A case report of recovery of masticatory function by partial dentures for a patient with reduced occlusal vertical dimension due to severe attrition

Abstract

Patient: A 74-year-old male visited our hospital with a chief complaint of difficulty chewing due to missing upper and lower molars. There was severe attrition on anterior lower teeth, and his occlusal vertical dimension was decreased. An occlusal appliance was put on the mandible to correct the occlusal vertical dimension and mandibular position. Finally, an overdenture with magnetic attachments at the maxilla and partial denture at the mandible were placed.

Discussion: Modification of the upper denture and the occlusal appliance installed for the lower jaw were effective for correcting the mandibular position and recovering occlusal support, leading to favorable treatment progress.

Conclusion: In this case, in which occlusal reconstruction was necessary, masticatory function was recovered by correcting the occlusal vertical dimension and mandibular position using an occlusal appliance.