[Vertical pathological attrition--causes, consequences and treatment methods]

The mechanism of development of vertical pathological attrition leading to destruction of the palatine and vestibular surfaces of the anterior teeth is described. Vertical pathological attrition is most frequent in acquired occlusal defects after loss of abutement zones, and in certain congenital malocclusions (supraocclusion). This condition may lead to damage to the whole stomatognathic system. Depending on the degree of progression of the pathological changes of this system prosthetic treatment in cases of vertical pathological attrition may be done in one or two steps. For illustration of the methods of treatment of this attrition three cases are presented.