The Vertical Box Technique: Restoration of the Vertical Dimension of Occlusion (VDO) through Analog and Digital Workflow
Dr. Alessandro Galluzzi
Abstract
Every day, dental professionals face patients with increasingly demanding aesthetic expectations. But can these expectations always be met safely and predictably? Enhancing a smile does not only mean focusing on anterior teeth; it requires restoring a broader harmony that integrates facial macro-aesthetics, occlusal balance, and functional adaptation.
The challenge lies in distinguishing physiological adaptation from true pathology and understanding the risks we introduce when altering a patient’s occlusal scheme through prosthetic rehabilitation. The transition from analog to digital protocols offers new tools to face these challenges with greater precision, repeatability, and diagnostic accuracy. The “Vertical Box” technique represents an innovative approach for restoring the Vertical Dimension of Occlusion (VDO), combining analog principles with the advantages of digital workflow. Through the integration of facial scanning, jaw tracking, and CAD/CAM technologies, it is now possible to record real mandibular movements and design truly customized prostheses that respect the patient’s individual function and esthetics.
This presentation will explore how the Vertical Box method can improve functional diagnosis, treatment predictability, and esthetic outcomes. By merging analog experience with digital innovation, we can achieve a new level of precision in occlusal rehabilitation and smile design.
Learning Objectives
- Assess the impact of facial macro-aesthetics on smile perception and the anti-aging potential of dentistry.
- Discover how to effectively integrate analog and digital workflows for optimal prosthetic outcomes.
- Apply the Vertical Box technique through a step-by-step presentation of its clinical protocol and digital workflow.