Long-term observations of an increased occlusal face height obtained by a combined orthodontic/prosthetic approach

Twenty individuals received an increased occlusal face height by orthodontic means (a partial bite-raising splint). After splint treatment some of the anterior teeth were capped at the new occlusal face height. The average increase from start of splint treatment till after crown cementation was 1.9 mm. The stability of the vertical relations of the face after this treatment was studied. The average observation time was 67 months, i.e. 5.5 years. The modes of reaction were highly individual. A certain average relapse of the occlusal face height did occur, mostly in the course of the first 6 months after crown cementation. However, in no case did the increased face height revert to basis. In the period from 6 to 67 months after crown cementation twelve out of nineteen patients showed practically completely stable vertical relations.