OVD
Pronunciation: O-V-D
Also written as: OVD — Occlusal Vertical Dimension
Abbreviation for Occlusal Vertical Dimension; the measured jaw-closed face height used as a key reference in prosthetic case design and laboratory fabrication.
Full Definition
OVD is the standard laboratory and clinical abbreviation for Occlusal Vertical Dimension, the distance between a maxillary and mandibular landmark when the patient's teeth or occlusal rims are in contact. It appears routinely on laboratory prescriptions, articulator settings, and case design summaries. Editors encountering OVD in dental laboratory documents should ensure the full form appears on first use per the style conventions of most dental publishing houses. Confusion with 'RVD' (rest vertical dimension) is a common editorial trap.
Usage
Usage note: Note that some older texts invert the abbreviation to 'VDO' (Vertical Dimension of Occlusion). Contemporary usage strongly favours 'OVD'; editors should standardise accordingly.
In Context
- "The case summary listed an OVD of 58 mm, consistent with the pre-treatment records." — Case Summary Document
- "After editing, the author was asked to spell out OVD on first reference in the methods section." — Journal Manuscript Review