Optimization of the acquisition of images of the microstructure of tooth enamel in intact teeth: effect of wavelength variation of emitted light.

• Grant number: 21/14660-9
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): June 01, 2022
• Effective date (End): May 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry
• Principal researcher: Sergio Roberto Peres Line
• Grantee: Lívia Martins Alves
• Home Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba (FOP). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Human tooth enamel is the most mineralized tissue in the body and is characterized by layers of prisms in regularly alternating directions. These successive layers form Hunter-Schreger Bands (HSB) which appear as light and dark bands when viewed with side lighting, resembling fingerprints. We have previously demonstrated that the HSB pattern is highly variable and unique for each tooth. Thus, the biometric pattern of HSB can be a useful method for personal identification, as enamel can withstand extreme weather and environmental conditions. Although promising, the popularization of this method is hampered by technical limitations in image acquisition. The aim of this project is to test the variation in the length of the light wave emitted in the visualization and disclosure of HSB.(AU)