Current treatment modalities in the conservative restoration of amelogenesis imperfecta: a case report

Amelogenesis imperfecta is an inherited disorder involving enamel formation that affects the appearance of the teeth to various degrees. Cosmetic rehabilitation of these patients has been open to a variety of treatment options. Complete-coverage restorations are often recommended. Patients are occasionally averse to this because of the extensive preparation of tooth structure or lack of financial means. In the past, conservative measures were inadequate because the lack of enamel bonding did not allow a durable restoration. Presently, with the use of glass-ionomer cements and dentinal adhesives, dentin-resin bond strengths are approaching those of etched enamel. This article discusses the use of glass-ionomer cement, dentinal priming agents, and etched enamel to create a strong bond between restorative material and tooth structure that provides not only satisfactory esthetics, but also a durable restoration.