Full-mouth rehabilitation of a patient with reduced occlusal vertical dimension due to severe wear: a clinical report

Abstract

The loss of posterior support may cause attrition of anterior teeth, and loss of occlusal vertical dimension (OVD). The collapse of the posterior support will eventually cause the pathologic change of the TMJ and masticatory muscles, unesthetic facial appearance and decreased masticatory function. Patients with destroyed dentition need extensive prosthetic treatments. Proper diagnosis and treatment planning are necessary for the stability of the neuromuscular system and the TMJ, and esthetic and functional definitive restorations. In this case, 63 year-old male presented with decreased masticatory force and esthetic problems due to pathologic destruction of teeth structure on entire dentition. Based on assessment of OVD including intraoral findings, radiographic examination and diagnostic cast, full-mouth rehabilitation with increase of OVD was planned using fixed partial denture and removable partial denture. Diagnostic wax-up was done after 4 mm increase of OVD determined by assessment of OVD. The OVD was maintained with the overlay type removable interim prostheses for 12 weeks to ascertain his comfort and adaptation to the new OVD. After the adaptation period, second interim prostheses with tooth preparation maintaining the established OVD was delivered. After 4 weeks, final prostheses were fabricated and delivered. After 7 month follow-up period, occlusal stability is maintained. Through this procedure, satisfactory outcomes were achieved both in functional and esthetic aspects. (J Korean Acad Prosthodont 2013;51:39-46)