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Amelogenesis imperfecta is a rare, inherited disorder that affects how tooth enamel develops. Enamel is the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth. In this condition, the enamel does not form correctly. This can cause the teeth to be small, discolored, weak, and easily damaged.
read more about amelogenesis imperfecta ...This condition is caused by a flaw in the genes. It is a genetic disorder that is passed down in a family. The faulty genes change the way the body makes the proteins that are needed to build strong enamel. This is not caused by anything a person eats or does; it is a problem they are born with.
The symptoms are all related to the teeth. The teeth often look different. They may be very small or have a rough, pitted surface. The color is also affected. Teeth can look yellow, brown, or gray. Because the enamel is thin or weak, the teeth can break or wear down very easily. They are often very sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.
A dentist can usually diagnose this condition by looking at the teeth and seeing the unusual enamel. They will also ask about the family's medical history to see if other people have the same problem. Dental X-rays are very helpful. They can show how thin the enamel is and how it compares to the inner layers of the tooth.
There is no cure for the genetic cause, so treatment focuses on protecting the teeth and improving their appearance. This is a lifelong process. Treatment may include dental sealants to protect the teeth, or bonding to cover them. The most common long-term solution is to cover the teeth with crowns to provide strength and a natural look.
Doctors classify this condition into four main types based on how the enamel is defective. In the hypoplastic type, the enamel is hard but there is not enough of it, making the teeth look small or grooved. In the hypocalcified type, the enamel is soft and crumbly because it did not harden (calcify) correctly. The other types involve issues with the maturation of the enamel, which can lead to mottled or snowy-white teeth that darken with age.
Yes. Amelogenesis imperfecta affects both baby teeth and permanent (adult) teeth, as it is a problem with how all the enamel is formed.
Usually, no. For most people, the condition only affects the teeth. In some rare forms, it can be part of a larger genetic syndrome.
Yes. Because the protective enamel layer is weak or missing, the teeth are at a much higher risk for tooth decay. Very careful dental hygiene is needed.
You should see a dentist if your child's baby teeth or new permanent teeth are coming in with a very unusual color (like yellow or brown) or a rough, pitted texture. It is important to get a diagnosis as early as possible. A dentist can create a plan to protect the teeth and manage the sensitivity.
1. Amelogenesis imperfecta. MedlinePlus Genetics. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/amelogenesis-imperfecta/. December 3, 2025.
2. Amelogenesis imperfecta. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/amelogenesis-imperfecta. March 7, 2025.
3. Amelogenesis imperfecta. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001578.htm. March 31, 2024.
4. Developmental Disturbances of the Teeth, Anomalies in Number and Size, and Eruption of Teeth. NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK574516/. June 12, 2023.
5. Amelogenesis imperfecta | About the Disease. Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center. https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/5791/amelogenesis-imperfecta. Accessed April 1, 2026.