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.