X-Ray Diffraction Measurements of the Apparent Modulus of Human Dental Tissue in the Vicinity of the Dentine-Enamel Junction (DEJ)

The dentine-enamel junction (DEJ) is an important biological interface between the highly mineralized hard out layer (enamel) and the comparatively softer tooth core (dentine) of teeth. The remarkable performance of this interface provides the motivation for investigation into the detailed structure and function of the DEJ. In this study, synchrotron X-ray diffraction measurements of the DEJ subjected to the in situ uniaxial loading were carried out to capture the structure-property relationship between the DEJ architecture and its response to the applied force. The knowledge of the architecture and properties of the natural DEJ will hopefully help in biomimetic engineering of superior dental restorations and prostheses, and the development of novel materials to emulate the DEJ.