Comparison of the occlusal vertical dimension after processing complete dentures made with lingualized balanced occlusion and conventional balanced occlusion.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

An increase in occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) may occur after processing complete dentures. Although many factors that generate this change are known, no information is available in the dental literature regarding the effect that the occlusal scheme may have on the change in OVD.

PURPOSE

This in vitro study compared the increase in OVD, after processing, between complete dentures with teeth arranged in lingualized balanced occlusion and conventional balanced occlusion.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty sets of complete dentures were evaluated as follows: 15 sets of complete dentures were arranged in conventional balanced occlusion (control) and 15 sets of complete dentures were arranged in lingualized balanced occlusion. All dentures were compression molded with a long polymerization cycle. The occlusal vertical dimension was measured with a micrometer (mm) before and after processing each set of dentures. Data were analyzed using an independent t test (alpha=.05).

RESULTS

The mean increase in the OVD, after processing, was 0.87 +/- 0.21 mm for the control group and 0.90 +/- 0.27 mm for the experimental group. There was no significant difference between the groups.

CONCLUSION

After processing, dentures set in lingualized balanced occlusion showed an increase in OVD similar to those set in conventional balanced occlusion.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Although the 2 occlusal concepts resulted in similar increases in the OVD after processing, the lingualized balanced occlusion may result in easier occlusal adjustments, as the less complicated occlusal scheme uses a smaller number of centric occlusion contact points.