The influence of the occlusal vertical dimension on masticatory muscle activities and hyoid bone position in complete denture wearers.

PURPOSE Long lasting usage of complete dentures causes lower occlusal vertical dimension, producing potential detrimental consequences. The aim of this study was to investigate how changes in vertical dimension during denture exchange affect muscular activity and hyoid bone position. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-five edentulous, otherwise healthy patients (14 females, 11 males) aged 70.5 +/- 9 years, wearing their dentures over 5 years but no longer than 15 years (mean 9.8 +/- 5.2), were studied. New dentures were fabricated and the occlusal vertical dimension was recorded on cephalometric radiographs. Cephalograms were analyzed according to Ricketts. The relation of the hyoid bone position to the mandible was estimated. An evaluation of muscular activity was performed using the Biopak Electromyography Recording System synchronized with the T-Scan II Occlusal Analysis System. RESULTS The occlusal vertical dimension was higher with the new dentures compared with the old dentures. The transition to new dentures was accompanied by a change of the vertical position of the hyoid bone. Digastric muscle activity was lower with the new dentures in comparison with the old dentures. CONCLUSIONS Increase of the occlusal vertical dimension in complete denture wearers affects the hyoid bone position and masticatory muscle activity.