A shielded velocity-matched Ti:LiNbO3 optical modulator with a ridge is investigated. The analytical method is based on the second-order triangular element finite element method. The thickness of the coplanar waveguide traveling-wave electrode is taken into consideration and the relationship between the electrode thickness and optimum overlaid layer thickness is clarified. Incorporating a ridge into these Ti:LiNbO3 optical modulators can improve not only their modulation bandwidth but also their driving voltage.