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.