Ask Dr. Christensen: How to determine vertical dimension of occlusion on edentulous patients
Dr. Gordon Christensen answers questions from readers and offers his answers based on research, dentists' opinions worldwide, and personal observation.
Can you determine vertical dimension of occlusion on patients who have no teeth? Are you making stabilized occlusion rims (bite blocks)? When that is placed in the patient's mouth, evaluate facial form and the patient's ability to say 's' sounds. If the person bangs the wax together, you'll need to take some off. Also, place your fingers on the temporalis and masseter muscles and have the person bite down. If the person can get very active motion in these muscles, it's a good sign.
Previously Dr. Christensen answered the question Can complete dentures really be predictable? Watch the video for the answer.
