Measurement and Definition of VDO - VDO can be measured subjectively based on esthetics and phonetics for completely edentulous patients. - Maxillary and mandibular record bases with notched wax rims are used to record a measured VDO. - Wax rims are built up or removed until the appropriate VDO is established. - The notched wax rims allow an index of the relationship between the maxillary and mandibular rims. - Alluwax or Regisal can be used as a medium for the index. - VDO, or vertical dimension of occlusion, indicates the superior-inferior relationship of the maxilla and mandible in maximum intercuspation. - VDO can be measured subjectively for completely edentulous individuals. - It is not only possessed by people with teeth. - VDO is important for proper dental occlusion and function. - Loss of vertical dimension can occur due to tooth decay and loss.

Esthetics of VDO - An appropriately measured VDO will appear ordinary in terms of the configuration of the nose, lips, and chin. - Excessive VDO can make it difficult for the patient to close their lips and may give the appearance of something stuffed in their mouth. - Straining to close lips around wax rims during VDO determination can indicate excessive VDO. - Deficient VDO can cause the mouth to appear collapsed and the chin too close to the nose. - Insufficient wax on the rims can lead to over-closing of the mouth.

Phonetics and VDO - Sibilant and fricative sounds are commonly used to establish a patient's VDO. - Sibilant sounds involve nearly touching the maxillary and mandibular incisors. - Fricative sounds involve the maxillary incisors touching the slightly inverted lower lip at the wet-dry line. - Counting upwards from fifty and then sixty can help determine the appropriate VDO based on the patient's attempts to make fricative and sibilant sounds. - Saying the name 'Emma' can provide a rough estimate of the patient's VDO, known as the vertical dimension at rest (VDR).

Practical methods for finding VDO - The distance between the inner corner of the eye and the corner of the lips can be used to find a suitable VDO. - This measurement is applied between the center bottom of the nose and the lower tip of the mandible center. - In completely edentulous individuals, adjustments should be made accordingly. - Maintaining a centric position is important when determining VDO. - Practical methods can be used to estimate VDO in the absence of specific measurements.

Additional Information - Alluwax or Regisal can be used as a medium for the index in measuring VDO. - Loss of vertical dimension can occur due to tooth decay and loss.