorations are created and placed. For AI and DI patients, this means receiving high-quality, durable crowns in a single visit or veneers in a several visits, minimizing the discomfort and inconvenience of multiple appointments.
Precision and Quality of CEREC Restorations
– The digital scanning and milling process used in CEREC technology inside Lakefront Family Dentistry’s onsite lab ensures restorations are crafted with precise fit and function, crucial for protecting teeth with compromised enamel due to each type of condition. The accuracy of this technology reduces the need for adjustments and repeat visits, making the treatment process smoother and more efficient.

Benefits for AI and DI Patients
– The speed and efficiency of CEREC restorations are particularly beneficial for AI and DI patients, reducing the time they spend with temporarily exposed and sensitive teeth. Immediate restoration placement helps protect vulnerable teeth from further damage and decay.
Ongoing Management of Amelogenesis Imperfecta and Dentinogenesis Imperfecta
Managing Amelogenesis Imperfecta (AI) and Dentinogenesis Imperfecta (DI) is a long-term commitment that includes:
– Continuous monitoring of dental health
– Regular visits to assess the condition and adjust treatments as needed
Most Referred Lake Elsinore Dentist
Treating Inland Empire Families for Over 30 Years
At Lakefront Family Dentistry, Dr. Derek Hauser and Dr. Mark Phillipe lead our team with 40 years of combined experience, providing expert care and crafting beautiful smiles with our highly trained staff and two gentle dental therapy dogs.
Lakefront Family Dentistry is well known for investing in our patients by integrating the latest dental technologies, including an in-house CEREC lab that allows for same-day porcelain CEREC crowns.
The family-friendly atmosphere caters to patients of all ages, from children to seniors, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming experience.
The meticulous, thoughtful design and care in building our state-of-the-art dental practice, combined with a compassionate approach, ensures the best outcomes for our patients, fostering health and confidence in their smiles.
Call (951) 244-9495 to Request an Appointment during business hours of fill out the Secure, HIPAA compliant form through the website anytime.