The ultrastructure of organic integuments on partially demineralized enamel surfaces from adolescent and adult bicuspids was investigated. The proximal surface of the extracted young bicuspids characteristically demonstrated an attachment zone most apically on the anatomic crown. Occlusal to this was a non-staining sulcular pellicle separating the attachment zone from the plaque zone. In the plaque zone morphologic variations within the pellicle were observed. The self-cleansing area of the buccal or lingual surface was characterized by a thin pellicle. Organic films from adult teeth were similar in ultrastructure to that found in the adolescent; however, the attachment zone and sulcular pellicle zone were not evident on the specimens observed, probably due to gingival recession causing these structures to be at a more apical position.
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