Dentra Apollo VDO Gauge, Vertical Dimension of Occlusion Ruler for Prosthodontics
Dentra Apollo VDO Gauge, Vertical Dimension of Occlusion Ruler for Prosthodontics
The Dentra Apollo gauge is a prosthodontic measuring instrument for recording the vertical dimension of occlusion. Vertical dimension is the distance between two marked facial points, conventionally one on the fixed maxilla and one on the mobile mandible, and getting it right is one of the more consequential judgements in denture and full mouth work. Set it too low and the face collapses and the patient over-closes; set it too high and there is no freeway space, the teeth clash during speech, and the patient cannot tolerate the prosthesis. The gauge replaces eye estimation with a direct millimetre reading: two adjustable markers locate the reference points, the scale reads lower face height, and a locking mechanism holds the figure so it survives the transfer to the record.
What is included
| Item | Detail | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Dentra Apollo VDO gauge | One vertical dimension of occlusion gauge with adjustable markers and locking mechanism, REF 60301 | NEW |
What is not included
| Item | Detail | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sterilisation | The instrument is supplied non-sterile | NOT INCLUDED |
| Calipers and measuring gauges | Other measuring instruments in the range | SOLD SEPARATELY |
| Bite registration materials | Wax rims, registration pastes and related consumables | SOLD SEPARATELY |
| Instrument tray or basket | Tray, wire basket and reprocessing consumables | SOLD SEPARATELY |
Before use
- This instrument is supplied non-sterile. It must be decontaminated and sterilised in line with the receiving practice's decontamination policy before any clinical use, including before first use.
- For use by a suitably qualified dental professional. The instrument records a measurement. Determining the correct vertical dimension for a patient is a clinical judgement that combines the measurement with aesthetics, phonetics and freeway space assessment.
- Confirm the markers are locked before reading, and read the scale square on to avoid parallax error.
- Inspect the scale legibility, the marker tips and the locking mechanism before each use. A gauge that will not hold its setting is giving a false reading.
What the gauge is for
Vertical dimension is measured in two states. Rest vertical dimension is recorded with the mandible in physiological rest position. Occlusal vertical dimension is recorded with the teeth or the record rims in occlusion. The difference between the two is the freeway space, and it is that difference, not either figure alone, that tells the clinician whether the prosthesis will be tolerated.
Establishing both figures requires the same two reference points to be located reliably on each occasion. That is what the adjustable markers do. The scale then gives a number in millimetres rather than an impression, which makes the record reproducible: the same clinician gets the same figure at the next appointment, and a second clinician or the laboratory can work to it.
The instrument belongs to a long line of prosthodontic measuring devices going back to the Willis gauge of 1935, which introduced the idea of measuring lower face height directly rather than judging it. Modern gauges keep the principle and add a locking scale.
Where it is used
Key features
Specification
| Brand | Dentra |
| Product | Apollo VDO gauge, vertical dimension of occlusion ruler |
| Reference | 60301 |
| Function | Recording rest and occlusal vertical dimension |
| Markers | Two, adjustable, with locking mechanism |
| Scale | Engraved, graduated in millimetres |
| Speciality | Prosthodontics, implant dentistry, restorative dentistry |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Reprocessing | Reusable, steam sterilisable |
| Supplied | Non-sterile, single instrument |
| Intended user | Suitably qualified dental professionals |
| Condition | New |
Measuring range to be confirmed
The measuring range, graduation interval, overall dimensions and the exact steel grade are not stated here pending confirmation against the production record and material certificate. Gauges of this type are produced with different ranges, so the range should be confirmed before ordering where a particular span is needed. Ask before ordering if this figure is required.
Reprocessing and care
| Stage | Action |
|---|---|
| Before first use | Remove all packaging, decontaminate and sterilise |
| Point of use | Rinse promptly so debris does not dry into the scale engraving and the locking mechanism |
| Cleaning | Process per the practice decontamination policy, with the markers moved through their travel so the slide is reached |
| Inspection | Check scale legibility, marker tip condition and that the lock holds a setting under light pressure |
| Lubrication | Apply instrument lubricant to the sliding mechanism where the local policy requires it |
| Sterilisation | Steam sterilise per the validated cycle for the load |
| Storage | Store dry and protected, keeping the marker tips clear of contact with heavier instruments |
| Withdrawal | Remove from service on corrosion, an illegible scale, a bent marker or a lock that will not hold |
The above is general guidance. The practice decontamination policy and current national guidance on decontamination in primary care dental practices take precedence.
Dentra range
Dentra is the dental instrument range from Elarix Medical. Prosthodontic measuring instruments are supplied alongside extraction forceps by figure number across adult and children's patterns, and orthodontic pliers and cutters. Every item is individually referenced and barcoded, so a repeat order is placed against a code rather than a description.
