What is a symptom indicative of excessive vertical dimension?

Excessive vertical dimension in dental occlusion refers to an increase in the length of the distance between the upper and lower jaws when the teeth are closed. This condition can create a range of symptoms due to the potential impact on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the overall mechanics of bite function.

The clicking of posterior teeth can occur when there is excessive vertical dimension because this condition can lead to misalignments and changes in how the teeth come together during movement. The altered spatial relationship can create uneven forces and contacts in the dental arches, resulting in noises such as clicking or popping noises when the teeth are in contact, especially during lateral or protraction movements.

Other symptoms such as pain in swallowing, facial asymmetry, and swelling of the gums do not specifically indicate excessive vertical dimension. While these symptoms can occur in various dental and health-related conditions, they are not directly attributable to the mechanical implications of increased vertical dimension like clicking of the posterior teeth is. This makes clicking a more direct indicator of issues associated with excessive vertical dimension.