Ectodermal dysplasia is a rare inherited condition that affects structures derived from the ectoderm, including teeth, skin, hair, and sweat glands. Dental findings are often severe and include missing or malformed teeth and poorly developed jaw ridges. These abnormalities can significantly affect chewing, speech, facial appearance, and quality of life, especially in children and young adults. Removable dentures, particularly overdentures when some teeth are present, are commonly used to restore function and appearance in these patients because they are conservative and cost-effective. However, conventional acrylic dentures may show dimensional changes during processing, which can lead to poor denture fit, reduced retention, and lower patient satisfaction. Three-dimensional (3-D) printed dentures are a newer digital fabrication method that may reduce material shrinkage and improve denture adaptation. Despite these potential advantages, clinical evidence comparing 3-D printed and conventional overdentures in patients with ectodermal dysplasia remains limited, highlighting the need for well-designed clinical studies.
The purpose of this study is to compare patient satisfaction and denture base adaptation between 3-D printed maxillary overdentures and conventional acrylic maxillary overdentures in patients with ectodermal dysplasia.