A step-by-step approach from diagnosing to managing hypomineralized teeth: A narrative review

ABSTRACT Developmental defects, such as enamel hypomineralization, affect numerous individuals and can lead to serious problems with the esthetics and masticatory function of the affected teeth. This review provides a systematic approach for the diagnosis and management of hypomineralized teeth. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple electronic databases, including Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, R Discovery, Elicit, and SCISPACE to identify the relevant studies related to hypomineralized teeth and enamel defects published up to June 2024, shedding light on the key characteristics that distinguish hypomineralized enamel from other types of enamel defects. The review offers a comprehensive overview of various treatment options, including minimally invasive interventions and extensive restorative approaches, as well as emerging trends and technologies, emphasizing the need for individualized and patient-specific treatment strategies. The author calls for using diagnostic algorithms and clinical presentations to predict future complications, thereby guiding clinical decision-making.