What do hypoplastic teeth look like?
Sarah Duran
Updated on February 22, 2026
You could be noticing enamel hypoplasia. This condition is a defect that causes a lesser quantity of enamel than normal. It can appear as a white spot, yellow to brown staining, pits, grooves or even thin, chipped or missing parts of enamel. In severe cases, the enamel doesn't develop at all.
What are hypoplastic teeth?
Hypoplastic teeth, also known as enamel hypoplasia, is when your enamel has not formed properly or has formed incorrectly. There are many reasons why this might happen, including diseases, prenatal issues, and environmental conditions.How do you fix hypoplastic teeth?
In the case of sensitivity, cavities, or tooth structure showing wear, treatment options include:
- Resin-bonded sealant. This can improve tooth sensitivity.
- Resin-based composite fillings. ...
- Dental amalgam fillings. ...
- Gold fillings. ...
- Crowns. ...
- Enamel microabrasion. ...
- Professional dental whitening.