A Novel Experimental Design Model for Increasing Occlusal Vertical Dimension

This study aimed to establish a rat model of increasing occlusal vertical dimension (iOVD) using a prosthodontic approach. The OVD was increased by bonding a maxillary, bilateral, posterior dental splint with a bearing ball while the occlusal stops that were made on the stone casts adjusted the occlusion and bonded in the mouths of adult Wistar rats (iOVD group); the controls did not receive a splint. Both groups were subdivided after splint insertion: 3 days and 1, 2, 3, or 4 weeks (n = 6/subgroup). The effects of iOVD were evaluated by radiographs, body weight, and histologic diagnosis of tooth and temporomandibular joints. There were no differences in body weights between the 2 groups; occlusal asymmetric dentition abrasions did not occur in the iOVD rats. The occlusal splints caused the remodeling of the periodontal tissue and condylar cartilage. Overall, an iOVD rat model can be constructed using prosthodontic techniques ensuring a balance of bilateral occlusal height.