Dentinogenesis imperfecta is a hereditary condition that affects the dentin and manifests in several subtypes. Shield type I is associated with osteogenesis imperfecta and causes fragile bones and blue sclera. Teeth appear blue, brown, or yellowish-brown. Shield type II is a more severe form of Shield type I but is not associated with osteogenesis imperfecta. Shield type III causes thin enamel and dentin, opalescent and bell-shaped teeth, and multiple pulp exposures. Radiographs show tooth attrition, constricted cervical portions, obliterated pulp chambers, and periapical radiolucencies without pulpal involvement. Diagnosis is based on rapid enamel loss and attrition

1. Dentinogenesis Imperfecta

2. General information
There are various names for dentinogenesis
imperfecta like ‘hereditary opalescent
dentin’ and ‘Capadepont’s teeth’.
It segregates as an autosomal dominant
trait with variable expressivity.

3. Classification
• Shield type I—dentinogenesis imperfecta always occurs
with osteogenesis imperfecta. According to Witkop it is
called as dentinogenesis imperfecta
• Shield type II—It does not occur in association with
osteogenesis imperfecta. According to Witkop it is called
as ‘hereditary opalescent dentin’.
• Shield type III—It has got shell teeth appearance
andmultiple pulp exposure. According to Witkop it is also
called as ‘Brandywine type’.

4. Clinical features
Shield type I
There are multiple bone fractures, hyperextensible
joints, blue sclera and progressive deafness
Colour of teeth may vary from blue to brownish Violet to
yellowish Brown. Amber translucency is also seen
There is rapid attrition
Scalloping of dentinoenamel junction is absent

5. Clinical features – shield type II
Clinical features are
same as that of
shield type I, except
they are somewhat
of severe form and it
is not associated with
osteogenesis
imperfecta

6. Clinical features – shield type III
Both the dentitions
are affected
Enamel and dentine
– the thickness of
enamel is normal
and dentine is very
thin
Colour and shape –
opalescent colour,
Bell shaped Crown
and multiple pulp
exposure

7. Radiographic features
There is marked attrition of tooth
Constriction of cervical portion of tooth
Partial or complete obliteration of pulp chamber
Periapical radiolucency without pulpal involvement and periodontal ligament
space widening
Flame shaped pulp canal
Shell teeth appearance

8. Diagnosis
Rapid loss of enamel with attrition of
tooth
obliteration of pulp canal
presence of periapical radiolucency
without pulpal involvement

9. Management
Overdenture – overdenture should be
given and teeth should be covered with
fluoride releasing glass ionomer cement
Crown – cast metal Crown in posteriors
and jacket Crown in anterior can be
given