VERTICAL PREPARATION TECHNIQUE IN PROSTHODONTICS: BIOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES AND CLINICAL EFFECTIVENESS

The vertical preparation technique has gained increasing attention in contemporary prosthodontics because of its conservative approach, favorable periodontal response, and high esthetic potential. Unlike traditional horizontal finish-line preparations, vertical preparation does not create a clearly defined cervical margin. Instead, the preparation extends vertically into the gingival sulcus, allowing the restoration to shape the soft tissues naturally during healing and provisionalization. This concept became especially popular after the development of the biologically oriented preparation technique (BOPT), which emphasizes the interaction between prosthetic contours and periodontal adaptation. The purpose of this article is to review the biological rationale, clinical stages, indications, advantages, and limitations of vertical tooth preparation. The article also analyzes its influence on gingival stability, emergence profile formation, and long-term prosthetic success. Current evidence demonstrates that vertical preparation may improve soft tissue esthetics and preserve periodontal health when performed correctly. However, the method requires advanced clinical skills, careful provisionalization, and close communication between clinician and dental technician.垂直预备技术（vertical preparation technique）在当代口腔修复学（prosthodontics）中受到越来越多的关注，因其具备微创保守的诊疗策略、良好的牙周组织反应以及优异的美学潜能。与传统的水平肩台预备不同，垂直预备不会形成边界清晰的颈缘。相反，预备体沿垂直方向延伸至龈沟内，可使修复体在愈合与临时修复过程中自然塑形软组织。这一理念在生物学导向预备技术（biologically oriented preparation technique, BOPT）问世后愈发流行，该技术强调修复体轮廓与牙周组织适配之间的相互作用。 本文旨在综述垂直牙体预备的生物学原理、临床流程、适应证、优势与局限性。本文还分析了该技术对龈组织稳定性、穿龈轮廓形成以及修复体长期临床成功率的影响。现有研究证据表明，操作规范的垂直预备可改善软组织美学效果并维持牙周组织健康。但该技术对临床操作技能要求较高，需要精细的临时修复处理，且需临床医师与牙科技师间保持密切沟通。