Application of cephalometric analysis for determination of vertical dimension of occlusion: A literature review

Introduction. Optimal reconstruction of vertical dimension of occlusion is crucial for functional and physiognomic rehabilitation of edentulous patients. This article is aimed at presenting attitudes and studies on application of cephalometric analysis in obtaining optimal vertical dimension of occlusion. The review of literature presents the studies which analyse the possibilities of cephalometric analysis aimed at improving the clinical methods for vertical dimension of occlusion determination in treatment of edentulous patients. The research carried out so far can roughly be divided into: cephalometric vertical dimension of occlusion evaluation in dentulous patients performed to determine precise indicators of vertical dimension of occlusion and to establish cephalometric standards for practical application in prosthodontics; the method of producing pre-extraction cephalometric registries involves the production of cephalometric radiographs for potential prosthodontic patients in dental pre-extraction period which are kept for reference to be used in later therapy; the cephalometric method of registering the position of physiologic rest position of the mandible involves measuring cephalometric parameters in cephalometric radiographs made when the mandible is in physiologic rest position; cephalometric evaluation of vertical dimension of occlusion in complete denture therapy after clinical determination of intemaxillary relationship is recommended for timely detection of possible mistakes, with a possibility of correction in the process of complete denture production; and cephalometric analysis in edentulous patients with old complete dentures for a planned vertical dimension of occlusion extension. Conclusion. Data from the literature give no proof of a scientific and universally accepted method for precise determination of vertical dimension of occlusion, which is a point many authors agree upon. Different methods proposed for vertical dimension of occlusion determination in everyday practice are usually recommended in combination with other methods. Determination of individual, morphological vertical dimension of occlusion indicators by cephalometric analysis is, in this sense, one of the directions for finding a better solution when planning an artificial occlusion complex.