Speakers - 2026

Title: Redefining occlusal vertical dimension using a digital neuromuscular protocol

Abstract

Restoration of the Occlusal Vertical Dimension (OVD) in patients presenting with reduced vertical dimension and chronic orofacial pain represents a complex clinical challenge, particularly when conventional diagnostic criteria rely primarily on morphological references or subjective clinical tests. A fully digital neuromuscular workflow offers a predictable, objective, and biologically driven alternative by integrating functional neuromuscular data into diagnosis, treatment planning, and prosthetic rehabilitation. The protocol is initiated using ultra-low frequency transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation (ULF-TENS) to induce neuromuscular deprogramming, allowing the masticatory muscles to reach a physiologic state independent of habitual occlusal patterns. Following deprogramming, compre-hensive functional assessment is performed using surface electromyography (sEMG), computerized mandibular scanning, and electrosonography (ESG) to identify a relaxed, repeatable mandibular position characterized by muscular symmetry, functional stability, and joint harmony. These neuromuscular findings are integrated with advanced digital records, including dynamic cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), intraoral and facial scanning, optical tracking of free mandibular movements, and digital occlusal load analysis within a four-dimensional planning environment. This integrated approach enables precise visualization of mandibular trajectories, occlusal dynamics, and functional articulation under physiologic conditions. Based on the consolidated dataset, long-term anatomical provisional restorations are fabricated to validate the proposed increase in OVD under real functional loading. This reversible clinical phase allows objective evaluation of mastication efficiency, swallowing patterns, phonetics, muscular balance, and patient adaptation over time prior to definitive rehabilitation.
Neuromuscularly guided OVD restoration reduces muscular hyperactivity and parafunctional activity, restores physiologic mandibular movement, and significantly alleviates orofacial pain without pharmacological intervention. Additionally, controlled OVD increase re-establishes facial support, improves profile and perioral aesthetics, and contributes to measurable improvements in patient comfort, confidence, and overall quality of life. This digital neuromuscular approach enables minimally invasive, stable, and reproducible functional and aesthetic outcomes.

The audience take away from presentation:

1. A reproducible digital neuromuscular protocol for OVD restoration Participants will gain a step-by-step understanding of a fully digital neuromuscular workflow for restoring Occlusal Vertical Dimension in patients with reduced vertical dimension. This protocol can be directly implemented in daily clinical practice to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment predictability.

2. Objective criteria for mandibular positioning and functional validation The audience will learn how to use ULF-TENS, sEMG, mandibular kinesiography, CBCT, and digital occlusal analysis to determine a physiologic, repeatable mandibular position, reducing reliance on subjective tests and minimizing clinical guesswork.

3. Practical integration of 4D digital planning into restorative workflows. Attendees will understand how four-dimensional planning enhances visualization of mandibular dynamics, improves occlusal design, and allows accurate transfer of functional data to articulators and CAD/CAM systems, increasing restorative precision.

4. Clinical strategies to reduce orofacial pain without pharmacological intervention. The presentation provides a practical, evidence-based solution for managing muscular hyperactivity and parafunction through neuromuscularly guided OVD correction, improving patient outcomes and long-term stability.

5. Research and educational value for faculty and advanced clinicians. The protocol offers a structured framework that can be expanded into clinical research, postgraduate teaching, and interdisciplinary collaboration, supporting curriculum development and further investigation into neuromuscular dentistry and digital occlusion.