Classification and management of restorative space in edentulous implant overdenture patients

A classification system of available vertical restorative space (from the crest of the soft tissue edentulous ridge to the proposed occlusal plane) is introduced for edentulous arches to be restored with implant overdentures. The Class I arch has available vertical restorative space equal to or greater than 15 mm. An arch with 12 to 14 mm of available vertical restorative space is categorized as Class II. Class III represents an arch with 9 to 11 mm of available space, while an arch with less than 9 mm of vertical restorative space is categorized as Class IV. A review of clinical procedures designed to improve vertical space availability is provided, including alveoloplasty, intentional increase of occlusal vertical dimension, occlusal plane repositioning and management of overdenture attachment selection. The authors stress the importance of considering vertical restorative space and its management for implant overdenture patients during treatment planning prior to implant placement.