Amelogenesis Imperfecta and Early Restorative Crown Therapy: An Interview Study with Adolescents and Young Adults on Their Experiences

PLoS One. 2016 Jun 30;11(6):e0156879. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156879. eCollection 2016.

Abstract

Patients with Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) can present with rapid tooth loss or fractures of enamel as well as alterations in enamel thickness, color, and shape; factors that may compromise aesthetic appearance and masticatory function. The aim was to explore the experiences and perceptions of adolescents and young adults living with AI and receiving early prosthetic therapy. Seven patients with severe AI aged 16 to 23 years who underwent porcelain crown therapy participated in one-to-one individual interviews. The interviews followed a topic guide consisting of open-ended questions related to experiences of having AI. Transcripts from the interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. The analysis process identified three main themes: Disturbances in daily life, Managing disturbances, and Normalization of daily life. These themes explain the experiences of patients living with enamel disturbances caused by AI and receiving early crown therapy. Experiences include severe pain and sensitivity problems, feelings of embarrassment, and dealing with dental staff that lack knowledge and understanding of their condition. The patients described ways to manage their disturbances and to reduce pain when eating or drinking, and strategies for meeting other people. After definitive treatment with porcelain crown therapy, they described feeling like a normal patient. In conclusion the results showed that adolescents and young adults describe a profound effect of AI on several aspects of their daily life.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Amelogenesis Imperfecta / surgery*
  • Crowns*
  • Dental Enamel
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Patient Satisfaction*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Grants and funding

The study was funded by the Public Dental Service in the County of Dalarna. The funders had no role in the decision to publish or in the study design. They paid the salary for GPL during the writing of the manuscript.