Vol. 11, Issue 4, Part E (2025)

The occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) is fundamental for both oral function and aesthetics. Its alteration—whether from tooth wear, loss, or edentulism—can compromise masticatory efficiency, facial harmony, and patient comfort. This review aims to analyze and compare the literature on various methods used to evaluate and modify OVD, focusing on the transition from traditional clinical and anthropometric approaches to modern digital and CAD/CAM-based systems. An extensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar using terms such as “occlusal vertical dimension,” “vertical dimension modification,” “digital smile design,” and “anthropometric methods.” Studies published between 2019 and 2024 were included. The findings suggest that both clinical and digital tools offer valuable insights, with digital smile design (DSD) and CAD/CAM systems allowing for greater precision, reversibility, and predictability. However, the choice of method should remain individualized, based on the clinical scenario and patient needs. The integration of digital technologies with traditional prosthodontic principles represents a promising direction for achieving optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes.