Patient-centered and clinical outcomes of mandibular overdentures retained with the locator system: A prospective observational study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Whether clinical or demographic variables affect the perception of treatment in terms of quality of life and satisfaction is unknown. PURPOSE: The purpose of this prospective study was to make an evidence-based assessment of the treatment outcomes (patient- and clinically based) of locator-retained mandibular overdentures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective observational study assessed patients with edentulism who had worn mandibular overdentures supported by 2 implants and retained by the locator system for at least 1 year of functional life (N=80). Medical histories were reviewed, and patients underwent oral examinations. Prosthetic clinical outcomes and patient well-being were registered using the Oral Health Impact Profile 20 (OHIP-20) and Oral Satisfaction Scale (OSS). RESULTS: Patient well-being scored an overall OHIP-20 score of 19.0 ±14.0 of 80 (the higher the score, the greater the impact and the worse the oral health-related quality of life); overall oral satisfaction was 8.3 ±1.7 of 10. Women suffered greater social impact (0.8 ±1.0) and disability (0.4 ±0.8) than men (0.4 ±0.7 versus 0.2 ±0.4, respectively). Impact on well-being was inversely proportional to both patient age and the age of the prosthesis (r=-0.25; P<.01). Implants had been placed on average 73.6 ±39.2 months previously, showing a survival rate of 82.5%. Most of the overdentures had been functioning for over 60 months. Relining (46.3%), readjustments (82.5%), and changes of nylon retention (1.5 ±1.8 per patient over 60 months of use) devices negatively influenced well-being. CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular overdentures produced good results with regard to quality of life and oral satisfaction, but attention should be paid to factors affecting clinical outcomes and patient well-being.

Reliability and validity of a questionnaire for self-assessment of complete dentures.

BACKGROUND: Demand for complete denture treatment is expected to rise over several decades. However, to date, no questionnaire on complete dentures, as evaluated by edentulous patients, has been shown to be reliable and valid. This study sought to assess the reliability and validity of Patient's Denture Assessment (PDA), which provides a multidimensional evaluation of dentures among edentulous patients. METHODS: Patients, who had new complete dentures fabricated at the University Hospital of Dentistry, Tokyo Medical and Dental University through 2009 to 2010, were enrolled. The reliability of the PDA was determined by examining internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Internal consistency for all of the question items and the six subscales was measured using Cronbach's α and average inter-item correlation coefficients among 93 participants. For 33 of these participants, test-retest reliability was determined at a 2 month-interval using the interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and 95% confidence interval for the summary scores and the six subscale scores. The PDA was validated in 93 participants by examining the difference in the summary score and the six subscale scores of the PDA before and after replacement with new dentures by the paired t-test. Ability to detect change was also tested in 93 patients using effect size. RESULTS: The Cronbach's α for the PDA ranged from 0.56 to 0.93. The average inter-item correlation coefficients ranged from 0.28 to 0.83. ICCs for the PDA ranged from 0.37 to 0.83. The paired t-test showed a significant difference between the summary score and the six subscale scores before and after replacement with new dentures (p < 0.05) and the effect size was 0.97. CONCLUSIONS: The PDA demonstrated good reliability by assessing internal consistency and test-retest reliability. In addition, the PDA demonstrated good validity by assessing discriminant validity. Thus, the PDA could help dentists obtain a detailed understanding of the patients' perceptions in using their dentures.

Evaluation of the efficacy of mandibular conventional and implant prostheses in a group of Turkish patients: a quality of life study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the satisfaction and quality of life (QoL) in a group of patients using mandibular complete dentures, implant-retained overdentures, removable partial dentures (RPDs), or implant-supported fixed partial dentures (FPDs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 116 patients (aged 36 to 81, mean age 58 ± 10.03 years) were assigned to four groups (n = 29) and treated with mandibular implant-retained overdentures, implant-supported FPDs (two implants/three unit FPDs), conventional complete dentures, or RPDs. The groups were well matched in terms of gender, age, and the edentulous period. All patients had edentulous maxillary arches and completely or partially edentulous mandibles. All prostheses were mandibular prostheses. The OHIP-14, OHQoL-UK, and SF-36 surveys were used to determine QoL before implant surgery and 1 year after prosthetic treatment. RESULTS: The baseline and 1-year data from 116 patients were analyzed. A significant improvement was found among the QoL scales for all groups (p < 0.05). The most significant improvement was found in the implant-retained overdenture group (15.67 ± 2.47), while the least improvement was found among the implant-supported FPD group (5.14 ± 2.08). The SF-36 test revealed no differences between the before and after treatment scores for general health, pain, vitality, social function, and physical function difficulties (p > 0.05). The only significant difference was found for mental health (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: A positive influence on oral health-related QoL was observed in all groups. The QoL values were the most improved in the implant-retained overdenture group.

Selection patterns of dietary foods in edentulous participants rehabilitated with maxillary complete dentures opposed by mandibular implant-supported prostheses: a multicenter longitudinal assessment.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Documentation of long-term changes in food intake is lacking for those treated with a maxillary complete denture opposed by a mandibular, screw-retained, implant-supported fixed prosthesis. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the selection patterns of dietary foods over 5 years for edentulous participants treated in a multicenter prospective clinical trial that compared cast alloy versus laser-welded titanium frameworks of an implant-supported prostheses opposed by maxillary complete dentures to rehabilitate edentulous participants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study assessed data from a multicenter prospective clinical trial that followed edentulous participants from an initial baseline of wearing existing complete dentures to implant placement, restoration with a mandibular implant-supported prosthesis opposed by a maxillary complete denture, to follow-up assessment of these treatments over 5 years. The 32 participants in the cohort were treated at 5 of 9 participating centers. The data collected included 2 dietary forms, a standardized 4-day food diary form, and a dietary habits questionnaire. Each participant completed forms before entering into treatment (control) and at the 1- and 5-year follow-up assessment after being treated with a maxillary complete denture opposing a mandibular complete-arch fixed implant-supported prosthesis. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each measure at each assessment point. Regression analysis and the Sign test were used to calculate change in the participants' nutritional status (α=.05). RESULTS: Among the findings, it was noted that difficulty in masticating hard, raw, and fibrous foods decreased and intake of vegetable portions increased significantly from 2.5 to 3.3 servings. Participant comfort in eating in public places and their enjoyment of eating were significantly improved from 50% of participants being uncomfortable with their prior complete denture treatment to only 4% after 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that vegetable intake and ability to masticate raw, hard, and fibrous food for these participants improved when they received a mandibular implant-supported prosthesis opposed by a maxillary complete denture. According to the analysis and findings, the overall eating experience was more pleasurable, and eating in public was more comfortable after replacement of complete dentures with a mandibular implant-supported prosthesis.

The oral health-related quality of life in edentulous patients treated with conventional complete dentures.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) between patients with both maxillary and mandibular complete denture and those with either the maxillary or the mandibular complete denture. BACKGROUND: Satisfaction of denture wearers can be estimated using the OHRQoL questionnaires like the OHIP-EDENT and the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). METHODS: Two questionnaires were used to compare the OHRQoL between edentulous patients who had conventional removable complete denture on both jaws and those who had on either one of the jaws. RESULT: The age of the participants ranged from 42 to 75 years, with the mean age of 58 ± 8.12 years. The mean OHIP-EDENT scores were significantly high among those who wore conventional dentures in both jaws (54.12 ± 5.21), compared with the participants who only had denture either on upper or lower jaw (46.52 ± 7.35). It was noticed that the mean GOHAI score was significantly lower (p < 0.05) among participants who had conventional denture on both upper and lower jaw (28.25 ± 3.67), as compared to those who had conventional denture only on one arch (35.12 ± 2.11). CONCLUSION: Patients with complete dentures in both jaw (Group I) were less satisfied than patients with single complete denture (Group II). The result obtained in this study shows dissatisfaction with conventional dentures among edentulous patients.

Residual ridge resorption, lower denture stability and subjective complaints among edentulous individuals.

Residual ridge resorption in the mandible after tooth loss may lead to worsening of complete denture stability and to various subjective complaints. The aim was to evaluate the association between radiologically assessed residual ridge resorption in the mandible, clinically assessed stability of lower complete denture and subjective complaints among elderly denture wearers. The study population consisted of 326 (115 men and 211 women) edentulous subjects aged 60-78years, all of whom were wearing complete dentures in the mandible. Data on subjective complaints were obtained from questionnaires and interviews. Denture stability was assessed clinically. Residual ridge resorption was analysed from panoramic radiographs. The results showed that women were significantly more often satisfied with their lower dentures and reported fewer problems with eating than men. They also had significantly more often residual ridge resorption than men. Among women, residual ridge resorption was significantly associated with poor chewing ability, low satisfaction with dentures and poor denture stability. Among men, residual ridge resorption did not associate with subjective complaints or denture stability. Poor satisfaction with dentures associated significantly with poor denture stability in both genders. In conclusion, these results highlight the importance of denture maintenance treatment. As the extent of residual ridge resorption in the mandible was the most important factor that increased dissatisfaction with lower complete dentures, it is also important to inhibit the progression of resorption by preventing tooth loss or by using implant-retained dentures.

Association between self-assessment of complete dentures and oral health-related quality of life.

The purpose of this study was to determine which factors related to patient self-assessment of dentures are associated with changes in oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among edentulous patients after replacement of complete dentures, and to determine whether masticatory performance as determined using an objective method affects the changes in OHRQoL among edentulous patients. As a preliminary study, the existing questionnaire regarding self-assessment of dentures consisting of 39 question items, measured with a 100-mm visual analogue scale, was analysed by factor analysis. Then a questionnaire, composed of 22 question items, was developed containing six subscales of 'function', 'lower denture', 'upper denture', 'expectation', 'aesthetic and speech' and 'importance'. Final participants in the present study comprised 93 edentulous patients requiring new conventional complete dentures (44 men, 49 women; mean age, 75·0 years). These patients were asked to complete the Japanese version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-EDENT, comprising 19 question items for assessment of OHRQoL in edentulous patients, along with the developed questionnaire regarding self-assessment of dentures. Moreover, masticatory performance was measured using a colour-changeable chewing gum. The questionnaire and measurement were completed twice; before and after replacement of complete dentures. Stepwise multiple regression analysis identified 'lower denture' and 'aesthetic and speech' as significant independent variables besides OHIP-EDENT scores before replacement. These results suggest that sufficient retention of lower dentures and appropriate appearance may lead to improved OHRQoL in edentulous patients.

Complete denture wearing and fractures among edentulous patients treated in university clinics.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of wearing and fracture of complete dentures was evaluated among edentulous patients treated in two dental schools in Brazil. BACKGROUND: Acceptance and wearing of complete dentures are related to adaptive behaviour of edentulous patients. However, one reason that could interfere with the wearing dentures is their potential to fracture, which is still a common complication in denture rehabilitation practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-four edentulous patients rehabilitated with complete dentures from 2000 to 2005 in Araçatuba and Araraquara Dental School, University of State of São Paulo, were assessed in 2006 and 2007 to answer a questionnaire about wearing and fracture of their dentures. Statistical analysis were performed using Epi Info software and chi-squared test to compare maxillary and mandibular data (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Almost 26% of the patients did not wear their dentures, and among the remainder, the majority wore the maxillary denture. About 30% of the dentures were fractured, with higher prevalence in the maxillary arch (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Discontinuation of wearing dentures was quite high, especially considering the treatment which was carried out in university clinics. Prevalence of fractures was also high, greater for the maxillary denture, and was one of the main reasons for non-wearing of complete dentures.

The effect of attachment type and implant number on satisfaction and quality of life of mandibular implant-retained overdenture wearers.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the quality of life and patient satisfaction outcomes of two attachment systems in mandibular overdentures with different numbers of supporting implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-two edentulous patients with either splinted or single attachments in mandibular implant overdentures with different numbers of supporting interforaminal implants were investigated for patient satisfaction and quality of life in this retrospective study. Comparisons between groups were perceived by the Mann-Whitney U test. Relations among the parameters were investigated by Spearman's rho correlation analysis. The results were evaluated statistically at a significance level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: No statistically significant association is found between visual analogue scales scores and attachment type as well as implant number (p > 0.05), whereas Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-14 total scores for patients with 4-implant-supported bars were significantly lower than all the other attachment types (p < 0.05). Additionally, a negative (rate = 32.2%), statistically significant association between period of edentulism and total OHIP-14 scores was detected (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A mandibular implant-retained overdenture supported with four implants and bar attachments shows the highest 'quality of life' score and patient satisfaction is not influenced by the number of implants or attachment type.

Oral health related quality of life of edentulous patients after denture relining with a silicone-based soft liner.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of benefits caused by a treatment on quality of life is very relevant. Despite the wide use and acceptance of soft denture liners, it is necessary to evaluate the patient's response about the use of these materials with regard to improvement in oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of denture relining in the OHRQoL of edentulous patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two complete denture wearers had their lower dentures relined with a silicone-based material (Mucopren soft, Kettenbach, Germany) according to chairside procedures. OHRQoL was assessed before and after 3 months of relining by means of OHIP-EDENT, and the median scores were compared by Wilcoxon test (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: After 3 months of relining, participants reported significant improvement of their OHRQoL (p ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSION: Denture relining with a soft liner may have a positive impact on the perceived oral health of edentulous patients.

Elderly complete denture wearers: a social approach to tooth loss.

OBJECTIVES: To correlate emotional reactions to tooth loss with denture satisfaction attributes in elderly complete denture wearers. BACKGROUND: Total tooth loss is a serious life event, and poor oral health has an impact on daily life. Edentulism treated by rehabilitation with dentures can have a positive effect on patients' self-image and social behaviour. METHODS: A group of 80 edentulous subjects undergoing routine prosthetic care in a Greek Department of Prosthetic Dentistry were interviewed using two structured questionnaires. The first questionnaire explored reactions to tooth loss, whereas the second measured their subjective experience of complete dentures. The responses to both questionnaires were compared using the statistical package SPSS v.17. RESULTS: The results showed significant correlation between aspects of tooth loss experience and complete denture satisfaction. Despite the fact that a substantial proportion of patients were satisfied with their complete dentures, some patients experienced increased social and psychological problems related to their edentulousness and the wearing of complete dentures. The aesthetic and functional aspects of complete dentures affected both patients' social behaviour and self-confidence. CONCLUSIONS: Total tooth loss was not only reflected in patient's social behaviour and self-image, but it had a complex and multifaceted impact on satisfaction from complete dentures.

The influence of maximum bite force on patient satisfaction and quality of life of patients wearing mandibular implant overdentures.

The treatment of edentulism with traditional complete dentures can often induce impaired masticatory function due to limited retention and stability, especially in the lower jaw. Mandibular interforaminal implants have been widely used to stabilize the dentures, consequently improving masticatory performance in edentulous individuals. The aim of the present study was to document the influence of this improved masticatory function on patient satisfaction and quality of life of patients wearing mandibular implant-supported overdentures. Sixty-two patients treated with various types of implant-supported mandibular overdentures between 2004 and 2007 were included in this retrospective study. Maximum bite force (MBF) was measured bilaterally using a device with 2 strain gauges connected to a strain gauge measurement system. All the included patients were asked to fill out visual analog scale (VAS) forms based on general and chewing satisfaction and OHIP-14 forms. Results were analyzed by the Spearman rho test. No statistically significant correlation was found between MBF values and VAS general or VAS chewing satisfaction or Oral Health Impact Profile scores (P > .05). The results indicate that MBF is not associated with the satisfaction or quality of life of implant-supported mandibular overdenture wearers.

Are implant supported overdentures too complex to be included in the undergraduate curriculum?

To widen the availability of implant supported mandibular overdentures, their inclusion in the undergraduate clinical training curriculum has been encouraged. The aim was to determine whether implant supported mandibular overdentures provided by undergraduates could achieve similar levels of improvement in patient satisfaction and quality of life as previously demonstrated by experienced prosthodontists. Nineteen patients were treated by Stage 3 undergraduate students at Newcastle University, School of Dental Sciences. Changes between pre-treatment and 3 month post-treatment satisfaction and oral health related quality of life suggest dental undergraduates achieve similar levels of improvement as experienced prosthodontists.

Association between personality traits and quality of life in patients treated with conventional mandibular dentures or implant-supported overdentures.

Studies investigating the relationship between personality traits and quality of life related to the types of dental prostheses are scarce. The aim of the present study was to assess personality traits and their impact on quality of life for individuals treated with either conventional mandibular dentures (CMD) or implant-supported overdentures. Fifty patients with CMD and 50 patients with implant-supported mandibular overdentures (IMOD) were recruited. Individuals were examined; clinical and demographic data of interest were collected. All participants agreed to answer two questionnaires: the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), which assessed quality of life related to oral health, and the Neuroticism Extraversion Openness Five-Factors Inventory (NEO FFI-R), which evaluated five personality domains. The influence of variables of interest on oral health-related quality of life was tested by univariate analysis and multiple linear regression. Patients with CMD reported higher levels of impact on quality of life (OHIP-14=10·30 ± 5·88) when compared to patients with IMOD (OHIP-14=6·52 ± 5·91; P=0·002). Multivariate predictive regression model for quality of life included neuroticism, conscientiousness and gender for the conventional mandibular denture group (P<0·05; R(2)=36·59%), whereas neuroticism, openness and schooling (P<0·05; R(2)=21·09%) were included in the implant-supported mandibular denture group model. Patients with IMOD had less impact on quality of life than patients with CMD. Personality traits, mainly neuroticism, had a significant influence on oral health-related quality of life linked to a chosen modality of prosthetic therapy.

The effectiveness of 2-implant overdentures - a pragmatic international multicentre study.

The purpose of this multicentre observational study was to determine patient satisfaction with either conventional dentures or mandibular 2-implant overdentures in a 'real world' setting. Two hundred and three edentulous patients (mean age 68·8 ± 10·4 years) were recruited at eight centres located in North America, South America and Europe. The patients were provided with new mandibular conventional dentures or implant overdentures supported by two implants and ball attachments. At baseline and at 6 months post-treatment, they rated their satisfaction with their mandibular prostheses on 100-mm visual analogue scale questionnaires. One hundred and two (50·2%) participants had valid baseline and 6-month satisfaction data. Although both groups reported improvements, the implant overdenture group reported significantly higher ratings of overall satisfaction, comfort, stability, ability to speak and ability to chew. These results suggest that edentulous patients who choose mandibular implant overdentures have significantly greater improvements in satisfaction, despite their relatively higher cost, than those who choose new conventional dentures.

Impact of implant support for mandibular dentures on satisfaction, oral and general health-related quality of life: a meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine systematically the data published on the efficacy of mandibular implant-retained overdentures from the patient's perspective. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and The Cochrane Systematic Reviews Database were searched and complemented by hand searching. All randomized-controlled trials published in English or French up to April 2007 were included, in which conventional dentures and mandibular implant overdentures in adult edentulous individuals were compared. The outcomes of interest were patient satisfaction, oral and general health-related quality of life. Random effects models were used to pool the effect sizes (ES) of all included studies. RESULTS: Ten publications of seven randomized-controlled trials were identified and eight were included in the meta-analysis. When compared with mandibular conventional dentures, implant overdentures were rated to be more satisfactory at a clinically relevant level [pooled ES 0.80, z=3.56, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.36-1.24, P=0.0004], but a statistical heterogeneity was found (chi(2)=31.63, df=5, P<0.00001, I(2)=84%). The pooled ES for oral health quality of life was -0.41 (z=1.31, 95% CI, -1.02 to 0.20; P=0.19, chi(2)=11.53, df=2, P<0.003, I(2)=83%). There was a lack of evidence to show the impact of mandibular implant overdenture on perceived general health. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that, although mandibular implant-retained overdentures may be more satisfying for edentulous patients than new conventional dentures, the magnitude of the effect is still uncertain. There is a need for additional evidence including cost-effectiveness analyses on the impact of mandibular implant overdentures and conventional dentures.

A randomized-controlled trial of food choices made by edentulous adults.

AIM: The aim of this study was to conduct a randomized-controlled trial to compare food choices of edentulous adults provided with implant-supported mandibular overdentures and conventional dentures. METHODS: Edentulous patients were randomly allocated to an implant group (IG) or a denture group (DG). IG subjects (n=49) were provided with conventional maxillary dentures and implant-retained mandibular overdentures. Subjects in this group refusing implants were retained using the 'intention-to-treat principle' and provided with conventional dentures. DG subjects (n=48) were provided with conventional dentures. Subjects indicated whether they consumed any of seven test foods and the level of chewing difficulty experienced. Data were collected pre-treatment and 3 months post treatment. RESULTS: IG subjects reported increased consumption of carrots, apples and nuts post-treatment (P<0.05) and decreased post-treatment difficulty in chewing apples and nuts. DG subjects reported decreased post-treatment difficulty in chewing carrots, bacon and nuts (P<0.05). Between group differences for chewing difficulty were detected for nuts that DG subjects found easier to chew than IG subjects (P=0.002). CONCLUSION: Food selection and perceived chewing difficulty improved in both groups, with no significant differences between groups. Successful rehabilitation may not result in different food selection, which may require concurrent tailored dietary interventions, but may increase available food choices.

A longitudinal study of quality of life of elderly with mandibular implant-supported fixed prostheses.

OBJECTIVES: To verify the consequences of implant-supported fixed oral rehabilitation on the quality of life (QL) of elderly individuals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen patients were studied, being 10 females and five males; all were aged >60 years, were completely edentulous, wore removable dentures on both arches, and were treated with implant-supported fixed dentures. Three QL questionnaires were applied, two related to the oral conditions (Oral Impact on Daily Performance - OIDP - and Oral Health Impact Profile, short version - OHIP-14) and one dealing with global aspects (World Health Organization Quality of Life - WHOQOL-BREF), before 3, 6, and 18 months after surgical placement of implants. RESULTS: Scores in the OIDP and OHIP-14 questionnaires were better after dental treatment. The WHOQOL-BREF was less sensitive, confirming the higher reliability of specific questionnaires (focal) compared with general questions in such situations. CONCLUSION: Treatment with implant-supported fixed prostheses improved QL in the elderly; these effects are better detected by specific instruments focused on the subject.

Sex differences in denture satisfaction.

OBJECTIVES: Males and females differ in their responses to many health conditions and treatments. The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to determine whether there are differences in the way that male and female edentulous elders rate their satisfaction with new mandibular implant overdentures (IODs) and conventional dentures (CDs), at 6 and 12 months following delivery. METHODS: Edentulous elders (n=256) were randomly assigned to receive maxillary conventional dentures and either mandibular overdentures supported by two implants with ball attachments or conventional dentures. Participants rated their general satisfaction, as well as other features of their dentures (comfort, stability, ability to chew, aesthetics, etc.) prior to treatment and 6 and 12 months after delivery. RESULTS: Ratings of satisfaction with IODs were significantly higher than with CDs. Six months after delivery, females in the CD group rated their general satisfaction and satisfaction with ability to chew and aesthetics significantly lower than did the males. The sex differences in the CD group remained at 12 months after delivery. However, males and females in the IOD group rated their general satisfaction and all six subcategories equally. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly females are less satisfied with conventional dentures than elderly males with regards to aesthetics and ability to chew, but equally satisfied with implant overdentures. At 6 and 12 months after delivery, elderly edentulous males and females wearing mandibular implant overdentures were significantly more satisfied than those wearing conventional dentures.

Prosthetic rehabilitation of an adolescent with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia with partial anodontia: case report.

Ectodermal dysplasia is a hereditary syndrome characterized by dysplasia of tissues of ectodermal origin (hair, skin, nails, and teeth) and occasionally, dysplasia of mesodermally derived tissues. The triad of nail dystrophy (onychodysplasia), alopecia, or hypotrichosis (scanty, fine, light hair on the scalp and eyebrows) and palmoplantar hypohidrosis is usually accompanied by lack of sweat glands and partial or complete absence of primary and permanent dentition. Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia usually has an X-linked inheritance and affects only males severely, while female heterozygotes show only minor defects. The clinical management of children with ectodermal dysplasia provides a unique opportunity for cooperative effort between the pedodontist and the prosthodontist. The following case report discusses the management of a young boy with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. Removable prostheses were employed in the treatment. The aim was to rehabilitate the adolescent prosthodontically and boost him psychologically.