Regional variations - surface enamel is
the hardest and thickest. Vertical
orientation of enamel near surface
therefore more resistant to masticatory
forces.
Age variations - enamel
translucency increases with
age, shows underlying dentin
Chemical properties
96% by weight inorganic matrix -
Hap crystals; long crystallites. F-
substitution increases stability
against acid dissolution.
Remaining weight is organic
matrix, consisting of...
Amelogenins - 90% of
the organic content,
facilitates crystal growth
during maturation
Non-amelogenins
Ameloblastin
Enamelin
Also involved in crystal growth
In immature
enamel, nearly 30%
wt is organic content
Structure and structural features
Basic unit - prism
Reflects path of
ameloblast from ADJ to
surface - 1:1 ratio
T/F - are prisms present in
enamel close to ADJ and surface?
F because aprismatic enamel
found here due to lack of PTP +
DTP when it was secreted
therefore aprismatic (reflects
start and end of secretory stage)
Apperance in microscopy
LM - fish scales,
key hole, etc
SEM - interrod / rod
orientations apparent
Hunter-Schreger bands - cause by changes
in direction of adjacent groups of rods =
light reflects differentially as dark+light
bands
Enamel lamellae - linear
structure going into various
depths of enamel - filled with
organic material
Enamel spindles - odontoblast
process embedded in enamel
after enamel matrix is
mineralised
Enamel tufts - branches structures
going into enamel at ADJ
ADJ appearance - scalloped = increase SA for
Striae of Retzius - incremental growth
lines, successive aposition of layers of
enamel. Appears at surface of enamel
as perikymata.
Gnarled enamel - rod "twisting"
due to difference in orientation of
groups of rods/prisms -
undulations near cusp region