Prosthetic Rehabilitation of Patients with Reduced Vertical Occlusal Dimension: Three Case Report

The 48th Annual Conference of the European Prosthodontic Association (EPA), Nevşehir, Türkiye, 11 - 13 Eylül 2025, sa.283, ss.133, (Özet Bildiri)

INTRODUCTION: Reduction in vertical occlusal dimension is

a complex clinical condition that usually occurs due to excessive

attrition, abrasion or long-term tooth loss. This condition may

negatively affect the patient's jaw structure, speech and facial

aesthetics. Rehabilitation with prosthetic restorations offers an

effective solution to restore the lost function and form in such

patients.

Case Presentations: Case I: A 45-year-old-female patient

presented to the Department of Prosthodontics at Inonu

University. Clinical and radiographic evaluation revealed a fully

dentate maxilla and a completely edentulous mandible. Six-

implants were inserted in the mandibular arch, followed by the

placement of an implant-supported fixed dental prosthesis.

The reduced vertical dimension was successfully reestablished.

Case 2: A 48-year-old-male patient presented with concerns

regarding aesthetics and function. Clinical and radiographic

examinations revealed partial tooth loss, deep bite and decreased

vertical dimension. Full arch fixed restorations were planned for

both jaws. After tooth preparation, temporary restorations were

placed for 6 weeks until the final restorations were delivered.

Permanent restorations were made. The patient experienced

improvement in both aesthetics and vertical dimension.

Case 3: A 70-year-old-male patient presented with both

functional and aesthetic complaints, including partial edentulism

in the maxilla and pronounced occlusal wear on the remaining

dentition in both arches. Considering the posterior tooth loşs and

the patient's preference, a treatment approach incorporating

both fixed and removable partial dentures was formulated.

During preparation, severely worn teeth were brought to ideal

size with composite restorations to achieve appropriate crown

height. The patient was rehabilitated with provisional dentures

for 8 weeks and then fixed and removable final dentures were

applied. Lost functions and esthetics were restored.

CONCLUSION: The restoration of vertical occlusal dimension

represents a critical component of comprehensive prosthetic

rehabilitation. Well-designed prosthetic restorations that fulfill

both functional and aesthetic requirements can substantially

enhance oral equilibrium and quality of life.

Keywords: Occlusal vertical dimension, implant-supported

fixed prosthesis, full-arch fixed prosthesis