Oral rehabilitation-Vertical Dimension

Planning an increase in OVD

When an increase is considered, the amount should be the minimum needed to meet biological, functional and restorative goals. The plan should account for remaining tooth structure, periodontal support, parafunction, material thickness, anterior guidance and whether a minimally invasive additive approach is possible. Reversible mock-ups, provisional restorations or an evaluation phase can help assess comfort, speech, aesthetics and function, although evidence does not mandate one universal protocol for every patient.

Practical sequence

1. Diagnose the cause and activity of tooth wear.
2. Record the existing occlusion, OVD and functional findings.
3. Define restorative space and treatment goals.
4. Test the proposed change when clinically indicated.
5. Use conservative direct or indirect restorations where feasible.
6. Review adaptation, occlusion, material performance and maintenance needs.

Complex worn-dentition rehabilitation requires individualised prosthodontic planning; increasing OVD is not, by itself, a treatment for temporomandibular disorders.

Changes in vertical dimension should be considered within comprehensive prosthodontic treatment planning, not as an isolated measurement.