Full-mouth rehabilitation in a skeletal Class III malocclusion patient with loss of occlusal vertical dimension due to mandibular posterior edentulism and severe tooth wear:a case report
10.4047/jkap.2026.64.1.67
- Author:
Hyun-Jung KOO
1
;
Chang-Mo JEONG
;
So-Hyoun LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Prosthodontics, Dental and Life Sciences Institute, Education and Research Team for Life Science on Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Republic of Korea Department of Prosthodontics, Dental Research Institute, Pusan National University Dental Hospital, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
- Publication Type:CASE REPORT
- From:The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
2026;64(1):67-83
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
In this case, a patient with skeletal Class III malocclusion, loss of occlusal vertical dimension(OVD) as a result of bilateral mandibular posterior edentulism and generalized attrition of the remaining teeth, and severe anterior crossbite was treated with full-mouth prosthodontic rehabilitation to restore masticatory function and esthetics. To determine the appropriate OVD, comprehensive analyses of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), physiologic rest position, phonetics, facial measurements, and lateral cephalometric radiographs were performed, and condyle stability in centric relation was evaluated using a CAD-CAM provisional denture. Bilateral posterior occlusion was re-established with implant-supported prostheses to recover vertical support, and the remaining teeth with severe attrition and structural damage were conservatively treated, recontoured at the cervical line, and restored with zirconia full-coverage crowns to regain function and esthetics. As a result, the severe anterior crossbite with full mandibular overlap of the maxillary anterior teeth was corrected to an edge-to-edge relationship, and mutually protected occlusion was achieved in eccentric movements. This case report demonstrates that establishing the correct centric relation and recovering an appropriate OVD are critical in alleviating abnormal anterosuperior mandibular rotation and severe anterior crossbite in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion, along with improvements in masticatory function, phonetics, and esthetics, thereby contributing significantly to the enhancement of quality of life.
