Oral rehabilitation of a patient with reduced vertical occlusal dimension

Resumo

Reduction of the vertical occlusal dimension (VOD) can present similar characteristics to those verified in the aging process, therefore it determines alterations in the patient´s face and alters temporomandibular joints positioning, because of muscular alterations. Objectives: This clinical report aimed to present the results of increasing vertical dimension with a full-mouth rehabilitation treatment procedure for a 54-year-old male patient. Case description: Tooth wear accelerated with age, so increased vertical dimension was done by installing provisional restorations for one 1-month period to evaluate functional, esthetic and phonetic adaptation to the new vertical dimension. It was not reported any symptom during this period. Once the compatibility of the new vertical dimension was confirmed, provisional fixed restoration and permanent reconstruction initiated with dental crowns, overlays and veneers by all-ceramic and restorations made of silicate and oxide ceramics (IPS e.max). It was possible to obtain the recovery of the height of 1/3 inferior of the face and at the end of the treatment, signals and symptoms caused by reduced vertical dimension disappeared, in addition to obtaining facial harmonization. Conclusions: A correct diagnostic and articulated study casts can provide key information to achieve predictability of the treatment. The patient has been clinically monitored for one-year follow-up.

Keywords: Vertical Dimension; mouth rehabilitation; dental prosthesis.