Early prosthodontic intervention on two three-year-old twin girls with ectodermal dysplasia

Early prosthodontic treatment for cases of ectodermal dysplasia (ED) is usually difficult because of oligodontia, undeveloped alveolar ridges, and the young age of the patients. Although some cases of prosthetic management of ED patients have been reported in the literature, there have been few cases about prosthetic treatment in children younger than 5 years of age.

This case report presents early prosthetic oral rehabilitation of 2 twin sisters with ectodermal dysplasia and severe hypodontia in the primary dentition. Fixed partial dentures with bands retained on deciduous molars were fabricated when the girls were 3 years old. New flexible removable partial dentures were made when the girls turned 6 years to accommodate the ongoing alveolar development. After the dental treatment, the two girls' aesthetics, phonetics, and chewing functions all improved significantly, which in turn raised the girls' self-esteem and increased their overall quality of life.

These two cases demonstrated that properly timed and managed early prosthodontic intervention can improve the overall life quality of young patients with ectodermal dysplasia.