Validation of the Distance between Upper Canine Gingival Margin Zenith to Ipsilateral Lower Canine Gingival Margin Zenith as Method for Determination of the Occlusal Vertical Dimension

Background: The vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) is one of the most important parameters to consider for diagnosis and treatment planning in a prosthetic rehabilitation. Various methods to determine it have been proposed throughout the scientific literature, without establishing a universally accepted method. Various factors, such as the differences in the biotype and phenotypic characteristics of the patients in certain populations, could generate variations in the measurements obtained. Objective: This study aimed to validate a method of evaluation and determination of VDO in subjects belonging to a particular population. Methods: 142 individuals belonging to an Ecuadorian population with healthy and complete dentition were evaluated. The VDO was recorded by taking a distance from the gingival margin zenith of the upper canine to the gingival margin zenith of the ipsilateral lower canine. Results: The results obtained were consistent among the evaluated subjects, determining an average value of 17 mm corresponding to the VDO. The higher frequency of individuals presented a value of 18 mm, which is in agreement with previous findings. Conclusion: The method replicated in this study could be suggested as a valid reference for determining and evaluating VDO in patients with a normal occlusion, which would serve to diagnose and to plan future comprehensive restorative treatments.