Dahl effect
Encyclopedia
The Dahl effect or Dahl concept is a concept used in dentistry
where changes are planned in the occlusion of the dentition
. Dahl first described this phenomenon: a Dahl appliance
uses an anterior bite plane to increase the available interocclusal space available for restorations.
It is of great interest to the dentist
when an increase in the interocclusal space is required together with an increase in occlusal vertical dimension is required; for example when restoring a case of severe anterior tooth surface loss. Typically, restoring the worn anterior teeth with dental composite
to the original proportions will result in an increase in OVD, with the posterior dentition held apart out of the occlusion
.
Adaptation occurs over a period of some months: compensatory eruption of the posterior teeth will occur, together with some intrusion of the anterior teeth and potential growth of the alveolar bone. This will allow the posterior occlusion to reestablish at the new increased OVD, stabilizing the increased interocclusal space.
The advantages of this approach are: minimal removal of tooth substance is required to create the interocclusal space, lost OVD can be restored, minimising facial aging, it is a safe, relatively simple, relatively cheap approach in selected patients.
Risks of this approach to tooth surface loss cases are the risk that the patients tolerance and adaptive capacity might be exceeded. Planned occlusal changes can be tested using a removable appliance prior to permanent treatment. Dental composite based approaches to tooth surface loss allow for easy adjustment or removal if required.
Dentistry
Dentistry is the branch of medicine that is involved in the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent and associated structures and their impact on the human body. Dentistry is widely considered...
where changes are planned in the occlusion of the dentition
Dentition
Dentition pertains to the development of teeth and their arrangement in the mouth. In particular, the characteristic arrangement, kind, and number of teeth in a given species at a given age...
. Dahl first described this phenomenon: a Dahl appliance
Dahl appliance
A Dahl appliance is a dental appliance that includes a flat anterior bite plane that causes a planned posterior disclusion. The Dahl appliance causes Dahl effect dental adaptation; posterior overeruption and mild intrusion of the anterior teeth, creating anterior interocclusal space which may be...
uses an anterior bite plane to increase the available interocclusal space available for restorations.
It is of great interest to the dentist
Dentist
A dentist, also known as a 'dental surgeon', is a doctor that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity. The dentist's supporting team aides in providing oral health services...
when an increase in the interocclusal space is required together with an increase in occlusal vertical dimension is required; for example when restoring a case of severe anterior tooth surface loss. Typically, restoring the worn anterior teeth with dental composite
Dental composite
Dental composite resins are types of synthetic resins which are used in dentistry as restorative material or adhesives. Synthetic resins evolved as restorative materials since they were insoluble, aesthetic, insensitive to dehydration, easy to manipulate and reasonably inexpensive...
to the original proportions will result in an increase in OVD, with the posterior dentition held apart out of the occlusion
Occlusion (dentistry)
Occlusion, in a dental context, means simply the contact between teeth. More technically, it is the relationship between the maxillary and mandibular teeth when they approach each other, as occurs during chewing or at rest....
.
Adaptation occurs over a period of some months: compensatory eruption of the posterior teeth will occur, together with some intrusion of the anterior teeth and potential growth of the alveolar bone. This will allow the posterior occlusion to reestablish at the new increased OVD, stabilizing the increased interocclusal space.
The advantages of this approach are: minimal removal of tooth substance is required to create the interocclusal space, lost OVD can be restored, minimising facial aging, it is a safe, relatively simple, relatively cheap approach in selected patients.
Risks of this approach to tooth surface loss cases are the risk that the patients tolerance and adaptive capacity might be exceeded. Planned occlusal changes can be tested using a removable appliance prior to permanent treatment. Dental composite based approaches to tooth surface loss allow for easy adjustment or removal if required.