Contagious?
No, it is an inherited developmental disorder.
← All explanationsDentinogenesis imperfecta
Why can inherited changes make teeth discoloured and fragile?
Dentinogenesis imperfecta is an inherited disorder of dentine formation. Teeth may appear blue-grey or yellow-brown and lose tooth tissue more easily. Primary and permanent teeth may be affected; colour alone is not enough for diagnosis.
For training & practice ↓
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Dentine as support
Dentine lies beneath enamel. Changes in its structure can reduce support for the overlying enamel.
Shape and progression
Severity, tooth shape and wear vary. Family history and other findings help with assessment.
Protect early
Care aims include preserving tooth tissue and function where possible. Protection and restoration are planned according to age and findings.
Read the full explanation
Dentine as support
Dentine lies beneath enamel. Changes in its structure can reduce support for the overlying enamel.
Shape and progression
Severity, tooth shape and wear vary. Family history and other findings help with assessment.
Protect early
Care aims include preserving tooth tissue and function where possible. Protection and restoration are planned according to age and findings.
Notes on the teaching images
- Illustrative possible appearance, not a diagnostic image. Internal dentine structure and individual severity cannot be inferred.
At a glance
Which teeth?
Primary and permanent teeth can be affected.
What matters?
Early assessment and protection of tooth tissue.
Knowledge in motion
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Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available as text.
Often confused
Dentine and enamel
Dentinogenesis imperfecta affects dentine; amelogenesis imperfecta affects enamel formation. Both need individual assessment.
Quick answers
Is this the same as molar-incisor hypomineralisation?
No. Dentinogenesis imperfecta mainly affects dentine formation; molar-incisor hypomineralisation is a different enamel disorder.
Does it always mean a bone disorder?
No. Similar dental changes may occur in isolation or with osteogenesis imperfecta. Assessment must distinguish these situations.
Does whitening address the cause?
No. Whitening does not correct an inherited structural disorder. Assessing the tooth tissue comes first.
At the practice
For a personal discussion
Editorially suggested question to discuss with Dr Niusha Barahmand Pour:
What structural change is present, and would specialist assessment help?
Unusual colour together with early tissue loss warrants assessment, particularly early in children.
Have tooth structure assessedAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Dentine
- Hard tissue beneath enamel.
- Hereditary
- Inherited; not explained by poor brushing.
- Structural anomaly
- A developmental change in a dental tissue.
Make the distinction
Dentinogenesis imperfecta affects dentine; amelogenesis imperfecta affects enamel formation. Both need individual assessment.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.