Management of Ectodermal Dysplasia with Tooth Supported Complete Overdentures: A Case Report

ctodermal dysplasia comprises of a spectrum of inherited disorders due to abnormalities in the tissue derived from the embryonic ectoderm including Trichodysplasia, Hypodontia/Anodontia, Hypohidrosis/Anhydrosis and Onychodysplasia.1,2 More than 170 different nosologic groups of ectodermal dysplasia can be found in the literature but from a clinical standpoint, it can be divided in two major categories.2,3 Christ-SiemensTaurine Syndrome is the most common and classical form which is genetically transmitted X-linked recessive trait and presents with hypodontia, hypohidrosis, hypotrichosis and particular faces.4 Orofacial manifestations of this syndrome include hypodontia, anodontia, hypo-plastic conical teeth, under development of alveolar ridges, loss of occlusal vertical dimension, prominent supraorbital ridges, frontal bossing, a depressed nasal bridge, protruded lips, hypotrichosis and dry oral mucosa.5 The other group is Clauson's syndrome. It is genetically autosomal dominant. It is the hidrotic form of this disease. Prominent feature of this category is unaffected sweat glands.4,6 Different management strategies for the patient of ectodermal dysplasia include removable partial dentures, resin bonded bridges, fixed partial dentures, complete dentures, overdentures and implants retained prosthesis. Choosing the best treatment option for the patient can significantly improve function, appearance and satisfaction.7,8 In this case report, we present the treatment option that is not only cost effective for the poor patient but also preserves and maintains the bone which in turn provides retention and stability in the given prosthesis.