The role of complete overdentures in esthetic rehabilitation of the adolescent oligodontia patient. A case report.
BACKGROUND
Dental agenesis is a common developmental anomaly among human populations. It presents with varying degrees of severity. Oligodontia present in the permanent dentition may have significant esthetic, psychosocial, as well as functional implications.


METHODS
A case of oligodontia in an adolescent patient treated with conventional overdentures is presented in this article. A thorough medical and dental history were taken. Comprehensive clinical and radiographic examinations were made. Diagnostic casts were mounted. The prosthetic denture teeth were set and followed by esthetic and phonetic evaluation. Following approval by the patient, the overdentures were processed in heat cure resin using the conventional techniques.


RESULTS
Good esthetic results were achieved. Patient was satisfied with the final prostheses.


CONCLUSIONS
Simple prosthodontic solutions can be utilized to aid patients with dental agenesis. These have great implications for the patient's self image.


CONCLUSIONS
Oligodontias are common. The literature frequently addresses esthetic rehabilitation using fixed prostheses and dental implants. This case report illustrates the value of removable prosthodontic procedures as one approach to fulfilling the requirements of esthetic rehabilitation of a young oligodontia patient.
Thalji
Ghadeer N
GN
Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7450, USA.
Cooper
Lyndon F
LF
D000293:Adolescent; D000848:Anodontia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003779:Denture Design; D003828:Denture, Overlay; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D014716:Vertical Dimension