Journal of Dental Medicine

Dental enamel is the end product of amelogenesis, which can be considered to take place in three interrelated phases. When this complex sequence of cytological and physicochemica! events disrupted by genetic or environmental factors, the function of the ameloblasts may be disrupted permanently or temporarily. The result shows qualitative and quantitative defects that may range from a complete absence of enamel or a slight discoloration. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of enamel defects by DDE index in a randomly selection group of 1637 students age 7-12 years old in Isfahan (0.2-0.3 PPMF"). Enamel defects were present on one or more teeth in 27% of the cases. The most common affected tooth was the central maxillary and then first molar of maxilla. The most common affected surfaces were buccal. Hypoplastic defects were found in first molar however premolar and canine were affected by diffuse white lines opacity.