Anatomical Landmarks in the Maxilla

Study Notes

Anatomical Landmarks in the Maxilla

Limiting Structures: Define and confine the boundaries of the denture.
- Labial Frenum: Fold of mucous membrane connecting the upper lip to the labial surface of the alveolar ridge.
  - Can be single or multiple, narrow or broad.
  - Contains no muscle fibers.
  - Creates a maxillary labial notch in the denture.
- Labial Vestibule: Extends on both sides of the labial frenum to the buccal frenum.
  - Bounded by the upper lip and residual alveolar ridge.
  - Contains no muscle fibers.
  - Area filled by the labial flange of the denture.
- Buccal Frenum: Fold of mucous membrane extending from the buccal mucous membrane reflection area toward the alveolar ridge.
  - Can vary in size and shape.
  - Contains no muscle fibers.
  - Creates the maxillary buccal notch in the denture.
  - Affected by facial muscles, particularly orbicularis and buccinator.
- Buccal Vestibule: Space distal to the buccal frenum.
  - Bounded by the cheek and residual alveolar ridge.
  - Area filled by the buccal flange of the denture.
  - Proper filling of the space enhances stability and retention.
- Hamular Notch: Narrow cleft between the maxillary tuberosity and the pterygoid hamulus.
  - Defines the posterior border of the maxillary denture.
- Vibrating Line: Imaginary line across the palate, from one hamular notch to the other.
  - Better described as an area than a line.
  - Guides the placement of the posterior border of the denture (posterior palatal seal area).
- Fovea Palatinae: Two indentations on each side of the midline.
  - Formed by coalescence of mucous gland ducts.
  - Help in locating the vibrating line.

Supporting Structures

Areas that bear load and are resistant to resorption.
- Primary Stress Bearing Areas:
  - Hard palate (lateral to the midline).
  - Slopes of the residual alveolar ridge.
- Secondary Stress Bearing Areas:
  - Rugae area.
  - Maxillary tuberosity.

Relief Areas

Areas prone to resorption under constant load or containing fragile structures.
- Incisive Papilla: Pad of connective tissue over the incisive foramen.
  - Overlies the nasopalatine nerves and vessels.
- Canine Eminence: Round elevation in the corner of the mouth.
  - Represents the location of the canine root and guides anterior tooth arrangement.
- Median Palatal Raphe: Overlies the medial palatal suture.
  - Extends from the incisive papilla to the distal end of the hard palate.
  - Has tightly attached thin mucosa and dense underlying bone.
  - Might contain palatal tori.
- Zygomatic Process: Hard area opposite the 1st molar region, prone to soreness.
  - Relief is required to prevent discomfort.