A digital approach of a customized gothic arch tracing technique for VDO and CR recording.

Abstract

To introduce the “True DVO Finder Technique”, a method for identifying the Vertical Dimension of Occlusion (VDO) and the Centric Relation (CR) in patients requiring dental rehabilitations including those with tooth wear. The technique relies on designing and fabricating a customized intra-oral variant of the Gothic Arch tracer based on intraoral scans of the patient's mouth and using it according to a specific procedure founded on the principles of neuromuscular balance of the stomatognathic system. The tracing device is designed digitally on intra-oral scans of the patient's arches to accurately and firmly fit it to the patient's mouth, according to standardized and replicable digital design steps. The device, consisting of two customized plastic plates holding a recording disk and a marking stylus, as well as two retaining hooks, is then manufactured through additive or subtractive digital systems. After having it placed in the mouth, the patient performs autonomously a set of movements that allow recording its VDO and CR. The customized tracer fits easily and is stable in the patient mouth. The procedure set up allows recording his/her VDO and CR in a condition of neuromuscular balance. The True DVO Finder Technique has the potential to provide accurate and replicable measures which may result in short-and long-term rehabilitation success. It improves patient compliance and has several technical and practical advantages, including reduced lab and chair time and costs.