Facial Morphological Changes Following Denture Treatment in Children with Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia

The purpose of this study was to characterize the facial morphology of Chinese children with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) and quantify facial changes after prosthetic treatment. 3-D facial images of 12 HED children were taken and their facial morphology was compared against 28 healthy controls. Facial changes due to denture placement were also quantified. Group differences were quantified and visualized by superimposing the average faces with robust Procrustes superimposition. Partial least square regression was used to investigate the effects of group membership (HED or controls, pre- and posttreatment) on facial morphology. HED patients had a more prominent forehead, depressed nasal region, depressed zygomatic zone, flat cheeks, and protuberant lips and chin compared with controls. The strongest differences were localized in the middle and lower face, especially in the cheeks and zygomatic and chin regions (P<0.05). Pre- and post-treatment comparisons showed the chin retruded (P<0.05). Statistical facial differences between the posttreatment patients and the controls were localized in the perinasal area and submental region (P<0.05). The facial morphology of Chinese children with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia differs significantly from healthy children, creating a more concave facial profile. Posttreatment facial changes provide a better understanding of dentures' role in improving facial appearance.