Determination of the Occlusal Vertical Dimension: Use of Maxillary and Mandibular Posterior Teeth Measurement in Edentate Subjects*

Determination of the occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) is one of the most important steps in making dentures. Various techniques have been used to make these measurements. Unfortunately, there is no universally accepted method available for clinical use. The aim of this study was, therefore, to develop a technique to determine OVD for complete dentures by using parameters obtained from natural posterior dentition. The silicon impressions were made from the posterior region of the mouth from dentate patients in maximum intercuspation. The measurements were made to determine the distance between the depth of maxillary and mandibular mucobuccal reflections and the relations of the posterior teeth to the mucobuccal reflections. The mean distance between the mucobuccal reflections was 36.14 mm. in the first premolar region, 35.57 mm. in the second premolar region and 32.44 mm. in the first molar region for the right side. The findings of this study can be used as a guide for the construction of record bases and occlusal rims and for establishing the occlusal vertical dimension in edentulous patients. KEY WORDS: Occlusal vertical dimension, Posterior teeth