Enamel Microcracks Induced by Simulated Occlusal Wear in Mature, Immature, and Deciduous Teeth

Figure 4

The effect of microcracks on the enamel microstructures. SEM images of specimens at different levels of magnification reveal the effect of microcracks on the enamel microstructure. The surface of the mature enamel showed shallow microcracks and minimal bifurcation, with minimal damage to the microstructure of the wall and some detachment of the enamel crystals from the wall edges. Immature enamel had deeper microcracks, moderate bifurcation, and moderate damage to the microstructures on the microcracks edges. Deciduous enamel suffered deep microcracking, severe bifurcation, and detachment of not only the crystals but also the enamel rods on the edges of microcracks. M: mature tooth specimen. IM: immature tooth specimen. D: deciduous tooth specimen (the scale is indicated at the bottom of each image; white arrows indicate enamel ligaments).