Oral implant rehabilitation in a patient with Moebius syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Moebius syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized by unilateral or bilateral involvement of the sixth and seventh cranial nerves, resulting in a lack of facial expression and eye movements. These patients suffer a series of oral manifestations that may complicate their dental treatment, such as facial and tongue muscle weakness, uncontrolled salivation secondary to defi cient lip sealing, micrognathia, microstomia, bifi d uvula, gothic and fi ssured palate, fi ssured tongue, and glossoptosis. The underlying etiology remains unclear, though vascular problems during embryogenesis appear to be involved. Clinical case: We report the case of a woman with Moebius syndrome and total edentulism. Eight years ago she underwent complete oral rehabilitation with the placement of two implants in each dental arch. Discussion: Moebius syndrome has still an unknown etiology, although it is related to disorders during pregnancy. This kind of patient can be rehabilitated using oral implants.