The Effect of Alteration of Vertical Dimension of Occlusion on Brain Activity in Complete Denture Wearers

BACKGROUND: The establishment of appropriate vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) is paramount for successful and functioning complete dentures (CDs). AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of alteration of VDO on the brain activity in CD wearers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten completely edentulous patients participated in this study. Each patient received three sets of CDs: one control set and two duplicates’ CDs. The control CDs was designed with appropriate VDO (control - VDO), while the duplicate CDs were designated as followed: one with VDO lowered by –3 mm (low - VDO) the other one VDO was increased by +5 mm (high - VDO). The effect of alteration of VDO on brain activity was assessed by measuring alpha waves changes using electroencephalogram (EEG) before and after chewing gum. Statistical analysis was carried out using one-way ANOVA and dependent t-test. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the alpha waves mean values after chewing (p 0.05). The control-VDO revealed a statistically significant higher mean values compared to the duplicate dentures. CDs with high - VDO showed higher mean value than low - VDO dentures, however, it was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Appropriate determination of VDO is not only important for the success of CDs but also for the functional augmentation of brain activity.