OPIS PRZYPADKU
Complete denture rehabilitation in patients with Down
syndrome – clinical challenges and adaptive strategies
Więcej
Ukryj
1
Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Monastir, Research Laboratory of Oral Health and Buccofacial Rehabilitation (LR12ES11), 5000 Monastir, Tunisia, Tunisia
2
Department of Dental Medicine, Ben Arous Regional Hospital, Faculty of Dental Medicine,
University of Monastir, Research Laboratory of Oral Health and Buccofacial Rehabilitation (LR12ES11), 5000 Monastir, Tunisia, Tunisia
3
Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Monastir, Research Laboratory of Oral Health and Buccofacial Rehabilitation (LR12ES11), 5000 Monastir, Tunisia, Tunisia
Data nadesłania: 17-04-2026
Data ostatniej rewizji: 18-05-2026
Data akceptacji: 17-09-2026
Data publikacji: 17-09-2026
Autor do korespondencji
Ahlem Beji
Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Monastir, Research Laboratory of Oral Health and Buccofacial Rehabilitation (LR12ES11), 5000 Monastir, Tunisia, Tunisia, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
Prosthodontics 2026;76(3):283-290
SŁOWA KLUCZOWE
DZIEDZINY
STRESZCZENIE
Down syndrome is commonly associated
with craniofacial and oral anomalies, including
macroglossia, maxillary hypoplasia, and
neuromuscular dysfunction, which may contribute
to early tooth loss and complete edentulism.
Prosthodontic rehabilitation in these patients
represents a significant clinical challenge due to
anatomical, functional and behavioral limitations.
This report presents the clinical management of
a 40-year-old male patient with Down syndrome
and moderate intellectual disability who
presented with complete edentulism. The patient
was rehabilitated with conventional bi-maxillary
complete dentures using adapted clinical
protocols.
Treatment complexity was increased by
macroglossia, muscular hypotonia, dyskinetic
movements, and reduced patient cooperation.
Therefore, several modifications were
implemented throughout the treatment process, including simplified impression techniques, the
use of functional border molding adapted to
patient tolerance, careful jaw relation recording,
and a customized approach to tooth arrangement
to enhance prosthesis stability and retention.
Behavioral management strategies and shorter
clinical sessions were also essential to ensure
treatment acceptance.
The outcome demonstrated satisfactory
functional and aesthetic results, with improved
mastication, phonation and patient comfort. This
case highlights the importance of individualized
prosthodontic approaches, clinician flexibility,
and regular follow-up in managing patients with
special needs, ultimately contributing to improved
oral function and quality of life.