Oral rehabilitation of a preschool child with ectodermal dysplasia through fixed space maintainers in a case of 7 primary incisors oligodontia – Case report

Abstract

Oligodontia is a common manifestation of Ectodermal Dysplasia with severe implications for oral aesthetics and function. The adaptation of space maintainers becomes a challenge due to the complexity missing teeth and facial growth in children. Objective: report and describe the manufacturing and adaptation of fixed dentomuco-supported space maintainers in the maxilla and mandible of a child with Ectodermal Dysplasia. Case Report: A 4-year-old patient with Ectodermal Dysplasia and oligodontia of seven primary incisors was subjected to adaptation of fixed space maintainers. For the maxilla, a modified Nance space maintainer was fabricated with an acrylic resin extension to the vestibular to simulate gingival tissue, and artificial primary teeth were fabricated using prefabricated acetate crowns. For the mandible, a lingual arch was fabricated with an acrylic resin extension to the vestibular in the region where the four lower primary incisors were missing to simulate gingival tissue, and artificial lower primary incisors were also fabricated. Results: The patient showed excellent adaptation to space maintainers, with improvements in masticatory function, posture, and tongue function. The family reported psychological improvement in the child, who had stopped attending school due to embarrassment and returned to regular school activities. Conclusion: Space maintainers are effective in restoring function and aesthetics in complex cases of oligodontia associated with Ectodermal Dysplasia.