Digital enhancement of dental enamel microstructure images from intact teeth

Author(s)

Arrieta, Zulieth Lopez ^[1] ; Fogalli, Giovani Bressan ^[1] ; Peres Line, Sergio Roberto ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Piracicaba Dent Sch, POB 52, BR-13414903 Piracicaba - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: MICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE; v. 81, n. 9, p. 1036-1041, SEP 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Dental enamel is formed by rod-like structures, the enamel prisms. Groups of prisms are packed together in successive horizontal layers of alternating directions, known as Hunter-Schreger bands (HSBs). HSBs are the major microstructural characteristic of mammalian enamel. The pattern of HSBs can vary among mammalian species and this variability may provide relevant information regarding the species life history and taxon identification. In human HSBs can be used as a biometric-based parameter for personal identification in automated systems. The analysis of HSBs has been hampered by technical difficulties. The low contrast between light and dark bands and variations in light intensity may hinder the observation of HSBs in digital images. This article describes a simple and efficient computational procedure that greatly enhances the contrast and minimizes the differences in the intensity of illumination in HSBs images. Its use can significantly increase the quality and the number of HSBs that can be recorded in intact teeth. Research Highlights Improving the quality of images of enamel microstructure in intact teeth. Enhancing the contrast of Hunter-Schreger bands observed in enamel of intact teeth. Increasing the area of Hunter-Schreger bands observed in enamel of intact teeth. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/07112-1 - Otimizing the capture and análisis of Hunter-Schreger bands for human identification
• Grantee: Sergio Roberto Peres Line
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants