Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the phonetic method for determining the vertical dimension of occlusion in complete denture construction as compared to rest vertical dimension method and height of occlusal rim method.
Subjects and methods: Fifteen patients were involved in the study, with a mean age of 54.40 years. Vertical Dimension of Occlusion (VDO) were measured using three different methods, phonetic method, physiologic rest position and height of occlusal rim method. The upper cast was mounted on a semi-adjustable articulator using the maxillary face bow, after adjustment of upper occlusal rim height and orientation, followed by centric relation recording and mounting of lower cast. The mean inter- arch distance (IAD) of the three methods were measured on the articulator. Then, comparison was carried out between the mentioned methods and the result was tabulated and statistically analyzed.
Results: There was statistically no significant difference in the mean Inter-arch distance of the three mentioned methods. As well as, significantly positive correlation was found between the methods.
Conclusion: Phonetic method was more reliable method than the Physiologic rest position method in measuring the OVD. Height of occlusal rim method considered encouraging but must be confirmed by further investigations on larger sample of patients.