Restoration of the Occlusal Vertical Dimension with an Overlay Removable Partial Denture: A Clinical Report

The process of tooth loss throughout life associated with severe occlusal wear may pose a challenge in the rehabilitation of partially edentulous arches. In these cases, many therapeutic procedures are necessary because each tooth must be restored to obtain the correct anatomical contour and recover the occlusal vertical dimension (OVD). A removable partial denture (RPD) with occlusal/incisal coverage, also known as an overlay RPD, is an alternative treatment option with fewer interventions, and, consequently, lower cost. This clinical report reviews the principles involved in the clinical indication for an overlay RPD, as well as the necessary planning and execution, to discuss the feasibility and clinical effectiveness of this treatment, identifying the indications, advantages, and disadvantages of this procedure through the presentation of a clinical case. The overlay RPD can be an alternative treatment for special situations involving partially edentulous arches in patients who need reestablishment of the OVD and/or realignment of the occlusal plane, and it can be used as a temporary or definitive treatment. The main advantages of this type of treatment are its simplicity, reversibility, and relatively low cost; however, further studies are needed to ensure the efficacy of this treatment option.