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Prosthodontics & Occlusion · single question

Loss of vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) should be evaluated in part using which phonetic method?

  1. Listening to 'M' sounds, which require the lips to gently close together at the physiologic rest position — helping estimate freeway space and rest VDO
  2. Listening only to 'F' or 'V' sounds
  3. Watching the patient swallow, with no speech assessment
  4. Measuring with a ruler alone, without any phonetic assessment
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Correct answer: A. Listening to 'M' sounds, which require the lips to gently close together at the physiologic rest position — helping estimate freeway space and rest VDO

'M' (and similar bilabial) sounds require the lips to lightly approximate at physiologic rest, useful for estimating rest position and freeway space. ('S' sounds are instead used to assess the closest speaking space — checking that anterior teeth nearly, but don't, touch during speech — which evaluates occlusal VDO, a related but distinct check.)

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