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Influence of occlusal vertical dimension on the masticatory performance during chewing with maxillary splints
L W Olthoff1, H W van der Glas, A van der Bilt
1Department of Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery, Prosthodontics and Special Dental Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands. l.w.olthoff@med.uu.nl
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation
|July 26, 2007
Summary
Increasing occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) up to 6 mm did not significantly affect masticatory performance. This study explored how OVD changes impact chewing efficiency in dental patients.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Biomechanical Engineering
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) changes are common in restorative, cranio-mandibular, orthodontic, and orthognathic treatments.
- Altering OVD can affect jaw muscle length and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) position, potentially influencing bite forces and masticatory function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively measure the immediate influence of increased occlusal vertical dimension on masticatory performance.
- To assess the impact of varying degrees of OVD increase on the ability to pulverize food.
Main Methods:
- Seven dentate subjects were fitted with three custom maxillary splints, increasing OVD by 2 mm, 4 mm, and 6 mm.
- Masticatory performance was evaluated by measuring the capacity to pulverize a standardized test food.
- Subjects practiced chewing with splints for approximately 5 minutes before testing.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences in masticatory performance were observed between the no-splint condition and the conditions with OVD increases of 2 mm, 4 mm, or 6 mm.
- The tested increases in occlusal vertical dimension did not yield measurable changes in chewing efficiency.
Conclusions:
- An increase in occlusal vertical dimension up to 6 mm does not appear to significantly impact masticatory performance.
- Maxillary splints are effective tools for investigating the effects of occlusal factors on chewing by allowing manipulation of tooth shape and occlusal surfaces.
