It is the key step of the occlusal reconstruction to determine the correct occlusal vertical dimension for edentulous patients. Although there are several methods in clinical practice, there is no ideal way. This paper summarizes the following methods: inter-occlusal distance, closest speaking space method, pre-extraction record, face proportion division method and facial appearance observation, cephalometric analysis, electromyography, swallowing, bite force determination and self feeling method. In this paper, the current research status and the feasibility of each method are discussed.

Unilateral maxillary defects are common clinical maxillofacial deformities. Because of their large area and the complexity of the maxillary structure, the distribution of pressure from dental prostheses and on the sustentacular tissue is usually uneven, which often results in pain or ulceration of the soft tissue and agomphiasis during the therapeutic process. Recently, the finite element method has been used to guide prosthesis design and implantation. This method is conducive to the restoration and stability of the dental prosthesis and the protection of the remaining tissue, which improves restoration quality and patient satisfaction. This paper summarizes the establishment of a three-dimensional finite element model of unilateral maxillary defects and its application in repairing unilateral maxillary defects with traditional prostheses, implant-supported prostheses and surgical flap transplantation combined with prostheses.