Living with Dentinogenesis imperfecta
A tooth development condition that makes teeth discolored, see-through, and weaker than usual.
Understanding Dentinogenesis imperfecta
Teeth are most often blue-gray or yellow-brown. They wear and break easily and may be lost. Both baby and permanent teeth are affected. Type I occurs in people with osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bones). Types II and III usually occur in people without other inherited disorders.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Grayish, discolored teeth
- Fragile teeth
- Weak tooth enamel
- Abnormal tooth roots
- Abnormal dental pulp
- Loose, double-jointed joints
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists and gum, teeth and mouth specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation and National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Genetic specialists (geneticists); Gum, teeth and mouth specialists (odontologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD doesn't name a gene. It lists autosomal dominant inheritance, so a changed copy of the gene from one parent can be enough.
Also known as: dentinogenesis imperfecta (disease); dentinogenesis imperfecta without osteogenesis imperfecta; dgi; dgi without oi; di; hereditary opalescent dentin
Patient organizations
- Osteogenesis Imperfecta FoundationDentinogenesis imperfecta · United States
- National Foundation for Ectodermal DysplasiasDentinogenesis imperfecta · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Dentinogenesis imperfecta.
Explore research for Dentinogenesis imperfecta
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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