Whenever the spread of caries along the dej exceeds cone in enamel, the caries extends into the enamel from the junction

Translucent zone in enamel caries repersents demineralization.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/OREmutualsupport/

enamel caries: surface zone, body of lesion, dark zone, translucent zone

dentinal caries: desrtuction, penetration, demineralisation, sclerotic dentine

enamel caries: surface zone, body of lesion, dark zone, translucent zone

dentinal caries: desrtuction, penetration, demineralisation, sclerotic dentine

Smooth surface caries is on a surface that does not have pits, fissures. Usually on the front, back, or side of the tooth as opposed to the top where there are hills and valleys so to say. If the caries is on the crown part of the tooth it started on the enamel, but may have progressed down to the dentin which is the next surface under the enamel.

caries in the dental field is part of tooth decay that consists of the decalcification of the enamel of the tooth. In other words this is considered tooth decay.