Determining vertical and horizontal relations in total edentulism

Abstract:

Toothless patients do not have defined positions of the mandible toward the maxilla. Their proper determining is a prerequisite for restoring function and aesthetics of the dental system. The vertical relation of occlusion is the height of the lower third of the face, which is determined by the position of physiologic rest. Objective indicators, such as old photographs, plaster models, old prosthetics, radiographs, etc. can be of aid in determining the vertical relation of occlusion. Horizontal relations indicate the relationship of the mandible toward the maxilla in a horizontal plane. The position of the centric relation, where the mandible is directed, is used to determine its position. Methods for determining the horizontal relations are divided into passive and active, or methods of interocclusal records and methods of graphic records.  

Key words:
centric relation; horizontal dimension of occlusion; physiological rest vertical dimension of occlusion