Evaluation of the phonetic method for determining the vertical dimension of occlusion in complete denture construction

Objectives : The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the phonetic method for determining the vertical dimension of occlusion in complete denture construction as compared to the rest vertical dimension method and the height of occlusal rim method. Subjects and methods : Fifteen completely edentulous patients were involved in the study, patients age ranged between 40-60 years with a mean age of 54.40 years. Vertical Dimension of Occlusion (VDO) was measured using three different methods, phonetic method, physiologic rest position and height of occlusal rim method. The upper cast was mounted on a semi-adjustable articulator using the maxillary face bow, after adjustment of upper occlusal rim height and orientation, followed by centric relation recording and mounting of the lower cast. The mean inter- arch distance (IAD) of the three methods were measured on the articulator. The results were tabulated and statistically analyzed. Results: There was statistically no significant difference in the mean Inter-arch distance measured by the three mentioned methods. As well as, significantly positive correlation was found between the methods. Conclusion: Phonetic method was more reliable method than the physiologic rest position method in measuring the OVD. The heightof occlusal rim method considered encouraging but must be confirmed by further investigations on larger sample of patients.