Optimizing the analysis of dental enamel microstructure in intact teeth
In most mammalian species enamel prisms are regularly arranged in layers of alternating directions forming an angle of approximately 90°. These successive layers of prisms are known as Hunter–Schreger bands (HSBs). The analysis of HSBs may provide valuable information regarding the species life hist...
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Veröffentlicht in: | Microscopy research and technique 2017-07, Vol.80 (7), p.693-696 |
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Sprache: | eng |
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Zusammenfassung: | In most mammalian species enamel prisms are regularly arranged in layers of alternating directions forming an angle of approximately 90°. These successive layers of prisms are known as Hunter–Schreger bands (HSBs). The analysis of HSBs may provide valuable information regarding the species life history, taxon and personal identification, with evident applicability in physical anthropology and forensics. Obtaining good quality digital images of HSBs in intact specimens is not always a feasible task. The major problems are the low contrast of images; the reflection of incident light, which may create areas of intense shine in digital images; and the abrupt decrease in the degree of illumination that occurs after light crosses the vertical cracks, frequently present in enamel. We show here that the area of intense shine can be minimized by a polarizing filter coupled to the camera objective, and the filling of enamel cracks with corn oil can reduce refraction of light in enamel cracks. These procedures can significantly increase the quality and the area of HSBs that can be recorded in intact teeth.
Reducing the diffraction of light that occurs due to the frequent cracks in tooth enamel.
Reducing the reflection of light in tooth enamel surface.
Increasing the contrast of Hunter‐Schreger bands observed in enamel of intact teeth.
Improving the quality of images of enamel microstructure in intact teeth. |
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ISSN: | 1059-910X 1097-0029 |
DOI: | 10.1002/jemt.22852 |