title: Removable partial dentures vs overdentures in children with ectodermal dysplasia: two case reports.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ectodermal dysplasia (ED) represents a disorder group characterised by abnormal development of the ectodermal derivatives. Removable partial dentures (RPD), complete dentures (CD) or overdentures (OD) are most often the treatment of choice for young affected patients. Prosthetic intervention is of utmost importance in the management of ED patients, as it resolves problems associated with functional, aesthetic, and psychological issues, and improves a patient's quality of life. However, few studies present the principles and guidelines that can assist in the decision-making process of the most appropriate removable prosthesis. The purpose of this study was to suggest a simple treatment decision-making algorithm for selecting an effective and individualised rehabilitative treatment plan, considering different parameters.
  
  
  METHODS
  The cases and treatment of two young ED patients are described and each one was treated with either RPDs or ODs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Periodic recalls were employed to manage problems, and monitor the changes associated with occlusion and fit of the prostheses in relation to each patient's growth. Both patients were followed up for more than 2 years and reported significant improvement in their appearance, masticatory function, and social behaviour as a result of the prosthetic rehabilitation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The main factors guiding the decision process towards the choice of an RPD or an OD are the presence of posterior natural teeth, facial aesthetics, lip support, number and size of existing natural teeth, and the occlusal vertical dimension.
authors.affiliation: Division of Prosthodontics, Department of General Dental Sciences, School of Dentistry, Marquette University, 415 E Vine Str #304, Milwaukee, WI, 53212, USA. gmaroulakos@yahoo.gr.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Maroulakos
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: I I
authors.initials: II
authors.lastname: Artopoulou
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Dentistry, Department of Developmental Sciences, School of Dentistry, Marquette University, Milwaukee, USA.
authors.forename: M V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Angelopoulou
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Emmanouil
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D000848:Anodontia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003828:Denture, Overlay; D003832:Denture, Partial, Removable; D004476:Ectodermal Dysplasia; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
keywords: Children; Ectodermal dysplasia; Hypodontia; Overdenture; Prosthetic rehabilitation; Removable partial denture