Contents
1. Introduction
2. Parts of Maxilla
3. Anatomy of Supporting Structures
4. Anatomy of Limiting Structures
5. Anatomy of Relief Structures
6. Microscopic Features of Palate
7. Histological Changes
8. Conclusion
9. References
Introduction
Dentures and their supporting structures are to coexist for a length of time structural
differences in various parts of the maxillary arch
It is important that the practitioner understand the anatomy of the supporting and limiting
structures which form the foundation of the denture bearing area
The foundation area mainly comprises of bone of the hard palate and the residual ridge
which is covered by a mucous membrane
Anatomy of Supporting Structures
Mucous membrane:
It is the tissue that supports the denture base
It is composed of 2 parts:
Mucosa
Submucosa
Secondary – Rugae, Maxillary tuberosity
Maxilla
Paired bone, 2nd largest facial bone.
Forms upper jaw, part of oral cavity, nasal cavity, orbits.
Parts of Maxilla
Body and four processes:
Frontal
Zygomatic
Alveolar
Palatine
Body of Maxilla
Contains encloses a maxillary sinus
Has four surfaces
1. Anterior (facial or malar)
2. Posterior (infratemporal)
3. Superior (orbital)
4. Medial (nasal)
Palatal Process
Horizontal extension from medial surface
Consist of two surface – Inferior, Superior three borders
Medial, Posterior, Lateral
Alveolar Process
Part of the maxilla and mandible.
Supports and holds the teeth.
Contains alveoli (tooth sockets).
Composed of cortical bone, trabecular bone, and lamina dura.
Resorbs after tooth loss.
Essential for denture support and retention.
Shape and height affect denture stability
Supports teeth sockets
Becomes residual ridge after tooth loss
Palatine Bone
Palatine bones: L-shaped bones.
Location: Posterior part of nasal cavity.
Positioned between maxillae and pterygoid process of sphenoid.
Two plates - with horizontal and perpendicular plates
Three process – Pyramidal, Orbital, Sphenoidal
Hard Palate
Foundation for maxillary denture formed by hard palate and alveolar ridges
Hard plate is formed by
1. palatine process of maxillary bone & horizontal plate of palatine bones.
2. cross shaped set of sutures transverse the palate.
Microscopic Features of Palate
Stratified squamous epithelium
Zones: Anterolateral (fatty)
Posterolateral (glandular)
Median (thin)
Anterolateral Posterolateral
Mid Palatine
Alveolar Ridge
Shape and size of the alveolar ridges change when the natural teeth are removed
Resorbs upward/inward post-extraction
Ideal: Broad crest, parallel sides
Maxillary Tuberosity
Maxillary tuberosity also knows posterior convexity of maxilla.
In edentulous mouth, alveolar tubercle is maxillary tuberosity.
Provides resistance to horizontal denture movement.
Medial & lateral walls resist horizontal along torquing forces on denture base.
Bulbous extension of residual ridge in 2nd and 3rd molar region.
Rough prominence seen
Rugae
Located on the anterior hard palate.
Irregular ridges of soft tissue.
No functional role in humans.
Tissue is resilient and rebounds after pressure.
Should not be compressed during impression.
Distortion may cause denture unseating.
Record rugae area passively for better fit
Mucosal folds in anterior region
Important for speech
Limiting Structures
Labial frenum & vestibule
Buccal frenum & vestibule
Hamular notch & posterior palatal seal
Labial Frenum & Vestibule
Frenum: fold of mucous membrane, no muscle
Vestibule: thin mucosa, non-keratinized epithelium
Denture flange supports upper lip
Buccal Frenum & Vestibule
Relief needed to avoid dislodgement during function
Vestibule bounded by cheek and ridge
Buccal flange height influenced by coronoid process
Hamular Notch
Denture border should extend to hamular notch
Pterygomandibular ligament attaches here
Lies posterior to the maxillary tuberosity, extending obliquely downward and forward.
Ensures proper retention and stability of the maxillary denture
Must be accurately recorded during impression making
Posterior Palatal Seal
Soft tissue at hard-soft palate junction
Prevents air entry under denture
Extends between the two hamular notches, passing across the vibrating line
Relief Area
Incisive Papilla
Mid Palatine raphae
Fovea palatine
Cuspid eminence
Incisive Papilla
A small pear-shaped soft tissue elevation behind the maxillary central incisors.
Overlies the incisive foramen
Covers nasopalatine nerves and blood vessels
Located behind central incisors
Nasopalatine nerve passes through foramen
Denture base should avoid excessive pressure here due to underlying vessels
Mid Palatine Raphae
A narrow, raised ridge along the midline of the hard palate
Extends from the incisive papilla anteriorly to the uvula posteriorly.
Represents the embryonic fusion line of the right and left palatal shelves.
Median suture area with thin submucosa
Avoid pressure to prevent soreness
Fovea Palatine
Helps locate posterior denture border
Small pits or depressions located on either side of the midline of the palate
Situated at or near the junction of the hard and soft palate, close to the vibrating line
Represent openings of minor salivary gland
Cuspid Eminence
Bony extension of alveolar ridge post-canine extraction
On the facial aspect of the alveolar process, lateral to the anterior nasal spine
Marks the position of the maxillary canine root
Histological Changes
Flattened epithelium,
Reduced papillae
Blood vessel sclerosis,
Bone resorption
Conclusion
Knowledge of anatomy and histology is key
Proper diagnosis and design preserve tissue health
References
Textbook of Prosthodontics Deepak Nallaswamy Veeraiyan 2nd edn.
Thank You
