Re-Establishment of an Occlusal Vertical Dimension: A Case Report

Abstract

One of the most important strategies of the restorative treatment is the valuation and re-establishment of occlusal vertical dimension (OVD). This phase must not be neglected, because the decrease or increase of OVD causes damage to teeth, muscles, joint and difficult the patient’s swallowing and phonation. This paper presents the treatment of a patient with loss of occlusal vertical dimension with dental wear caused by parafunctional habits. The planning for oral rehabilitation was initially making occlusal overlay bilateral splints in acrylic resin for the recovery of the intermaxillary distance and after the patient’s adaptation and muscular stability to the new occlusal condition, the definitive rehabilitative treatment evolved into direct restorations in composite resin associated with all-ceramic crowns reinforced by lithium disilicate.