Vertical dimension in edentulous patients

Abstract

The vertical dimension of occlusion was determined in a selected sample of edentulous subjects using bilateral telescopic expansion screwjacks. The patients found their tongue movements less restricted than when a single anterior midline screwjack was used. Contact in the molar region gave rise to sensations more acceptable to the patients than those resulting from contact in the anterior region. These preliminary observations suggest that more accurate oral perception may be achieved with bilateral posterior jackscrews than with a single anterior screw, and that bilateral jackscrews may therefore be a more dependable and more accurate method of assessment of vertical jaw relations. The anatomical basis for these findings is reviewed.