Assessment of Occlusal Vertical Dimension Change in Mechanical and Virtual Articulation: A Pilot Study

Abstract

The aim of this clinical study was to investigate the change in occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) with dental casts mounted on a mechanical articulator using an average axis facebow and on a virtual articulator mounted using the Bonwill triangle and the Balkwill angle and compare these groups with OVD change observed clinically in patients. Casts were obtained from each patient (n = 14) and mounted on a semi-adjustable articulator in the facebow preservation group (FPG) and on a virtual articulator using average anatomic values in the average mounting group (AMG). Customized mandibular anterior splints were virtually designed at an OVD increased by 3, 6, and 9 mm. Digital buccal scans were performed with the anterior devices in the participants’ mouths in the intraoral group (IOG), AMG, and FPG at the different OVD increases accordingly. While no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in the posterior interocclusal measurements with the incisal guide pin raised by 3 mm and 6 mm among all groups, a 9 mm increase resulted in a significant difference between AMG and IOG. The interocclusal posterior-to-anterior opening ratio observed clinically was 1:1.575. Increases in OVD up to 6 mm on dental casts mounted using average anatomic values performed similarly to the actual intraoral changes.