The maxillary denture: its palatal relief and
posterior palatal seal
William R. Laney, DDS, MS
Juan B. Gonzalez, DDS, MS, Rochester, Minn.
The delineation of areas for palatal relief and pos­
terior palatal seal is the responsibility of the den­
tist who constructs the prosthesis. This phase of
denture construction is extremely important to the
success of the restoration and the health of the pa­
tient. Palatal reliefs should be minimal, and mas­
ticatory stresses should be distributed adequately
over as wide an area as is feasible. The posterior
palatal seal should be properly placed to enhance
border seal and increase stability.
Inflammatory, necrotic, and premalignant tissue
changes generally are not precipitated without
cause. The resin denture base of a relatively inert
material is seldom the immediate etiologic factor.
Anatomic structures supporting the denture base
constantly respond to local stresses and systemic
disorders, and the normal maxillary denture
foundation can withstand local functional stresses
transmitted by the denture base. However, to con­
struct a complete prosthesis efficiently for the
edentulous maxillas, one must be cpgnizant of the
anatomic and physiologic limitations of each pa­
tient and plan the restoration accordingly.
The delineation of areas for palatal relief and
posterior palatal seal is not a laboratory obliga­
tion; it is the responsibility of the dentist who con­
structs the prosthesis. To assign the laboratory
technician this responsibility is a breach of the pa­
tient’s faith in the diagnostic ability of his den­
tist; the success of the prosthesis may depend on
these simple but critical procedures.
1182
Anatomic considerations
To determine the location and extent of palatal re­
lief and posterior palatal seal, a superficial evalu­
ation o f the potential denture foundation is suc­
ceeded by a more detailed examination. Bone of
the maxillas, palate, and alveolar ridge has peri­
osteal attachments and a mucosal covering with a
varying distribution of connective and glandular
tissue elements. Palpation normally reveals firm
and dense tissues of the residual ridge and tissues
of limited elasticity over the anterior part of the
hard palate, where the rugae appear as irregular
elevations. Substantial vertical pressure can be ap­
plied in the latter area without eliciting pain. How­
ever, prolonged horizontal shifting of the denture
base readily irritates the irregular mucosal surface.
Anteriorly, on the median palatine suture, lies
the anterior palatine foramen indicated by the in­
cisive papilla. Traumatic forces applied to this re­
gion may induce paresthesia, pain, or a burning
sensation since the nasopalatine vessels and nerves
underlie the mucosa near the papilla.
In its anteroposterior extent, the median pala­
tine suture can vary from a midline depression to
an extensive undercut torus. The suture usually is
covered with a relatively thin mucoperiosteum.
Laterally from the midline to the alveolar pro­
cess, the thickness of the submucosa increases.
Fat cells are profusely interspersed in the super­
ficial tissues between the deep layers o f the oral
mucosa and the palatine glands. Pendleton1’2 ob­
served that the palatine glands may contribute to
the mechanical function performed by the adipose
tissue. These glands are of equal importance as
buffers to the shock of forces transmitted to the
denser tissues at the residual ridges and the mid­ pterygomandibular raphe. Prominent superior at­
line of the palate by the prosthesis. The anterior tachments of the raphe to the maxillary tuberosity
palatine nerves and descending palatine vessels behave as active frenums and may affect border
leave the greater palatine foramens at the postero­ seal. Frequently active in this region is the tendon
lateral angles of the hard palate. If the jaw has of the tensor palati muscle, which is protected by
been edentulous for some time with subsequent a bursa as it rounds the hook of the hamular pro­
resorption, these structures may be superficial in cess. Although in instances of prominent tuberosi­
their anterior course. In the average patient, suf­ ties, its medial extension onto the lateral palate
ficient protection is afforded by a normal distribu­ may be affected by vertical tendinous slips of the
tion of glandular and adipose tissue. However, in internal pterygoid muscle, the hamular notch is a
instances of extreme resorption, spinous processes relatively passive region for maintaining adequate
of bone near these foramens may require mechan­ seal.
ical relief or surgical removal.
A comparative study of the elasticity and dis-
placeability of the mucosa covering the residual Clinical aspects
ridge, the median palatine suture, the zygomatic
process, and the neutral zone between the pala­ Palatal relief may be needed to compensate for
tine suture and ridge enables one to determine differential characteristics of the hard and soft tis­
more efficiently the outline and depth of the pala­ sues of the maxillary denture foundation by arti­
tal relief that may be needed in the denture base. ficial means. Basal and alveolar bone differ in
The region providing the opportunity for the structure and physiology and consequently in re­
posterior palatal seal is a relatively inconspicuous sistance to stress. Unequal, uncompensated re­
maze of integrated anatomic structures. Although sorption of the alveolar ridges may result in a rock-
the posterior border contact of the complete den­
ture essentially resembles the peripheral contacts,
the tissues of thè soft palate have some character­
istics different from those of other border tissues.
Oversimplification in classifying throat forms
causes many dentists to think of palatal movement
as hingelike. However, a wide range of three-di-
mensional functional movements in speaking and
swallowing actually affects posterior border exten­
sion. Relatively far removed from their bony at­
tachment at the posterior border of the hard pal­
ate, the muscles providing noticeable movements
of the soft palate seem to interfere most with pos­
terior border adaptation about 3 to 5 mm. lateral
from the midline. Movement at the vibrating line
in the midline involves a thin, firm, tendonlike
band, the palatine aponeurosis, which supports
the palatal muscles, strengthens the palate, and
attaches anteriorly to the posterior border of the
horizontal palatine plate. Because action of this
band is vigorous, palatal reliefs extended too far
posteriorly may contribute to seal leakage or ir­
ritation of the mucosa. Essentially, the posterior
border of the maxillary denture is borne by the
palatine aponeurosis.
The hamular notch is formed by the pterygoid
hamulus, the pyramidal process of the palatine
bone, and the maxillary tuberosity. This trough is
the lateral indication for completing the posterior Fig. 1 ■ Typical m idpalatal configurations. L ittle hor­
izontal hard area, top; average hard area w ith some ver­
palatal seal; it contains collagenous tissue, and its tica l projection, m iddle, and hard area exaggerated w ith
ease of displacement relates to the action of the torus palatinus, bottom .

Laney—Gonzalez: THE MAXILLARY DENTURE ■ 1183

 Fig. 2 ■ Examples o f stereotyped tin fo il palatal relie fs com m only placed in laboratory w ith o u t ade­
quate exam ination and diagnosis.
ing of the prosthesis on more resistant regions
with proportionately decreased retention and sta­
bility. Soft tissue depth, elasticity, and displace-
ability vary from patient to patient, and compen­
sation for these differences, as well as for ultimate
settling of the base, may also be needed. Vital
nerve and blood supplies must not be curtailed.
Consequently, relief is provided for comfort, more
efficient distribution of stress, and a more lasting
retention of the prosthesis.
Mechanical justification for palatal relief has
been cited.3 Shrinkage of acrylic resin during cur­
ing causes premature palatal contact. Furthermore,
one theory says that impression materials are un­
der greater pressure in the region of the palatal
vault, causing the impression surface to have an
exaggerated contour.
The median palatine suture, called “the hard
area” by Swenson,4 varies in vertical and horizon­
tal dimensions. Cross sections of average maxillas
are in one of three general categories (Fig. ij. The
prominence and extent of the hard area can easily
be palpated with a ball burnisher or other similar
blunt instrument. However, when selecting the
area for palatal relief, the depth and ease of dis­
placement of the mucosa covering the lateral, ante­
rior, and posterior palatal areas, the residual ridge,
and the zygomatic process are examined and com­
pared with that covering the hard area. The loca­
tion and structure of the anterior and posterior
palatine foramens are also considered for possible
relief.
Unfortunately, the area usually needing relief
is near the center of the stress-bearing area of the
complete maxillary prosthesis. Thus the problem
of sacrificing stress-bearing area and retentive seal
surface for palatal relief and stability arises. By
use of predetermined relief (Fig. 2), it is almost
1184 ■ JADA, Vol. 75, Nov. 1967
physiologically impossible to bring the entire im­
pression surface of the denture base in contact with
the anatomic foundation uniformly in all function­
al situations. From an adequate survey of the en­
tire stress-bearing base, however, selection of a
minimal area for needed palatal relief can be
made. Reliefs placed arbitrarily are generally too
extensive, and they needlessly sacrifice desirable
stress-bearing surface (Fig. 2). Liberally consider­
ing those surfaces that would offer resistance to
masticating force as stress bearing, the arbitrary
relief shown on the »left (Fig. 2) used about 18
percent of the total bearing surface available; the
relief area of the specimen shown in the center
covered 13 percent, and that of the specimen
shown on the right covered 21 percent of the de­
sirable surface for stress distribution.
Palatal relief design cannot be stereotyped
without loss of efficiency because most maxillary
dentures do not need relief. Moreover, extensive
relief areas weaken complete acrylic resin maxil­
lary prostheses and, unless occlusal compensation
is made, midline fracture may result. Lammie5 in­
dicated that reliefs should always be of minimal
extension and thickness since the use of unneces­
sary relief areas serves only to reduce retention
through causing air inclusions in the salivary film.
Rather than overrelieve the palatal portion of the
denture to compensate for resorptive changes, it
is more desirable to maintain the tissue surface of
the denture properly adapted to the mucosa by
periodically relining or replacing the denture base.
Various methods of incorporating palatal relief
into the maxillary prosthesis can be used. Tilton6
has successfully used several methods to provide
automatic relief in the impression: soft wax in the
relieved final impression; soft plaster or paste in
the relieved final impression with an escape hole;

Fig. 3 ■ R elief area fille d w ith heat-cured
rubber.
brushing on soft plaster through a large relief hole
in the impression for metal base (when there are
large tori palatini), and syringe-injection technic.
When a compound tray is used, a relief can al­
so be accomplished by making a trough in the re­
gions of the midpalatine suture and incisive papil­
la. As the compound tray is reheated and seated
in the mouth, pressure is relieved in these regions
since the material can flow into the trough. This
trough also provides a space for the relief of hy­
draulic pressure developed when the final impres­
sion is made.7
Swenson4 suggested a procedure for system­
atically scraping the final impression which in­
volves marking of the hard area in the mouth with
Fig. 4 ■ Hard area (left) adequately relieved w ith tin fo il (right) by prosthodontist. Thorough mouth
exam ination resulted in design shown here.
an indelible pencil and reseating the impression.
The pencil line is transferred to the impression,
and a groove is cut along the center of the recorded
area to a depth corresponding to the hardness and
prominence of the area. The scraping is decreased
gradually from the midline to the border of the
relief area.
Rather than provide a space in the denture base
for palatal relief, resilient material may be pro­
cessed with the acrylic resin to provide a yielding,
but contacting, surface8 (Fig. 3).
Tinfoil cut and sealed to the cast over the de­
sired area is a commonly used laboratory proce­
dure for providing relief. A somewhat typical hard
silicone area might be relieved as shown in Figure 4. How­
ever, a routine relief of several layers of 60-gauge
tinfoil, for example, placed in the same pattern
without a careful examination suggests inefficient
diagnosis and planning. When the patient is ex­
amined, the cast is marked for extent and depth
of palatal relief. For the average patient, a palatal
relief of more than two or three thicknesses of
0.0025-inch foil is probably excessive. If the use
of foil for relief is the selected procedure, a vari­
able laminated thickness should be provided for
each patient (Fig. 4, right). Keeping the greatest
depth over the hardest and most prominent areas,
the top layer or layers are lapped and burnished
to the cast. The relief border must blend smoothly
with the adjacent base to maintain good seal and
prevent retention of food debris and saliva.
Laney—Gonzalez: THE MAXILLARY DENTURE ■ 1185
 Fig. 5 a P osterior palatal seal in wax on fin a l im pression (le ft) and seal area created by scraping
m aster cast to predeterm ined o u tlin e and depth (right).
The processed base can be relieved with hand­
piece and bur. Pressure indicator pastes have made
this approach effective.
Although it is clinically used, the vacuum-
chamber principle has lost support. Atmospheric
pressure and an emergency vacuum help retain
the complete maxillary denture; however, palatal
lesions are seen frequently under these chambers
and in overrelieved areas. A so-called vacuum,
equivalent to at least 10 mm. of mercury and main­
tained under the denture for a time, probably
could result in tissue proliferation tending to fill
the space. However, the beaded, hyperemic pro­
jections— called “chronic inflammatory papillary
hyperplasia” by Fisher and Rashid9— probably
result from tissue irritation secondary to excessive
retention of food debris and stagnant oral secre­
tions under or around poor-fitting denture bases.
Such inflammatory lesions have progressed to ma­
lignancy.10 Some authors 1112 think that a predis­
posing factor is present as a major etiologic agent
in patients with inflammatory hyperplasia.
The posterior palatal seal, described by Neil,13
compensates for dimensional changes incurred in
processing acrylic resins, thereby enhancing bor­
der seal. The portion o f the denture on the soft
tissue adjacent to the vibrating line must be physi­
ologically compatible with the tissues at rest and
in action.
Since the determination of the posterior palatal
seal area is a clinical and not a laboratory proce­
dure, the dentist should analyze the form of the
throat at rest and in action. In examining palatal
function, it is advantageous to first note the vi­
brating line. The hamular notches, the fovea pala­
1186 ■ JADA, Vol. 75, Nov. 1967
tini, and the phonation of “ah” by the patient in­
dicate its location. If these signs fail to indicate a
distinct line of movement, instructing the patient
to blow air through the nose while holding his
nostrils closed will force the palate downward.
However, this procedure may denote a line in
front of the desired functional position. In locating
the vibrating line, the dentist seeks to determine
the posterior border extension of the denture and
to note the depth and rate of palatal movement.
In selecting an area for an efficient posterior pala­
tal seal, one considers movable tissues along the
entire extent of the vibrating line. Since the Class
I static throat usually has minimal three-dimen­
sional movement, it is most advantageous for pos­
terior extension and placement of the posterior
palatal seal.
The selection of the seal area further involves
palpation to determine the depth and displace­
ment of less movable tissues. Generally, a lip­
shaped area, with the widest portions directed
anteriorly over the posterolateral glandular re­
gions of the palate, is most advantageous for ob­
taining a good seal. A single or double beaded-
line tissue placement may result in loss of seal in
the lateral palatal areas where functional depth
and width are variable. Pendleton1 has shown
that the width of the seal area may range from 1
to 12 mm. anteroposteriorly. However, the widest
portion of the seal seldom extends more than 6
mm. clinically since greater width could result in
loss of adaptation at the posterior border. Posteri­
or palatal seal depth ranges from about 1 to 4 mm.
The general rule is to note the total possible dis­
placement of these tissues and then to make the
maximal depth not more than two thirds of this
displacement.13
The seal generally is provided while one makes
the impression or subsequently by scraping the
cast. Regardless o f the technic used, the posterior
extension of the denture base should be deter­
mined in the mouth. If the seal is to be added dur­
ing the impression, mouth temperature wax is an
excellent medium provided it is carefully placed
and allowed to flow properly (Fig. 5, left). The
trimmed posterior limit of the seal may need to be
sharpened on the cast, since palatal movement
has a tendency to round the wax border and re­
duce adaptation.
If the seal is to be cut into the cast, the posterior
extension may be established on the trial base­
plate by transfer of an indelible pencil line. This
line is then etched on the cast. If the anterior seal
limit has been determined by palpation, a line is
sketched on the cast corresponding to these find­
ings. From the depth of the posterior cut, the cast
is scraped in a tapering manner to blend into the
remaining cast surface at the anterior line (Fig. 5,
right). Careful placement o f the seal is necessary
to prevent pressure atrophy of involved tissues.
Furthermore, an excessive depth of seal may cause
a rocking of the prosthesis on the hard palate, es­
pecially at the midline.
Conclusion
Each digital and visual examination of the eden­
tulous maxilla should reveal pertinent anatomic
and physiologic relationships vital to the success
of the proposed prosthesis. From a review of
these considerations, the determination of areas
for more efficient palatal relief and posterior
palatal seal can be made. In essence, the dentist
attempts to balance three static surfaces of the
denture base against one dynamic tissue surface.
The impression surface, the depressed surface for
palatal relief, and the raised surface for the pos­
terior palatal seal must be maintained in har­
monious adaptation to the changing anatomic
base. This phase of denture construction is of
such importance to the success of the restoration
and health of the patient that it must be consid­
ered a clinical and not a laboratory procedure.
To ensure prosthesis efficiency and oral health,
palatal reliefs should be minimal. Regardless of
the technic used to incorporate needed relief into
the denture base, the ultimate goal is to distribute
the masticatory stresses adequately over as wide
an area as is feasible, to provide more lasting re­
tention of the denture and to give the patient
maximal comfort.
The posterior palatal seal is an essential feature
in the retention of the complete maxillary pros­
thesis. When properly paced, it enhances border
seal and increases stability.
An American Dental Association Bulletin14
contained this pertinent passage:
When the dentist carries out the various professional
procedures involved in the design of a prosthetic
device, he visualizes something much deeper and
more complex than mere pencil marking of a stone
or plaster cast made from an impression of the
mouth. When he completes prosthetic treatment,
he has done far more than restore some missing
teeth, he has restored a vital physiological function
important not only to the dental health but to the
general health of the patient. The serious threat to
public health which could develop by placing these
responsibilities in the hands of the unqualified is
obvious.
Doctors Laney and Gonzalez are at th e Mayo
C lin ic and Mayo Foundation, Section of D entistry
and Oral Surgery, Rochester, M inn., 55901.
1. Pendleton E. C. M in ute anatom y o f the so ft pal­
ate from th e view point o f th e denture prosthetist. Bur
44:13 A pril, 1944.
2. Pendleton, E. C. Anatom y of the face and mouth
from th e sta n dp o in t o f the denture prosthetist. JADA
33:219 Feb., 1946.
3. Campbell, R. L. R elief cham bers in com plete den­
tures. J Prosth Dent 11:230 M arch-April, 1961.
4. Swenson, M. G. Com plete dentures, ed. 3. St.
Louis, C. V. Mosby Co. 1963.
5. Lammie, G. A. Retention of com plete dentures.
JADA 55:502 Oct., 1957.
6. T ilto n , G. E. M inim um pressure com plete den­
tu re im pression technique. J. Prosth Dent 6:6 Jan., 1956.
7. Kingery, R. H. Graduate com plete d e nture lec­
tu re notes. U niversity of M ichigan, 1961-1963.
8. Gonzalez, J. B., and Laney, W. R. R esilient ma­
te ria ls fo r denture prostheses. J Prosth Dent 16:438 May-
June, 1966.
9. Fisher, A. K., and Rashid, P. J. Inflam m atory pa­
p illa ry hyperplasia of the palatal mucosa. Oral Surg 5:
191 Feb., 1952.
10. Robinson, H. B. G. Neoplasms and “ precancerous”
lesions o f th e oral regions. Dent Clin N Amer Nov., 1957,
p. 621-626.
11. Yrastorza, J..A . In fla m m a tory pa p illa ry hyperplasia
o f th e palate. J Oral Surg Anesth Hosp Dent Serv 21:330
July, 1963.
12. Guernsey, L. H. Reactive in fla m m a to ry papillary
hyperplasia o f th e palate. Oral Surg. 20:814 Dec., 1965.
13. Neil, E. Full denture practice. Nashville, Tenn­
essee, M arshall and Bruce, 1932, p. 13-14; 47-51; 72-77.
14. Am erican Dental Association. The d e n tis t’s re­
lations w ith the laboratory cra ft—a review o f his legal and
ethical responsibilities. Chicago, Am erican Dental Asso­
cia tio n Inform ation B u lle tin . December, 1957, p. 3.
Laney-G onzalez: THE MAXILLARY DENTURE ■ 1187