Prosthetic rehabilitation of extremely worn dentitions: Case reports

The stomatognathic system is a complicated structure, and patients usually adapt to their existing vertical dimension of occlusion. Therefore, prosthetic rehabilitation of decreased vertical dimension of occlusion should be considered only when dictated by esthetic or functional requirements. If the loss of vertical dimension is significant, provisional prostheses should be used before the final prosthesis to prevent tension or pain in the temporomandibular joints and the muscles as the patient adapts to the new dimensions. Acrylic resin provisional prostheses were used for three patients before the final prosthesis was fabricated with the restored vertical dimension of occlusion. The period of use varied, depending on the patient's individual adaptive ability. The important aspect is to find the most comfortable position for the patient.