Assessment of craniofacial growth in individuals with ectodermal dysplasia after complete denture rehabilitation: A preliminary study.

Aim: The main purpose was to evaluate the effect of complete denture rehabilitation on the jaw growth pattern in individuals with ectodermal dysplasia from an early age to maturity.

Settings And Design: This was a prospective in vivo study performed in the Department of Prosthodontics, King George Medical University, Lucknow, India.

Materials And Methods: Rehabilitation with three sets of conventional complete dentures was completed in an ectodermal dysplasia case at the age of 5, 10, and 17 years. Cephalometric and diagnostic cast analyses were the methods performed to evaluate jaw growth patterns. Linear and angular measurements obtained after denture rehabilitation were averaged and compared with mean standard values of nearly corresponding ages, as given by Sakamoto and Bolton. Conversely, alveolar ridge arch width and length were evaluated for their dimensional changes during the same age intervals.

Statistical Analysis Used: Mann-Whitney U-test was used to check the difference between the groups. The significance of the level adopted was 5%.

Results: Nasion-anterior nasal spine, anterior nasal spine-menton, anterior nasal spine-pterygomaxillary fissure, gonion-sella, and gonion-menton lengths were found to be not statistically significant than the mean standard values of nearly corresponding ages (P > 0.05). The decrease in facial plane angle, increase in Y-axis angle, and mandibular plane angle after complete denture rehabilitation were statistically significant when compared to their mean standard values (P < 0.05). Cast analysis showed more increase in the length compared to the width in both arches.

Conclusion: Complete denture rehabilitation did not significantly affect the jaw growth pattern, although it improved facial esthetics and masticatory activity by establishing adequate vertical dimensions.