Enamel Hypoplasia is described as what type of defect?

Enamel Hypoplasia is characterized as a developmental and mineralization defect. This condition occurs during the formation of enamel, where inadequate mineralization leads to the enamel being thinner or less developed than normal. The result is a deficiency in the enamel structure, which can manifest visually as pits, grooves, or abnormal texture on the tooth surface.

This type of defect highlights the importance of proper enamel development during the critical periods of tooth formation, which is influenced by a variety of factors such as nutrition, illness, or trauma during childhood. Thus, identifying it as a developmental and mineralization defect captures the essence of how enamel hypoplasia occurs, differentiating it from other conditions that may affect the appearance or strength of enamel in different ways.