Enamel lamellae are a type of hypomineralized structure in teeth that extend either from the
dentinoenamel junction (DEJ) to the surface of the
enamel, or vice versa. In essence, they are prominent linear enamel defects, but are of no clinical consequence.
[Histology Course Notes: "Mature Enamel", New Jersey Dental School, 2003-2004, page 2.] These structures contain
proteins,
proteoglycan
Proteoglycans are proteins that are heavily glycosylated. The basic proteoglycan unit consists of a "core protein" with one or more covalently attached glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chain(s). The point of attachment is a serine (Ser) residue to whic ...
s, and lipids.
Enamel lamellae should not be confused with two similar entities, ''
enamel tufts
Enamel tufts are hypomineralized ribbon-like structures that run longitudinally to the tooth axis and extend from the dentinoenamel junction (DEJ) one fifth to a third into the enamel. They are called ‘‘tufts’’ due to their wavy look wit ...
'' and ''
enamel spindles''. Enamel tufts are small branching defects that are found only at the DEJ, and so differ from lamellae which can be facing either direction and are strictly linear. Enamel spindles are also linear defects, but they too can be found only at the DEJ, because they are formed by entrapment of
odontoblast processes between
ameloblasts prior to and during
amelogenesis.
They may be classified as Type A, Type B and Type C, based on its extension, cause of formation and contents. Based on time of development, they may be classified as pre-and post-eruptive enamel lamellae.
References
{{dentistry-stub
Dental enamel