Anatomical
landmarks in maxilla
Limiting structures
Labial frenum
Single band of fibrous connective tissue, must be properly relieved.
Labial vestibule
Extends from
labial frenum to buccal frenum. Proper lip support should be provided.
Buccal frenum
Consist of
one or more bands. Must be Relieved
Influenced
by 3 muscles- Orbicularis oris (forward),
Buccinator (backward), Caninus
(position)
Buccal vestibule
Buccal
frenum to hamular notch
Influenced
by Buccinator, Modiolus, Coronid process of mandible
Hamular notch
Pterygomaxillary
notch, Distal extension of denture ,Situated between the tuberosity and hamulus
of the medial pterygoid plate.
Posterior palatal seal
area
the soft
tissues along the junction of the hard and soft palates on which pressure within
the physiologic limits of the tissues can be applied by a denture to aid in the
retention of the denture.
Synonyms:
post dam area, postpalatal seal area
Supporting structures
Hard palate
Flat areas
as secondary retentive areas.
Flat palate
(not good support), V shaped palate (least favorable).
Residual ridge
Ridge left
after the extraction of teeth. Mucosa is firmly attached to the periosteum of
the bone. Consist of dense collagenous fibers.
Considered
as a secondary stress-bearing area
because it is subject to resorption contrary to horizontal portion of
hard palate.
Palatal rugae
Resist the
horizontal forces against the denture, Should not be over compressed.
Relief areas
Incisive papilla
Pad of
fiberous connective tissue over incisive foramen, Proper relief should be
given.
Aid in
arrangement of anterior teeth and jaw relation.
Mid palatine raphe
Junction of
palatine process of maxilla. Covered by a thin mucosa, Slightly elevated or
raised.
Proper
relief required.
Fovea palatine
Formed by coalescence
of several mucous gland ducts. Landmark for location of vibrating line.
Maxillary Tuberosity
The medial
& lateral walls resist the horizontal and torquing forces which would move
the denture base in lateral or palatal direction.
Therefore,
maxillary denture base should cover the tuberosities and fill the hamular
notches.
