What Ever-Growing Incisors Reveal About Genetic Disorders

Teeth are often perceived as static features in our body, but recent collaborative research between engineers and healthcare professionals is uncovering their dynamic and informative nature—particularly how they can provide insights into genetic diseases. A study published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces showcases how teeth, as complex biological materials, can serve as valuable indicators of rare craniofacial disorders developing in childhood.

The research team, led by Assistant Professor Kyle Vining at Penn Dental Medicine, utilizes a multidisciplinary approach combining materials science, mineralogy, and genetics. They focus on rodent models, especially mouse incisors, to analyze enamel and dentin properties without the need for extracting human teeth. This innovative method leverages advanced tools like nanoindenters—originally used in geology—to measure enamel hardness, elasticity, and mineral content through techniques like electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy.

Importantly, their work bridges the gap between physical properties and the biological processes underlying tooth development. By studying these properties, scientists attempt to understand how genetic disorders influence tooth formation, which can ultimately aid in identifying and treating craniofacial syndromes as well as common dental issues like cavities.

A crucial aspect of their research addresses how teeth mineralize, a process vital to their development. Using tools borrowed from geology, the team investigates how mineralization occurs in enamel—an area still not fully understood. The insights gained may lead to clinical applications, such as improving diagnostic techniques or developing new materials for fillings that better prevent decay.

This research not only enhances scientific understanding but also symbolizes a shift towards more collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches in healthcare. It demonstrates how materials science can uncover new pathways in diagnosing and treating dental and craniofacial conditions, emphasizing the importance of studying teeth from multiple perspectives. Ultimately, these findings may pave the way for early detection and targeted interventions for genetic craniofacial disorders, improving patient outcomes.

For more information, see: Jiang et al., Multimodal Characterization of Rodent Dental Development, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2025.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-incisors-genetic-disease.html