Occlusal Reprogramming in Loss of Vertical Dimension Using Transitional Adhesive Restorations: A Case Report
Occlusal Reprogramming
Abstract
Loss of occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) may result from attrition, erosion, or partial edentulism, compromising masticatory function, facial esthetics, and phonation. Its recovery requires clinical strategies that allow validation of occlusal changes before irreversible procedures. This case report presents a 70-year-old woman, systemically stable, with bilateral partial edentulism, moderate anterior attrition, and a reduction in OVD greater than 3 mm. A vertical dimension increase was planned using transitional adhesive restorations. A functional mock-up was fabricated with bis-acrylic resin and flowable composite applied through a sectional stamp technique, using selective etching and partial acid conditioning. The adaptation period lasted three months, with clinical follow-up and esthetic adjustments according to patient perception. No temporomandibular signs or symptoms were observed during follow-up. This clinical approach demonstrated that transitional adhesive restorations are a reliable diagnostic and therapeutic tool to validate occlusal reprogramming and improve predictability in complex rehabilitative treatments.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Maria Jose Masson Palacios, Alex Torres Varela, María Fernanda Alarcón Larco
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
