Presence of enamel on the incisors of the llama (Lama glama) and alpaca (Lama pacos)

Attempts have been made to define the relationships among the South American camelids, the guanaco, llama, alpaca, and vicuna, by comparing the morphology of their incisors. The alpaca has been reported to have an incisor morphology similar to the vicuna, lacking enamel on the lingual surface. The llama and guanaco are said to have enamel on both the labial and lingual surface of their incisor teeth. These comparisons have been based on gross morphological observations and not on histologic analysis. This study was undertaken to determine whether or not alpaca teeth have enamel on the lingual surface. The cross-sectional histologic anatomy of the incisor teeth was compared in two closely related South American camelid species, the llama (Lama glama), and the alpaca (Lama pacos). Thick sections (300 μm) and scanning electron microscopy were the techniques utilized. The mandibular first, second, and third incisors were examined in four llamas and five alpacas. A substantial layer of enamel was present on all surfaces of all llama incisors. The enamel layer on the labial surface of the alpaca incisors closely resembled that found in the llama. The enamel layer on the lingual surface of the alpaca incisors, although greatly reduced, was distinctly present. Alpacas may be more closely related to guanacos and llamas than to vicunas. A histologic study of vicuna incisors would help to better define the relationships of the four camelids. Anat Rec. 249:441–449, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Effect of Down syndrome on the dimensions of dental crowns and tissues

Abnormal growth in Down syndrome (DS) is reflected by variable reduction in size and simplification in form of many physical traits. This study aimed to compare the thickness of enamel and dentine in deciduous and permanent mandibular incisor teeth between DS and non‐DS individuals and to clarify how these tissues contribute to altered tooth size in DS. Sample groups comprised 61 mandibular incisors (29 permanent and 32 deciduous) from DS individuals and 55 mandibular incisors (29 permanent and 26 deciduous) from non‐DS individuals. Maximum mesiodistal and labiolingual crown dimensions were measured initially, then the crowns were sectioned midsagittally and photographed using a stereomicroscope. Linear measurements of enamel and dentine thickness were obtained on the labial and lingual surfaces of the crowns, together with enamel and dentine–pulp areas and lengths of the dentino‐enamel junction. Reduced permanent crown size in DS was associated with a reduction in both enamel and dentine thickness. After adjustments were made for tooth size, DS permanent incisors had significantly thinner enamel than non‐DS permanent teeth. The DS permanent teeth also exhibited significant differences in shape and greater variability in dimensions than the non‐DS permanent teeth. Crown dimensions of deciduous incisors were similar in size or larger in DS compared with non‐DS deciduous teeth. Enamel and dentine thicknesses of the deciduous teeth were similar in DS and non‐DS individuals. The findings indicate that growth retardation in DS reduces both enamel and dentine deposition in the permanent incisors but not in the earlier‐forming deciduous predecessors. The results are also consistent with the concept of amplified developmental instability for dental traits in DS. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 13:690–698, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

下颌全牙列-直丝弓矫治器的生物力学建模

目的建立下颌全牙列-直丝弓矫治器的生物力学模型,分析其在滑动法关闭间隙的载荷作用下牙根及牙周组织的应力和位移分布。方法根据志愿者颌面部CT扫描图像建立下颌骨(皮质骨和松质骨)和全牙列(牙釉质、牙本质、牙髓、牙周膜)的模型,并以Roth托槽的实际数据建立一套托槽模型,与牙齿间的空隙用粘结剂来填充;弓丝和每个托槽都考虑接触,并使用弹簧元连接托槽和弓丝,模拟扎丝的作用,施加滑动法关闭间隙的载荷。结果切牙出现牙冠向舌侧、牙根向唇侧的转矩移动,其牙周组织和牙根的应力较高,特别是中切牙,其牙周膜的最大应力为3.97 kPa;第1磨牙远中根也出现应力集中,牙周膜的最大应力达到5.75 kPa。结论为了避免切牙的牙根吸收,可考虑增加前牙托槽的转矩;第1磨牙远中根也容易发生牙根吸收,建议适当降低正畸力值或采用微植体作为支抗。     

The Enamel Microstructures of Bovine Mandibular Incisors

Bovine teeth have been considered as an excellent substitute for human teeth for dental research, however, the enamel microstructures of bovine incisors that include arrangements of prisms and interprisms, and their spatial relationships have not been well described. The aim of this study was to investigate the detail enamel microstructures of bovine incisors. Eight bovine mandibular incisors were cut into 77 pieces at eight equal intervals either in the longitudinal direction or in the horizontal direction before each piece had been tangentially cut (parallel to enamel–dentin junction) through the middle of the enamel thickness. All the sectioned surfaces were treated 1 M HCl for 10 sec to expose the prisms and interprisms before observation by scanning electron microscopy. The parallel enamel prisms were located in all the outer enamel, the cervical region and the incisal ridge of the bovine incisors. Most labial inner enamel and the cingulum of lingual inner enamel were composed of the Hunter–Schreger bands with the characteristics of decussating groups of prisms and decussating planes between interprisms and prisms. The interprisms were thicker in the inner enamel than in the outer enamel. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

数字化全牙列下颌骨三维解剖建模

目的探讨建立具有高质量牙列的下颌骨三维数字化解剖模型。方法用激光扫描获取1套标准下颌牙列解剖标本的精确三维模型,用CT扫描数据重建下颌骨三维模型,使用基于几何和图像解剖标志的配准变形方法将每颗牙齿模型对齐融合到下颌骨模型,进一步生成牙齿的牙釉质、牙本质、牙周膜。结果成功建立了具有高质量牙列的下颌骨三维数字化解剖模型,每颗牙齿具有牙冠细节和完整的牙根,区分牙釉质、牙本质、牙周膜,可以对任意解剖区域放大和旋转观察,显示解剖标志。结论高质量牙列的下颌骨三维数字化解剖模型具有逼真的三维显象和方便的教学学习功能,可用于口腔、颌面、解剖等多个学科。     

Analysis of fracture and deformation modes in teeth subjected to occlusal loading

An analysis of fracture and deformation modes in tooth enamel subjected to occlusal loading is presented. Several competing modes are identified: deformation by yield beneath the indenter; median cracking from the ensuing plastic zone and analogous radial cracking from the dentin–enamel junction along the load axis; and margin cracking from the cervical enamel–cement junction. The analysis, based on a simple model of tooth geometry, presents relations for the critical loads to initiate these damage modes within the enamel, and to drive ensuing cracks longitudinally around the tooth walls to failure. The relations are explicit in their dependence on characteristic tooth dimensions – enamel thickness and cuspal radius – and on material properties – modulus, hardness, toughness and strength. Provision is made to incorporate properties of the occlusal contact, whether from opposing dentition or intervening food particles. All these features are demonstrated on critical-load master diagrams. A characteristic feature of the damage evolution is the gradual evolution of each mode with increasing load, so that failure is generally a prolonged rather than abrupt event. This accounts for the remarkable damage tolerance of natural teeth. The equations may enable basic predictions of tooth responses for humans and animals under a variety of specified dietary and functional conditions.     

Quantitative analysis of the calcium and phosphorus content of developing and permanent human teeth.

It was the aim of this study to investigate the distribution of Ca, P and C in predentin, dentin and enamel in human tooth buds and permanent teeth by EDX element analysis. The mandible of a 16-week-old human fetus containing eight mineralizing tooth buds and three human permanent molars were fixed in formaldehyde and embedded in Technovit 9100. Serial sections of 80 microm thickness of the mandible were cut in the frontal-dorsal direction, and polarized light micrographs were taken of these sections. The permanent teeth were cut in mesio-distal direction. The sections were investigated with scanning electron microscopy and EDX element analysis with a Philips XL 30 FEG scanning microscope and an EDAX energy-dispersive X-ray system using spot measurements, EDX line-scans and element mapping. Quantitative measurements were made in predentin, mineralizing dentin adjacent to predentin, mature dentin, mineralizing enamel and young enamel of developing teeth and mature enamel of permanent teeth. In developing teeth the Ca and P content increased rapidly from outer predentin towards mineralizing dentin. In enamel prisms of developing teeth the Ca and P content increased linearly from the surface towards the enamel-dentin junction. In permanent teeth only a small layer of predentin was found. The Ca and P content in enamel and circumpulpal dentin of permanent teeth was higher than in developing teeth. The Ca/P ratio differed between predentin and dentin areas reflecting different calcium phosphate compositions, but it was the same in mineralizing and young enamel. The differences in the distribution of Ca and P reflect different mineralizing patterns of the enamel and dentin matrices.     

Ritually induced growth disturbances and deformities of the orofacial system – A contribution to cranial morphogenesis

Numerous ritual acts involving the skull result in orofacial changes. The present study focuses on ritual acts of Brazilian Zoé Indians. A distinct deformation effect of the ritual act (wearing a lip-plug) on the morphology of the orofacial system is demonstrated and documented using jaw models. The studies show that the lip-plug significantly influences tooth position and jaw growth. While the maxilla displays palatal displacement of the lateral incisors and elevation of the palate, retraction occurs in the mandible depending upon plug size. Additionally, both the plug and the nutritional habits of the Indians induce marked abrasion of all teeth. Moreover, it is shown that the duration of lip-plug wear is an essential determinant of sustained orofacial changes.     

Effects of ascorbate-deficiency on collagen secretion and resorption in cultured mouse incisor germs

The effects of ascorbic acid deficiency on mouse incisors, grown in vitro, has been investigated at the histological and cytological levels. In this model, continuously growing mouse incisors are characterized by the existence of different type of predentin-dentin matrix on its lingual (root-analogue) and labial (crown-analogue) surface and the absence of enamel on the lingual surface. Our observations indicated that ascorbate-deficiency affected the behavior of mouse tooth germs in vitro: odontoblast differentiation was disturbed and morphological evidence for odontoblast-mediated collagen resorption were observed. An abnormal amorphous predentin-dentin matrix existed and the basement membrane was prematurely disrupted. The dentin mineralization, as well as functional differentiation of ameloblasts were strongly hampered. Chronic deficiency led to disorganization of the dental tissues.     

Effects of ascorbate-deficiency on collagen secretion and resorption in cultured mouse incisor germs.

The effects of ascorbic acid deficiency on mouse incisors, grown in vitro, has been investigated at the histological and cytological levels. In this model, continuously growing mouse incisors are characterized by the existence of different type of predentin-dentin matrix on its lingual (root-analogue) and labial (crown-analogue) surface and the absence of enamel on the lingual surface. Our observations indicated that ascorbate-deficiency affected the behavior of mouse tooth germs in vitro: odontoblast differentiation was disturbed and morphological evidence for odontoblast-mediated collagen resorption were observed. An abnormal amorphous predentin-dentin matrix existed and the basement membrane was prematurely disrupted. The dentin mineralization, as well as functional differentiation of ameloblasts were strongly hampered. Chronic deficiency led to disorganization of the dental tissues.     

A spontaneous mutation: amelogenesis imperfecta with cysts in rats

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is an inherited dental disease of enamel formation in humans, and there are various phenotypes due to the combination of enamel quality and quantity. We encountered four female IGS rats with spontaneous AI including odontogenic cysts in the incisor teeth. Histopathologically, in the incisors of the rats, the enamel organ was disorganized with the remaining enamel matrix residing within the enamel space. The expanding cysts derived from the enamel organ were formed in the periosteal connective tissue on the labial side. At the bottom of the tooth germs, the precursor cells of the epithelial root sheath were arranged regularly and the enamel organs were preserved to the same degree as those of normal rats. In the molar teeth of the affected rats an enamel matrix remained on the neck and crown of the erupted teeth; however, no abnormality was observed at the tooth root. Although an animal model of AI has been developed from mutants of the SHR-SP rat strain, the present cases represent another potential model of the disease because of the differences in the way the enamel matured and the odontogenic cyst formation in the incisors.     

Histochemical localization of cholinesterase activity in the dental epithelium of guinea pig teeth

Cholinesterase is known for its remarkable diversity in distribution and function. An association of this enzyme with proliferative and morpho-differentiating tissues has been reported in several species. Here we report on the first evidence of the presence of cholinesterase in the enamel organ of continuously erupting incisors and molars of the guinea pig. Frozen sections of the incisors and molars of the guinea pig were incubated for histochemical demonstration of cholinesterase activity by means of the thiocholine method as described by Karnovsky and Root. The cholinesterase activity was observed in several types of cells of the dental epithelium; cells forming the basal portion of the enamel organ, outer enamel epithelium and maturation stage ameloblasts of both the incisors and molars. In the crown analogue side, the outer enamel epithelial cells gained strong reactions for cholinesterase and maintained the reaction throughout the secretory and maturation stages of amelogenesis. In contrast, cholinesterase reactions were lacking in the inner enamel epithelium, pre-ameloblasts, and secretory ameloblasts. In the early stage of enamel maturation, ameloblasts began to show positive reactions for cholinesterase, which was upregulated in the incisal direction. Although both tooth types showed similar reactive patterns for cholinesterase at the growing ends, maturation ameloblasts depicted a different pattern of staining displaying the reactions only sporadically in molars. These data indicate the role of cholinesterase in the enamel organ in tooth morphogenesis and function of guinea pig teeth.     

Properties of tooth enamel in great apes

A comparative study has been made of human and great ape molar tooth enamel. Nanoindentation techniques are used to map profiles of elastic modulus and hardness across sections from the enamel–dentin junction to the outer tooth surface. The measured data profiles overlap between species, suggesting a degree of commonality in material properties. Using established deformation and fracture relations, critical loads to produce function-threatening damage in the enamel of each species are calculated for characteristic tooth sizes and enamel thicknesses. The results suggest that differences in load-bearing capacity of molar teeth in primates are less a function of underlying material properties than of morphology.     

Application of Image Compression Ratio Analysis as a Method for Quantifying Complexity of Dental Enamel Microstructure

It is well recognized that enamel microanatomy in mammals reflects biomechanical demands placed upon teeth, as determined by mechanical properties of species' diets, use of teeth as weapons, and so forth. However, there are limited options for researchers wishing to perform large-scale comparisons of enamel microstructure with adaptive questions in mind. This is because to date there has been no efficient method for quantification and statistical analysis of enamel complexity. Our study proposes to apply a method previously developed for quantification of 3D tooth cusp morphology to the problem of quantifying microstructural enamel complexity. Here, we use image compression ratio (ICR) as a proxy variable for enamel complexity in 2D enamel photomicrographs taken using circularly polarized transmitted light microscopy. ICR describes the relationship between a digital image captured in an uncompressed file format and the identical image that has had its file size compressed using computer algorithms; more complex images receive less compression. In our analyses, ICR analysis is able to distinguish between images of teeth with simple, radial enamel and teeth with complex decussating enamel. Moreover, our results show a significant correlation between ICR and enamel complexity ranks assigned via visual assessment. Therefore, our results demonstrate that ICR analysis provides a viable methodology for efficient comparison of overall enamel complexity among dental samples. Anat Rec, 302:2279–2286, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy     

Immunohistochemical localization of periostin in tooth and its surrounding tissues in mouse mandibles during development

Previous reports have shown expression of immunoreactivity for periostin, originally identified as osteoblast-specific factor-2, in the periosteum and periodontal ligament. However, the developmental changes in its expression and the detailed immunolocalization have remained veiled. The present study was undertaken to examine the spatiotemporal expression of this protein in teeth and their associated tissues of mice during development at light and electron microscopic levels. In tooth germs at cap stage, periostin immunoreactivity was recognizable in the interface between inner enamel epithelium and preodontoblasts as well as in the mesenchymal tissues around cervical loop. Dental follicles around tooth germs at bell stage localized periostin immunopositivity in addition to the immunopositive areas observed in cap-staged tooth germs, although the functional significance of periostin has remained unclear in tooth development. Furthermore, periostin immunoreactivity was also found in the alveolar bone surface. In the incisors of both 7- and 21-day-old mice, immunoreaction for periostin was discernible in the lingual periodontal ligament and labial fibrous tissue adjacent to the papillary layer. After postnatal day 7, immunoreaction for periostin came to be restricted to the fibrous bundles in the periodontal ligament in accordance with the organization of the periodontal fibers, indicating its localization matched the morphogenesis of the periodontal ligament. Immunoelectron microscopic observation of the mature periodontal ligament verified the localization of periostin between the cytoplasmic processes of periodontal fibroblasts and cementoblasts and the adjacent collagen fibrils. Our findings suggest that periostin is involved at the sites of the cell-to-matrix interaction, serving as adhesive equipment for bearing mechanical forces, including occlusal force and tooth eruption.     

Three-dimensional direction and interrelationship of prisms in cuspal and cervical enamel of dog tooth

The three-dimensional architecture of enamel prisms was examined in cuspal enamel and compared with that in cervical enamel by light and electron microscopy as well as computer-assisted reconstruction using the developing enamel of several dog teeth. Dog tooth enamel consists of two groups of alternately arranged enamel prisms oriented in opposite sideward directions basically forming thick horizontal rings, partly branching off from the stem. Along a 8–10 enamel prism-wide group, the enamel prisms emerge in parallel tilting uniformly to the same sideward direction. In cervices, groups of enamel prisms are arranged nearly in parallel displaying a regular arrangement of prisms. Approaching the cusp of tooth, the groups of enamel prisms fuse to a concentric cusp-centered arrangement and the prisms exhibit no periodic arrangement as shown in the cervical enamel. It is suggested that the three-dimensional structure of enamel becomes complicated close to the cusp, contributing to the chewing stress of tooth. Anat. Rec. 252:355–368, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

胎儿牙齿硬组织发育的临床应用解剖

目的：探讨国人胎儿牙齿硬组织发育状况。方法：对正常胎龄10-38周的胎儿上、下颌骨作连续切片,观察乳、恒牙胚及其相关结构发生规律。结果：牙体硬组织形成于14-20周,牙齿的增殖、钙化、萌出同时进行,牙釉质、牙本质厚度随胎龄增长而增加,各乳磨牙牙尖总是近颊尖最先发牛,恒牙板总是位于乳牙胚舌侧。结论：国人牙体硬组织发育成熟较低,牙釉质、牙本质厚度与胎龄呈正相关。     

Interproximal contact hypoplasia in primary teeth: A new enamel defect with anthropological and clinical relevance

This study reports the prevalence, distribution, and expression of enamel defects in a sample of primary teeth (n = 225) from a prehistoric site in western India (1400–700 BC). Five enamel surfaces of individual, isolated primary teeth were observed for surface defects using a binocular stereomicroscope with variable power of magnification (8–20×). Standards for evaluating dental enamel defects (DDE) recommended by the Fédération Dentaire International (FDI) were employed. Details of defect expression were also recorded, including size, shape, and surface of tooth crown affected. Hypoplastic enamel defects were observed in 28% of teeth, but the distribution and expression of defects was not random. More than 50% of canine teeth had hypoplastic defects (HD); incisors and molar teeth exhibited far fewer HD. The buccal surface of canines was the most commonly affected crown surface. Areas of missing enamel were also common on the mesial and distal surfaces of canines and incisors and on the mesial surface of molar teeth. The high frequency of enamel defects found on interproximal crown surfaces warrants a label, and the name interproximal contact hypoplasia (IPCH) is proposed. Linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH) was absent from this primary dental sample. IPCH is more frequent in mandibular than in maxillary teeth, but no side preference was detected. In canine teeth, buccal hypoplasias (localized hypoplasia of primary canines; LHPC) were not positively correlated with interproximal hypoplastic defects. The etiology of IPCH may involve mesial compaction of developing teeth due to slow longitudinal growth of the jaws. Episodic bone remodeling results in ephemeral fenestrae in the mesial and distal walls of the dental crypt permitting tooth–tooth contact and disruption of amelogenesis. IPCH prevalence decreases across the subsistence transition from sedentary Early Jorwe agriculturalists to seminomadic Late Jorwe hunters and foragers, but the difference is not statistically significant. This may be due to underrepresentation of mandibular teeth in the sample. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 11:718–734, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Correlation of mandibular impacted tooth and bone morphology determined by cone beam computed topography on a premise of third molar operation

Purpose

To determine the width and morphology of the mandible in the impacted third molar region, and to identify the location of the mandibular canal prior to planning impacted third molar operations.

Methods

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data of 87 mandibular third molars from 62 Japanese patients were analyzed in this study. The width of the lingual cortical bone and apex-canal distance were measured from cross-sectional images in which the cortical bone was thinnest at the lingual side in the third molar region. Images were used for measuring the space (distance between the inner border of the lingual cortical bone and outer surface of the third molar root), apex-canal distance (distance from the root of the third molar tooth to the superior border of the inferior alveolar canal) and the cortical bone (width between the inner and outer borders of the lingual cortical bone).

Results

The means of the space, apex-canal distance and lingual cortical width were 0.31, 1.99, and 0.68 mm, respectively. Impacted third molar teeth (types A–C) were observed at the following frequencies: type A (angular) 37 %; type B (horizontal), 42 %; type C (vertical), 21 %. The morphology of the mandible at the third molar region (types D–F) was observed as: type D (round), 49 %; type E (lingual extended), 18 %; and type F (lingual concave), 32 %.

Conclusions

The width and morphology of the mandible with impacted teeth and the location of the mandibular canal at the third molar region could be clearly determined using cross-sectional CBCT images.     

Evolution and development of the mammalian dentition: Insights from the marsupial Monodelphis domestica

To understand developmental mechanisms of evolutionary change, we must first know how different morphologies form. The vast majority of our knowledge on the developmental genetics of tooth formation derives from studies in mice, which have relatively derived mammalian dentitions. The marsupial Monodelphis domestica has a more plesiomorphic heterodont dentition with incisors, canines, premolars, and molars on both the upper and the lower jaws, and a deciduous premolar. The complexity of the M. domestica dentition ranges from simple, unicusped incisors to conical, sharp canines to multicusped molars. We examine the development of the teeth in M. domestica, with a specific focus on the enamel knot, a signaling center in the embryonic tooth that controls shape. We show that the tooth germs of M. domestica express fibroblast growth factor (FGF) genes and Sprouty genes in a manner similar to wild‐type mouse molar germs, but with a few key differences. Developmental Dynamics, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.