Grow Your Own Smile

Although not yet within our grasp, a technique is being tested in laboratories that may one day make dentures , implants, veneers and crowns obsolete- self regenerating teeth. Sound far-fetched?
At the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Dr Mary MacDougall has conducted experiments in which genetically engineered mouse and human cells were made to reproduce and form tooth tissue. She expect to regenerate teeth in culture as replacements for the next-G dental implant, or even get additional teeth to grow at the site. The advantages are obvious. But there would be a small price to pay if the latter part of her prediction come to pass: adults might have to use teething rings.