Enamel loss and occlusal vertical dimension. Causes and considerations for treatment.
Much of the accelerated or premature loss of vertical dimension experienced by patients is certainly preventable, and prevention should be emphasized. Recommendations on limiting any nicotine and caffeine use, supporting needs for fitness efforts, and assisted or self-management of damaging habits from stress are vital Restoratively along with aesthetics, substantial, functional vertical dimension changes may now be addressed conservatively, using a range of strategies and current state-of-the art materials. Patients should become better informed about the importance of a good dentition for their better general health. Restorative alteration of vertical dimension may not be universally essential. Nevertheless, the profession, patients, and the third-party payment community must unequivocally recognize the physiologic advantage of restoring lost FOVD. The simple replacement of missing or damaged teeth without also reviewing and often addressing related facial proportions, occlusion, and vertical dimension concerns can be too limited a treatment option. Treatment of this current and ever-increasing condition cannot be sparingly restricted to the realm of specialists. In light of current population demographics, general dentists must inform themselves of extensive, currently available information in order to improve their proficiency and gain more confidence in addressing these multifaceted, ever more common problems. Examining all treatment variables in conjunction with the proficient determination for improved masticatory function and durability will increase our potential for achieving more favorable outcomes. New research in these areas will continue to be applied in order to optimally compose and implement modern comprehensive treatment plans and better evaluate post-treatment success. Not taking the interrelated issues discussed in this article into consideration, or a failure to assess and better engage these increasingly widespread needs of our population, could severely compromise the dental health of an increasing number of current and future patients.
Chacona
Robert L
RL
D003442:Crowns; D003769:Dental Occlusion, Traumatic / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007347:Insurance, Dental; D019558:Occlusal Adjustment; D017090:Occlusal Splints; D013706:Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D019217:Tooth Attrition / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D014716:Vertical Dimension