Alteration of vertical dimension in the treatment of craniomandibular disorders

The vertical dimension of occlusion can be an important factor to consider when treating symptoms of craniomandibular disorders. A case report is presented here in which a patient's vertical dimension was re-established to eliminate chronic, painful symptoms. Conservative long-term treatment was then completed at the re-established vertical dimension by fitting the patient with an overlay removable partial denture. The patient's symptoms were eliminated, and she has remained asymptomatic for more than one and a half years.