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European Journal of Prosthodontics

Review Article
Access this article online
DOI:
10.4103/2347-4610.131972

The posterior palatal seal: Its rationale Website:

www.eurjprosthodont.org

and importance: An overview Quick Response Code:

Shelly Goyal, Mukesh K Goyal, Dhanasekar Balkrishanan1,

Veena Hegde1, Aparna I Narayana1
Department of Prosthodontics and Maxillofacial Prosthetics, Maharaja Ganga Singh
Dental College Center, Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, 1Department of Prosthodontics and
Maxillofacial Prosthetics, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Karnataka, India

ABSTRACT
The location and preparation of the posterior palatal seal is frequently neglected procedure. This seal contributes
significantly to the retention of a maxillary complete denture. Hundreds of dentures have failed due to the improper
establishment of the distal limit and to an improper posterior palatal seal. Its location and preparation on the master
cast are often done by the dentist or dental technician without reference to anatomical landmarks of the mouth. Various
methods of achieving posterior palatal seal and reproducing it in the maxillary denture have been described in the
literature. This article aims toward rationale and importance of posterior palatal seal, anatomical reference landmarks,
functions, methods to record, and discusses various problems associated with recording posterior palatal seal.

KEYWORDS: Fovea palatinae, maxillary complete denture, peripheral seal, postdam, posterior palatal seal, retention

Introduction the tissues are less compliant, special attention is required

to make the seal effective. This is the postdam[3] region,
Patient’s expectations are considered as main factor in where the denture is designed to affect a posterior palatal
designing of prosthesis for giving a successful treatment. seal. This paper will review the rationale and importance of
They usually approach us with common complaints of poor recording posterior palatal seal, various techniques used in
masticating ability, difficulty in speech, esthetics, and so establishing and reproducing posterior palatal seal functions,
on. They expect a good prosthesis which is well-retained and discusses the problems associated with recording
in mouth for a long duration and work efficiently during posterior palatal seal.
stomatognathic function (mastication, phonation, etc).
Importance of extension of complete dentures has been Definitions
well-established for various reasons. Hardy and Kapoor[1]
emphasized the fact that retention and stability obtained by According to Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms-8[4] posterior
adhesion and cohesion resist the forces, which are directed palatal seal is the seal at the posterior border of a maxillary
in vertical direction. A well-fitting and retentive complete prosthesis. Posterior palatal seal area is the soft tissue area at
denture requires a well-fitting tissue surface, a peripheral or beyond the junction of the hard and soft palates on which
border compatible with the muscles and tissues which pressure, with in physiological limits, can be applied by a
make up the mucobuccal and mucolabial spaces so that a denture to aid in retention. Fovea palatinae are the two small
peripheral seal is created by the soft tissue draping over pits or depressions in the posterior aspect of the palate, one
them. It is usually obtained by labial and buccal seal. In the on each side of the midline, at or near the attachment of the
posterior region, it is mainly by the posterior palatal seal.[2] soft palate to the hard palate. Pterygomaxillary notch is the
At the posterior extension of the maxillary denture, where palpable notch formed by the junction of the maxilla and
Address for correspondence: the pterygoid hamulus of the sphenoid bone. The postdam
Dr. Shelly Goyal, is a raised portion of the denture base at the posterior extent
Dental Care, 62-G, Sector-7, Near Living Style Mall, Behind of the upper denture and is located on its fitting surface. It
Apollo Hospital, Jasola Vihar, New Delhi - 110 025, India. extends bilaterally from the midline to the pterygomaxillary
E-mail: dr.shellygoyal@yahoo.com notch regions and lies on a displaceable portion of the

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Goyal, et al.: The posterior palatal seal: Its rationale and importance

junction of the hard and soft palates, which appears clinically Sharry’s method (ask patient to say ‘‘ah’’ with short vigorous
immobile during phonation. This is its orthodox position.[3] bursts).[12] Posterior vibrating line is an imaginary line at the
junction of the aponeurosis of the tensor veli palatini muscle
Anatomical Considerations for Posterior and the muscular portion of the soft palate. It is elicited by
Palatal Seal asking the patient to say ‘‘ah’’ in short bursts in a normal,
unexaggerated fashion posterior vibrating line marks the
Posterior palatal seal consist of two components, most distal extension of denture base. Fovea palatine is a
namely, pterygomaxillary seal area and postpalatal seal. clinically visible indentation in the mucosa of the midline of
Pterygomaxillary seal extends through pterygomaxillary the palate formed by the coalescence of several mucous gland
notch continuing 3-4 mm anterolaterally, approximating ducts, which is unique to humans. There is lot of difference
the mucogingival junction.[4,5] It occupies entire width of opinion on the location of fovea palatini and anterior
of hamular notch (loose connective tissue lying between vibrating line. According to Sicher, fovea palatine is located
pterygoid hamulus of the sphenoid bone and distal just posterior to location of hard and soft palates. According
portion of maxillary tuberosity). The notch is covered to Swenson, vibrating line is 2 mm in front of fovea palatine.
by pterygomaxillary fold (extend from posterior aspect Silverman[12] concluded that posterior palatal seal can be
of tuberosity to retromaolar pad). This fold influences extended 8.2 mm distal to vibrating line for retention and
the posterior border seal if mouth is wide open during stability. In a study by Lye,[13] the mean position of vibrating
final impression procedure.[6,7] The pterygomandibular line is 1.31 mm behind fovea, but posterior limit of denture
ligament extends from the hamular process to the lingula can be extended an additional of 2 mm before soft tissue
of the mandible. Pendleton’s[8] anatomical dissections and movement is sufficient to break the seal.
histological and clinical examination have shown this area
to vary greatly in size, form, and character. Marks[9] has Rationale and Importance of Posterior
shown the tissue in this area to be variable in character. Palatal Seal
The tensor palati muscle wraps around the hamular process
and attaches to the posterior nasal spine to form the palatal • Often it is possible to obtain acceptable stability and
aponeurosis [Figure 1].[10] Postpalatal seal is the area retention by a perfectly adapted denture base through
between the anterior and posterior vibrating line found the forces of adhesion, cohesion, and interfacial surface
medially from one tuberosity to other. It appears to be as tension[5]
a cupids bow. Anterior vibrating line demarcates zone of • This border seal is made possible by developing the
transition between no movement of the tissue overlying hard proper width and the extension of the denture borders,
palate and some movement of the tissues of soft palate. It so that they fill the spaces and make a seal against the
serves as anterior border of posterior palatal seal. It extends cheeks[5]
laterally into pterygomaxillary notch. It is not a straight line • Posterior palatal seal will create a partial vacuum that
due to presence of posterior nasal spine. It always occurs will not operate continuously, but one that will come
in soft palate.[11] According to Sear, it is not the junction of into play only when horizontal or tipping thrusts tend
hard and soft palates. According to Gerald S. Wintraub, it is to dislodge the denture and then only long enough to
usually located in the junction of hard and soft palates.[7] It overcome the emergency[5]
can be recorded by Valsalva maneuver (ask patient to blow • This partial vacuum is unlikely to operate long enough
gently through nose with nostrils closed using finger) or by to do any damage to the supporting or border tissues[5]
• The retention of complete denture may be accomplished
more accurately and safely with a good appraisal of the
biological factors.[5]

Functions of Posterior Palatal Seal

Ettinger and Scandrett[2] summarized function of posterior
palatal seal as it, (1) to provide retention, (2) prevents
ingress of fluid, air, and food between denture and tissue,
(3) diminishes gagging reflex, (4) provides embedded
sunken distal border which is less conspicuous to tongue,
(5) supplies a thick border to counteract denture warpage due
to dimensional changes during the polymerization shrinkage
of methyl methacrylate resin.[6] Weintraub[7] described added
functions of posterior palatal seal as it, (6) adds confidence and
comfort to the patient by enhancing retention, (7) establishes
Figure 1: Anatomical presentation of posterior palatal seal a positive contact posteriorly, and therefore prevents the final

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Goyal, et al.: The posterior palatal seal: Its rationale and importance

impression material from sliding down into the pharynx.

Capillary attraction, adhesion, and cohesion, viscosity of
saliva and interfacial surface tension, although may have
been recognized as forces that aid in retention of a denture,
resist only those forces that act perpendicular to the denture
base. But atmospheric pressure plays a role to counteract
those lateral torque and tipping thrusts which tend to dislodge
the denture. A partial vacuum is formed between the denture
base and the supporting tissues that will resist lateral torque
and therefore prevents displacement of the denture.

Parameters of Posterior Palatal Seal

Posterior palatal seal has specific characteristics with
different parameters, it is variable in its size, shape location,
and depends on anatomical configuration of soft and hard
palatal, their relationship, muscle coordination, and amount
of tissue displaceability.

Size
Hardy and Kapoor[5] claimed that on an average, the dimension
of posterior palatal seal was 2 mm at the midpalatal region
and hamular notch and 4 mm at the greatest curvature region
of posterior palatal seal. But wide range of variation was also
found. Silverman performed a study evaluating the posterior
palatal seal clinically, radiographically, and histologically,
and he found that the greatest mean anteroposterior width of
posterior palatal seal is 8.0 mm (with 5-12 mm of range).[11]
Figure 2: Different forms of posterior palatal seal used in various dental
schools of United States
Shape
Winland and Young performed a survey to evaluate the forms
of posterior palatal seal used in various schools of United Displacement/compressibility
States. They found that five different forms of posterior Lot of variation has been found within the posterior palatal
palatal seal were commonly used[13] [Figure 2]: seal area. But low compressibility has been observed
• Single bead scribed on the posterior vibrating line in midpalatal raphe and hamular notch region. High
• Double line scribed in the anterior and posterior compressibility has been in the lateral part of cupids bow. Its
vibrating line variation depends on the form of palatal vault like in class I
• Butterfly shaped posterior palatal seal palate posterior palatal seal area remains shallow, while it is
• Butterfly shaped posterior palatal seal with notching of deep in class III palate.
posterior vibrating line
• Butterfly shaped posterior palatal seal with notching of Classification of soft palate
hamular notch Before recording the posterior palatal seal, it is very
• Variations used with different shaped soft palate based important to classify the type of soft palate the patient has. It
on the classification. determines precautions needed to be taken for specific type
Class 1: A butterfly shaped posterior palatal seal with of soft palate. While classifying soft palate, the head position
3-4 mm wide should be in upright position. Palatal throat form as given by
Class 2: Posterior palatal seal is narrow with 2-3 mm of House[14] [Figure 3]:
width Class 1: Large and normal in form, with a relatively
Class 3: A single beading made on the posterior immovable band of resilient tissue 5-12 mm distal
vibrating line. to a line drawn across distal edge of the tuberosities
Class 2: Medium size and normal in form, with relatively
Location immovable resilient band of tissue 3-5 mm distal to
Location of posterior palatal seal is not consistent and show a line drawn across the distal edge of the tuberosities
lot of variation but on an average anterior vibrating line is Class 3: Usually accompanies a small maxilla. The curtain
1.31 mm distal to fovea palatini.[12] of soft tissues turns down abruptly 3-5 mm anterior

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Goyal, et al.: The posterior palatal seal: Its rationale and importance

to a line drawn across the palate at the distal edge and make sure denture does not cover them. T-burnisher is
of the tuberosities. passed along posterior angle of maxillary tuberosity until it
drops into pterygomaxillary notch. [Figure 4a] Extend the
Methods of Recording Posterior Palatal mark from pterygomaxillary notch 3-4 mm anterolateral
Seal to maxillary tuberosity approximating mucogingival
junction.[13] This completes marking of pterygomaxillary
Different methods can be used for recording posterior palatal seal. Ask patient to say “ah” in short bursts, in unexaggerated
seal and at different stages of complete denture construction.[13] fashion. Observe movement of soft palate and mark posterior
Choice of method employed and timing depends on operator vibrating line, and then connect it to pterygomaxillary seal.
preference and experience. Hardy and Kapoor[5] classified Advice patient, not to close mouth (to prevent smudging of
them in to functional, semifunctional, and empirical markings). The resin/shellac tray is then inserted into the
technique. Different methods of recording can be broadly mouth and seated firmly into tray and transfer markings
divided in to conventional approach, functional technique, on master cast by placing it into cast. Later trim excess
extended palatal technique, and arbitrary technique.[13] found on tray. Mark anterior vibrating line using either
by T-burnisher (by checking the compressibility in width
Conventional approach (Winkler technique) and depth)-usually termination of glandular tissue usually
Ask patient to have astringent mouthwash (to remove coincides with anterior vibrating line or Valsalva maneuver.
stringy saliva) and keep his head upright. Dry the posterior Place special tray in the mouth and get the markings on tray
palatal area with gauge and palpate for hamular process which is later transferred to master cast [Figures 4b and c].
using T-burnisher/mouth mirror. Mark them with indelible
pencil (Dr. Thompson’s sanitary color transfer applicator) Master cast is scored using a Kinsley scraper. Deepest area
of seal is located on either side of midline (1/3rd distance
from posterior vibrating line). It is scrapped approximately
0.5-1.0 mm (due to limited compressibility) within out line
of cupids bow. Scrape cast to a depth of about ½ the amount
to which the palatal tissue in that area can be compressed.

Advantages of this technique include (1) highly retentive

trial bases give good jaw relation, (2) gives psychological
confidence to patient that retention will not be a problem
in final denture, (3) dentist is able to determine the
retention of final denture, and (4) patient will be able to
realize the posterior extent of denture, which may ease the
adjustment period. Whereas it has disadvantages of not
being physiological technique and therefore depends upon
accurate transfer of viability line and careful scrapping and
it has potential for over compression.

Fluid wax technique (functional technique or

physiological technique)
Start with locating and transfer of anterior and posterior
vibrating line similar to conventional approach. Then
Figure 3: Classification of palatal throat form as proposed by MM House with marking made, final impression is made using

a b c
Figure 4: (a) Locating pterygomaxillary notch with T-burnisher, (b) Area of compressibility in posterior palatal seal, and (c) Marked posterior vibrating line

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ZOE/impression plaster (not with elastomeric impression Ultrasonic effects are nonionizing (do not have sufficient
material as they are resilient, nonadherent to wax, and energy to displace electrons from orbital shell. High-energy
distort wax when reseated into oral cavity). Impression ultrasound can cause burning of tissue (not commonly seen
waxes used are (1) IOWA wax (white) - Dr. Earl S. Smith, with range of medical use). It is indicated in patients with
(2) Korecta wax no. 4 (orange) Dr. O. C. Applegate, only class I, II type of palates, as type III palate prevents
(3) K.l physiologic paste (yellow-white) - Dr. C.S. Howkins, complete adaptation of transducer and it is contraindication
(4) Adaptol (green) - Dr. Nathen G. Kyne. These waxes have in patients with neuromuscular impairments and
specific characteristics like low-melting point to permit their pronounced gag reflex. Miniature transducer (10 MHz
use intraorally without discomfort or trauma, high flow rate linear array) is used along with a real-time B-mode to
at mouth temperature (98.6°F), low distortion and rigidity at view image of soft tissue. Mark posterior palatal seal using
room temperature, smooth and nongranular texture, allows conventional method. Place a thin rubber band on anterior
addition of several layers without demarcation, and these 1/3rd of transducer, which serves as an index that would
waxes can harden readily when chilled.[2,13] appear in monitor. Toothpaste is used as a line couplant.
The transducer is taken intro oral cavity and initially
The melted wax is painted into the impression surface (within moved posteriorly to the left of midline to locate hard and
the outline of the seal area). The impression is carried to the soft palates junction. Once the rubber band is visualized
mouth and held in place under gentle pressure for 4-6 min on postvibrating line, there was no display and a Polaroid
and allow time for the material to flow. Take care for head picture was made. Then it was moved to right side of
position (30° to FH plane). After 4 min remove impression palate. The average distance of posterior vibrating from
tray and trim excess (or) if no tissue contact is established junction of hard and soft palate is 2-9 mm with 4-6 mm
then add and redo the procedure. wide posterior palatal seal.[15]

Advantages of this technique include (1) physiologic Troubleshooting in Posterior Palatal Seal
technique displacing tissues, (2) no over compression of and Clinical Implication
tissues, (2) posterior palatal seal incorporated into trial denture
base for added retention, and (3) no mechanical scrapping The most common problem associated with lack of retention
of cast is required. But, this technique is time consuming, of the maxillary complete denture is a faulty posterior
cumbersome, and has difficulty in handling material and palatal seal.[16] A careful examination of the patient’s tissues
additional care to be taken during boxing procedure. and extensions of the existing denture helps to delineate the
anatomical boundaries of the posterior palatal seal area, so
Extended palatal technique (Silverman) that an adequate seal can be established.
Maxillary posterior denture border was extended on an
average of 8.2 mm distal to the anterior vibrating line. Black Underextention
compound added 8-12 mm distal to the anterior vibrating line. It is the most common cause of seal failure. It mainly occurs
The convexities that form the distal out line of the seal areas due to use of fovea palatine as a guideline for marking
are formed by the depression between the tensor veli palatini anterior and posterior vibrating line. By doing so, 4-12 mm
and palatoglossus muscle. This technique is advantageous of tissue coverage loss occur leading to decreased retention.
and most effective with class I soft palate, small, mobile, and Tissues covering hard palate are firmly attached and the main
displaceable residual ridges, with narrow and high-vaulted retention is by adhesion and cohesion, which is least during
maxillary arches. This provides maximum tissue coverage function. In case of gaggers who cannot tolerate denture
with minimum tongue irritation and pressure on residual base far behind in palate, they insist on reduction of denture
ridges. Many patients may not tolerate extended trays and base and dentists unsure of his technique complies patients’
produce gag reflex and pain during sneezing or coughing. It request leading with decreased retention.[17] Other related
is difficult to execute with various palatal forms.[12] causes are improper recognition of anterior and posterior
vibrating line, injudicious trimming of denture border by
Arbitrary scraping technicians.
According to Winkler, arbitrarily mark the anterior and
posterior vibrating line and scrape about 1-1.5 mm. It is the Overextention
least accurate methods used to mark the posterior palatal It mainly occurs due to overzealous extension of denture
seal. Its high potential for over postdamming is due to its base for increased retention by dentist cause physiological
nature of unphysiologic technique of recording.[11] violation of soft palate musculature. It mainly shows with
symptoms of mucosal ulcerations, painful swallowing,
Ultrasonic technique of recording posterior palatal physiological violation of soft palate muscle, sharp pain
seal given by Rajeev MN et al. if pterygoid hamulus is covered. It can be managed by
For medical applications 1-20 MHz are used and for selectively relieving the pressure areas and decrease the
nondiagnostic medical application <1 MHz is used. distal length.[17,18]

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Under postdamming Nimmo[24] demonstrated a technique for the chairside

It mainly occurs due to improper depth of postdamming, correction of the posterior palatal seal using a visible
use of improper technique, recording posterior palatal light-cured resin.
seal in a wide open position which causes toughening
of pterygomandibular ligament and shorten the Addition of posterior palatal seal to metal base
pterygomaxillary seal.[19] It can be diagnosed using two complete denture
tests, (1) Seat dentures in mouth ask patient to say ‘‘ah’’ and The main disadvantage of metal base is difficulty in
with mouth mirror view of any gap during speech, (2) Place correcting deficient margin. The main source of retention
wet denture base and press slowly in midpalatal region of acrylic to metal was by means of holes or slots. Lyan[25]
and bubbles escaping at any point on distal denture border described method of adding posterior palatal seal to metal
indicates area of under postdamming. denture base by micromechanical bond produced by etching
of metal. After marking anterior and posterior vibrating line
Over postdamming in patient’s mouth, transfer into metal base.[26] Then check
Commonly occur due to aggressive scraping of cast. If it for posterior palatal seal using modeling compound. Then,
occurs in pterygomaxillary seal, the denture is displaced etch the area of metal base to which acrylic resin is to be
downward. If moderate over postdamming is present, then attached for posterior palatal seal. The areas of metal base
mild irritation is found. It can be overcome by selectively other than posterior palatal seal should be protected from
relieving denture border with a carbide bur, followed by light etchant using wax. Etching can be done using spot chemical
pumicing. Development of mucous retention cyst has been etching, with acid gel for 10-20 min, for base metal alloy
described by Ellis occurred due to over extended denture or chemical immersion etching technique/electrochemical
border.[16] Gagging is commonly encountered and should be etching technique (10% H2S04-300 mA, for 3 min followed
managed carefully before altering any prosthesis. by cleaning in 18% HCL in ultrasonic vibrating chamber).
Then mix self-cure acrylic and apply in layers using brush
Addition of posterior palatal seal to existing and seat in oral cavity till it sets. It is also found that the
denture micromechanical bond strength was above 16.70 MPa and
Existing denture may have poor length and depth of 3.5 times greater than retention using beads.
posterior palatal seal. Properly examine existing denture.
If there are other problems in denture (vertical dimension, Conclusion
centric, esthetics, etc.), then new denture is to be made. If
only posterior palatal seal is short, then correction should The recording of posterior palatal seal is of great significance,
be undertaken. Different authors have advised various because it is vital factor in establishing the peripheral seal
techniques using different materials in the literature. Frank which enhances retention by utilizing the atmospheric
and Salvatore[17] have described the technique of correction pressure. Posterior palatal seal preparation is an integral
of short posterior extension with poor retention and improper part of maxillary complete denture fabrication, requiring
depth of posterior palatal seal with heat-cured acrylic an assessment of physiological and technical parameters
resin.[18] This technique involves performing border molding and careful examination during the diagnostic phase of
in posterior palatal seal area using existing denture and the treatment can alleviate many potential problems.
modify area with fluid wax technique, which is processed in According to Tilton-No step in the denture construction
heat-cure acrylic resin. should be stopped short of perfection. Yet, many dentures
are worn which have imperfections built into them, provided
Moghadam and Scandrett[19] advised the use of fluid wax they have peripheral seal sufficient to hold them in place.
technique for recording posterior palatal seal and addition Thus, the posterior palatal seal should be prepared with an
of posterior palatal seal with autopolymerizing acrylic resin. understanding of patient palatal throat form, anatomical
A similar technique using softened greenstick modeling boundaries, extent and depth of displaceable tissues for
compound has been suggested by Carrol and Shaffer.[20] successful, retentive, functional, and biological acceptable
complete denture prosthesis.
Ansari[21] described a method of recording posterior palatal
seal on existing denture using modeling compound and
prepare a cast using putty material and replacing modeling
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journal
Goyal, et al.: The posterior palatal seal: Its rationale and importance

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16. Ellis RW. Mucus retention cyst: A case report. Dental Update How to cite this article: Goyal S, Goyal MK, Balkrishanan D,
1995;22:421-2. Hegde V, Narayana AI. The posterior palatal seal: Its rationale
17. Lauciello FR, Conti SP. A method of correcting the posterior and importance: An overview. Eur J Prosthodont 2014;2:41-7.
palatal seal area of a maxillary complete denture. J Prosthet
Source of Support: Nil, Conflict of Interest: None declared.
Dent 1979;42:690-2.

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The journal issue has a unique new feature for reaching to the journal’s website without typing a single letter. Each article on its first page has
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European Journal of Prosthodontics | May-Aug 2014 | Vol 2 | Issue 2 | 47