What complication can excessive VDO cause in dentures?

• A. Pain while swallowing
• B. Improper fit
• C. Gum recession
• D. Jaw dislocation

Answer: (A)

When the Vertical Dimension of Occlusion (VDO) is excessive in dentures, it can lead to discomfort and pain during various activities, including swallowing. An excessively high VDO alters the natural relationship between the upper and lower jaws, which can create a misaligned bite. This misalignment can increase the effort required to perform actions such as swallowing, leading to discomfort or pain in the jaw and surrounding muscles.

Maintaining an appropriate VDO is crucial for ensuring that functional movements such as chewing and swallowing can be performed comfortably. If the VDO is set too high, it can also affect the patient's ability to articulate words properly, further contributing to discomfort while eating or speaking, which are essential functions of dental prosthetics.

It's important to carefully assess and adjust the VDO during denture fitting to avoid these complications and enhance overall patient comfort and functionality.