Scientists have discovered the gene that governs the growth of tooth enamel. This means fillings and dentures will eventually become redundant.

The research by the Oregon State University in the U.S. revealed that the transcription factor Ctrip2, which was already known for involvement in immune system and the development of skin and bones, also governs the production of tooth enamel.

The scientists have engineered mice without the gene, and they all had rudimentary teeth without enamel, reports the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Researcher Dr Chrissa Kioussi said: “It's not unusual for a gene to have multiple functions, but before this we didn't know what regulated the production of tooth enamel.”

This breakthrough may lead to discovery of ways to make tooth enamel stronger and maybe even make it repair itself, making filaments things of the past.

Back in 2007, Japanese researchers from Tokyo University of Science in Chiba said they made mice grow complete teeth using stem cell techniques, so false teeth are likely to go the same direction.