A 4-year-old child in Shenzhen born without teeth due to a rare genetic disorder has successfully received full removable acrylic dentures, thanks to advanced digital dental technology, Southern Medical University Shenzhen Stomatological Hospital (Pingshan) announced on October 23, 2025.
The boy, nicknamed Lele (pseudonym), suffers from Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia (HED), a rare genetic condition with an incidence of 1 in 100,000, causing congenital tooth absence, sparse hair, and impaired sweat glands . Lacking dental stimulation since birth, his jawbones developed poorly, with the thinnest part measuring only 1-2mm-posing extreme challenges for denture fixation .
The hospital's implant prosthodontics team adopted a digital full denture solution to overcome difficulties. They used non-invasive intraoral scanning for precise 3D modeling, avoiding traditional impression discomfort . The base was custom-designed to maximize adsorption on thin alveolar bone while protecting fragile tissues.
After collaborative efforts from doctors, technicians, and nurses, Lele now wears well-fitted dentures. For the first time, he can chew soft solids and has a more natural facial contour . "This is just the start-he'll need replacements as his jaw grows," said the lead doctor, noting the dentures also stimulate jaw development for future treatments.