Background: Ectodermal dysplasia is a rare genetic disorder that affects ectodermally derived structures, including teeth, nails, hair, and sweat glands. Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia is the most common type, with oligodontia being the most striking dental feature. Prosthetic rehabilitation in children with ectodermal dysplasia is an important step toward improving their overall quality of life. The fixed prosthesis has the advantages of being more stable in the mouth with good child compliance and a good aesthetic outcome.
Case presentation: Our patient was a 5-year-old Middle Eastern boy with oligodontia caused by ectodermal dysplasia. He was managed by fabrication of an upper functional space maintainer and a lower fixed partial denture to restore occlusion, masticatory function, aesthetics, and overall quality of life.
Conclusions: The use of the fixed prosthesis in children is a new and evolving treatment modality that resolves many of the issues caused by removable prostheses. It accommodates jaw growth in the mandible, reduces the need to remake the prosthesis, and has an overall better aesthetic outcome.
Keywords: Children with special needs; Ectodermal dysplasia; Fixed prosthesis; Growth and development; Oligodontia; Pediatric dentistry; Prosthetic rehabilitation; Prosthodontics.