This document discusses techniques for recording and adding a posterior palatal seal to maxillary dentures. It begins with definitions of posterior palatal seal and area. There are several techniques described such as functional, semi-functional, and empirical. The functional technique uses low melting wax to border mold tissues within physiologic limits. The empirical technique develops the seal directly on the stone cast by grooving. Multiple empirical techniques are outlined that vary the depth and shape of the groove. The document also provides methods for adding a posterior palatal seal to existing dentures, such as using modeling compound or wax to develop the seal shape intraorally first before incorporating it into the denture base.

1. POSTERIOR PALATAL SEAL
AJAY YERRAMSETTI

2. CONTENTS
• Introduction
• Definition
• Functions
• Anatomic and physiologic considerations
• Anterior and posterior vibrating lines
• Techniques for recording posterior palatal seal
• Trouble shooting
• Review of literature
• Conclusion
• References

3. INTRODUCTION
 A well-fitting and retentive complete maxillary denture requires a well-
fitting tissue surface, a peripheral border compatible with the muscles
and tissues which make up the muco-buccal and muco-labial spaces, so
that a peripheral seal is created by the soft tissues draping over them
and finally, a posterior palatal seal.
 The posterior border of the maxillary denture has definite anatomic and
physiologic boundaries that, once understood, make the placement of
the posterior palatal seal a quick and easy procedure with predictable
results.

4. DEFINITION(GPT-9)
Posterior palatal seal: that portion of the intaglio surface of a maxillary removable complete
denture, located at its posterior border, which places pressure, within physiologic limits, on the
posterior palatal seal area of the soft palate; this seal ensures intimate contact of the denture base to
the soft palate and improves retention of the denture.
Posterior palatal seal area: the soft tissue area limited posteriorly by the distal demarcation of
the movable and non-movable tissues of the soft palate and anteriorly by the junction of the hard
and soft palates on which pressure, within physiologic limits, can be placed; this seal can be applied
by a removable complete denture to aid in its retention.

5. FUNCTIONS OF POSTERIOR PALATAL SEAL
Provide retention
To prevent food from
getting under the denture
base
To diminish gagging
To make the sunken distal
border less conspicuous to
the tongue
To supply a thick border to
counteract denture warpage
due to dimensional changes
during the curing process
Adds confidence and
comfort to the patient by
enhancing retention
Establishes a positive
contact posteriorly, and
therefore prevents the final
impression material from
sliding down into the
pharynx

6. ANATOMIC AND PHYSIOLOGIC CONSIDERATIONS
 Pterygomaxillary seal
• The posterior palatal seal is divided into two separate but confluent
areas based upon anatomic boundaries.
• Medially-postpalatal seal extends from one tuberosity to the other.
• Laterally-pterygomaxillary seal extends through the Pterygomaxillary
(hamular notch) continuing for 3 to 4 mm anterolaterally
approximating the mucogingival junction.

7. • The pterygomaxillary seal occupies the entire width of the
pterygomaxillary notch, which is defined as that band of loose
connective tissue lying between the pterygoid hamulus of the
sphenoid bone and the distal portion of the maxillary tuberosity.
• It is important to note the exact position of the hamular process
(located 2 to 4 mm posteromedial to the distal limit of the maxillary
residual ridge), since this will affect the length and direction of the
pterygomaxillary seal.

8.  Hamular process
 The hamular processes are covered by a thin layer of mucous membrane. One has only to palpate
the processes in the course of outlining the posterior palatal seal area to realize the painful episode
that the patient would experience if the hard denture base were to cover them.
 Therefore, the hamular processes should never be covered by the denture.

9.  Fovea palatini
 There are two glandular openings within the tissues of the posterior portion of the hard palate,
usually lying on either side of the midline.
 The fovea palatini, as they are known, are not constant findings in every individual; however, they
are unique to humans.

10.  The median palatal raphe, which overlies the medial palatal suture, contains little or no
submucosa and will tolerate little compression. The judicious placement of the posterior
palatal seal across the mid-palatal suture in the region of the posterior nasal spine demands
careful attention.
 The presence of thick, ropy saliva may create a problem for maxillary complete denture
retention. Thick saliva can create hydrostatic pressure in the area anterior to the posterior
palatal seal, resulting in a downward dislodging force exerted upon the denture base.
 In an effort to alleviate this potential problem, a fine line or Cupid’s bow can be scribed on
the master cast, anterior to the cluster of palatal mucous glands (and distal to any torus that
is present).

11. ANTERIOR AND POSTERIOR VIBRATING LINES
• The posterior palatal seal area lies between the anterior and posterior vibrating lines.
 ANTERIOR VIBRATING LINE
• The anterior vibrating line is an imaginary line located at junction of the attached tissues overlying
the hard palate and the movable tissues of the immediately adjacent soft palate.

12. • One way to locate the anterior vibrating line is to have the patient perform
the Valsalva maneuver, which requires that both nostrils be held firmly
while the patient blows gently through the nose. This will position the soft
palate inferiorly at its junction with the hard palate.
• The anterior vibrating line can also be approximated by visualizing the area
while instructing the patient to say “ah " with short vigorous bursts.
• Due to the projection of the posterior nasal spine, the anterior vibrating line
is not a Straight line between both hamular processes.
• The anterior vibrating line is always on soft palatal tissues.

13.  POSTERIOR VIBRATING LINE
 As the soft palate extends further posteriorly, the actions of the palatal
muscles become more exaggerated.
 The posterior vibrating line is an imaginary line at the junction of the
aponeurosis of the tensor veli palatini muscle and the muscular portion of
the soft palate.

14.  It represents the demarcation between that part of the soft palate that
has limited or shallow movement during function (quivers) and the
remainder of the soft palate that is markedly displaced during
functional movements.
 The posterior vibrating line is visualized by instructing the patient to
say “ah” in short bursts in a normal, unexaggerated fashion.
 The posterior vibrating line marks the most distal extension of the
denture base.

15. CLASSIFICATION OF SOFT PALATE
 Class I indicates a soft palate that is rather horizontal
as it extends posteriorly, with minimal muscular
activity.
 Class II designates those palatal contours that lie
somewhere between class I and class III.
 Class III indicates the most acute contour in relation
to the hard palate, necessitating marked elevation of
the musculature to create velopharyngeal closure.

16. TECHNIQUES FOR RECORDING POSTERIOR PALATAL SEAL
 According to Hardy and Kapur, the technique of recording posterior palatal seal can be classified
into three types:
METHODSTORECORD
PPS
Functional
technique
Semi-functional
technique
Empirical
technique

17. FUNCTIONAL OR PHYSIOLOGIC TECHNIQUE
 Functional technique is a technique in which tissues are displaced within its physiologic limits. A
low melting wax/soft stick modeling wax is border moulded in posterior palatal seal area of final
impression by functional movements made by the patient.

18. Fluid wax technique
Low melting wax such
as iowa wax (white),
korecta wax no. 4
(orange), H-L
physiologic paste
(yellow–white), adaptol
(green) are used.
After wash impression.
With the help of an
indelible pencil anterior
vibrating line and
posterior vibrating line
are marked in patient’s
mouth. These markings
are transferred to wash
impression.
In the margins of palatal
seal fluid wax is painted
in excess.
Patient’s head is
positioned 30 degree
below Frankfort’s
horizontal plane so that
soft palate is at its
maximum downward
and forward position.

19. The tray is removed after 4-6
minutes. The areas where
tissue is contacted appears
glossy and other areas
remains dull. In the dull areas
wax is added and procedure
is repeated.
The excess wax beyond
posterior vibrating line is
removed.

20. 1.-It is a physiologic technique
displacing tissues within their
physiologically acceptable limits.
2.-Overcompression of tissues is
avoided.
3.-Posterior palatal seal is
incorporated into the trial denture
base for added retention.
4.-Mechanical scraping of the cast
is avoided.
1.-More time is necessary during
the impression appointment.
2.-Difficulty in handling the
materials, and added care during
the boxing procedure.

21. SEMI-FUNCTIONAL TECHNIQUE
 Border moulding is done by the dentist.
 Border moulding is defined as determining the extension of a prosthesis by using tissue function or
manual manipulation of the tissues to shape the border areas of an impression material.

22. EMPIRICAL TECHNIQUE
• Developed on the cast by grooving the cast to the desired depth.
 1. CONVENTIONAL TECHNIQUE (WINKLER)
 In this technique anterior vibrating line and posterior vibrating
line is outlined using an indeliable pencil and transferred to
master cast.
 Following are the steps to outline,

23. Remove the stringy saliva by
instructing the patient to wash
the mouth. Using a cotton or
gauze posterior palatal seal is
dried.
Pterygomaxillary seal is
outlined using a T-
burnisher/mouth mirror,
palpate hamular process and
mark it with an indeliable
pencil and the burnisher is
moved along the posterior
angle of tuberosity until it
drops into pterygomaxillary
notch.
Post palatal seal is outlined
by instructing the patient to
say “ah” in short bursts in an
unexaggerated fashion,
movement of posterior
vibrating lie is observed and
marked. By connecting the
line through pterygomaxillary
seal with the line just drawn,
demarcating the post palatal
seal, the posterior denture
extension is delineated.
Resin/Shellac tray is inserted
in mouth and markings are
transferred to master cast to
complete the transfer of
posterior border and tray is
trimmed.

24. Anterior vibrating line is marked using an
indeliable pencil at the junction of hard and soft
palate. Patient is asked to perform “Valsalva
manuevre” to record anterior vibrating line and
they are transferred to master cast. A Kingsley
scraper is used to scrape the cast.
About 1 to 1.5 mm is scraped in the deepest
part of the see in master cast which is one third
the distance anteriorly from posterior vibrating
line and about 0.5 to 1mm depth in region of
mid palatine raphae and it is tapered towards
hamular notches, anterior vibrating line,
posterior vibrating line so that it blends with
palatal tissues.

25. 2.BOUCHER’S TECHNIQUE
 The width of the posterior palatal seal is limited to a bead on the denture that is 1.5 mm deep and
1.5 mm broad at its base with a sharp apex. The resulting design is a beaded posterior palatal seal.

26. 3.BERNARD LEVIN’S TECHNIQUE
 It is for class III soft palate forms: He described a, “double bead” technique for class III soft palate.
In this technique, a depth of about 1mm and width of 1.5mm is scraped in posterior vibrating line.
A distance 3 to 4 mm from posterior border, anterior vibrating line is beaded. This is known as
rescue bead.

27. 4.SWENSON’S TECHNIQUE
 A groove is cut along the posterior line to a depth of 1 to 1.5 mm that will cause the posterior
border stand straight out from the hard palate, turning neither up nor down. Posterior line is
tapered towards the anterior line by scraping the cast.

28. 5.CALOMENI, FELDMAN, KUEBKER’S TECHNIQUE
 In this technique a depth of 1 to 1.5 mm scraped as posterior bead in which extends through
hamular notches and distance of 5 to 6 mm from posterior line, anterior line is beaded. Using a
Kingsley scraper No.1 a depth 0 at anterior line to a depth of 1 to 1.5 mm along posterior border is
scrapped. A distance of 2 to 3 mm should be present in between the anterior and posterior lines
from the midline.

29. 6.POUND’S TECHNIQUE
 Pound recommends a single bead posterior palatal seal with anterior extensions for additional air
seal. In the palate from the hamular notch to hamular notch a ‘V’ shaped groove is carved
measuring a width of 1 to 1.5 mm and depth of 1 to 1.5 mm and is placed 2 mm anterior to
vibrating line. In order to provide adequate air seal a loop is carved on either side of the midline.
Palpate the area with a blunt of the instrument to determine the width of anterior loop.

30. 7.SILVERMAN’S TECHNIQUE
 Using a pencil a line is drawn from hamulus to hamulus midway between the anterior and
posterior flexion lines. Posterior flexion line is scored to one half deep of that of midscore line.
Anterior flexion line is marked with a shallow scratch. Deepness of the cast from the midline to
anterior and posterior vibrating line is tapered.

31. 8.HARDYAND KAPUR TECHNIQUE
 Using the ball portion of the T burnisher depth of posterior palatal seal is examined. Augment the
posterior palatal seal of denture for 4 mm from distal borders. Then the hamular notch region is
narrowed to 2 mm. Posterior palatal seal is at its maximum depth in center and minimizes to zero
at its anterior and posterior border by scoring the cast.

32. ULTRASONIC TECHNIQUE OF RECORDING
POSTERIOR PALATAL SEAL:
 Conventional method is used to mark the posterior palatal seal. A thin
rubber is placed on the anterior one third of transducer which also
appears as index in the monitor. Use the toothpaste as a line couplant.
 The hard and soft palate junction is located using transducer. This is
done by taking the transducer into the oral cavity and displacing it to
the left of the mid-line.
 There is no display of polaroid picture as the rubber band is
visualized on the posterior vibrating line and it is moved to the right
side of the palate.
Rajeev MN et al., used Ultrasonic effects of nonionizing energy to displace electrons from orbital shell

33. ADDITION OF POSTERIOR PALATAL SEAL TO
EXISTING DENTURE
 There are numerous techniques to improve the posterior palatal seal on an existing denture.

34. Stone is vibrated into the denture-wax surface outlined by the utility wax. After the stone has set, the wax is eliminated and the
denture cleaned. The denture base is ground distal to the anterior vibrating line that has been delineated by the indelible pencil .
Utility wax is placed vertically across the palate, separating the posterior two thirds from the anterior region, and extended
around the posterior portion of the denture.
After the wax has had an adequate chance to flow, the denture is removed from the mouth. An indelible pencil is used to outline
the anterior extent of the seal on the denture.
Moghadam and Scandrett suggest a procedure that utilizes the fluid wax technique. All of the steps outlined for locating,
marking, and placing the wax in the seal area are followed, except that this time the wax is placed on the processed denture base.

35. After the cast and denture are separated, the excess acrylic is trimmed and the border polished lightly.
Monomer is then added dropwise. This is continued until the void has been completely filled.
The denture is then replaced on the stone cast and held firmly with rubber bands. Autopolymerizing
acrylic powder is sprinkled between the denture base and the cast while held on a vibrator..
Care should be exercised not to perforate the polished side of the denture. Lubricant is then applied to the
unground areas, including the polished surface, and a separating medium is applied to the stone cast.

36. 2.A similar technique using
softened green stick modeling
compound has been suggested by
Carroll and Shaffer.'' Lauciello
and Conte incorporate both green
stick modelling compound and
fluid wax.
3.Mark the vibrating line in the mouth with an indelible marker. Form the desired
thickness and extension of the PPS on the denture in the patient’s mouth with softened
green modelling compound (Kerr Mfg.Co., Romulus,Mich).
• Transfer the locations of the vibrating line to the denture. Make a cast of the
intaglio surface of the denture with putty material; the cast must include all of
PPS addition and extend 5 to 6 mm posteriorly.
• After putty material has set, use a scalpel to cut channels which will allow excess
autopolymerizing acrylic resin to escape.
• Remove the green stick compound and replace with autopolymerizing resin in a
pressure pot.

37. 4.Light cured resin can be utilized for the intraoral correction of the posterior palatal seal. This
material allows for accurate placement of the seal by adding material selectively, similar to the fluid
wax technique, curing it in stages. The curing procedure requires the use of a high intensity white
light.
a.No exothermic reaction to
irritate the oral tissues
b.Minimal volumetric
shrinkage during curing
c.More closely
approximates a physiologic
technique
d.Can be performed with
relatively little chair time
The only disadvantage is
the cost of the curing unit.

38. Addition of posterior palatal seal to metal
denture base
AVL & PVL are marked in patient’s mouth & transferred onto metal base
Etch the area of metal base to which acrylic resin is to be attached for posterior palatal seal
Etching can be done using spot chemical etching, with acid gel for 10-20 min or chemical
immersion etching technique
Mix self-cure acrylic and apply in layers using brush and seat in oral cavity till it sets
Lyan HE. Adding posterior palatal seal to a metal base prosthesis. Int J Prosthodont 1989;2:283-4.

39. TROUBLESHOOTING
Underextension
Overextension
Under post- damming
Over post- damming

41. REVIEW OF LITERATURE
 The study was carried out to evaluate the relationship between PPS width of the patient intra-orally
and cephalometric tracing of the same patient.
 A lateral cephalogram was made to trace the hard and soft palatal contour, and the angle of the
palatal contour was measured with the v-ceph program.
 Correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between the distance from anterior
to posterior vibrating lines and the angle of the palatal contour at the junction of the hard and soft
palate. It means when increasing angle between hard tissue and soft tissue there was also an
increment of PPS width.
A study of correlation between posterior palatal seal width and soft palatal angulation with palatal contour Rupal J.
Shah, Sanjay B. Lagdive-JIPS

42.  This article describes a straightforward and modified technique for the transfer of the PPS area on the
maxillary cast by using a thermoplastic sheet.
 PROCEDURE:
1. Make an irreversible hydrocolloid impression (Jeltrate; Dentsply Sirona) of the maxillary arch with a
perforated stock tray and pour the impression with Type III gypsum (Kaldent; Kalabhai Karson).
2. Adapt a resilient polyvinyl thermoplastic sheet (Easy-Vac Gasket; 3A Medes) by using a vacuum
forming machine (Easy-Vac; 3A Medes) on the primary cast.
3. Locate and delineate the anterior and posterior vibrating line on the soft palate by using an indelible
pencil (Staedtler; Nozomi)
Transfer of posterior palatal seal area on maxillary cast: A modified technique Amit M. Gaikwad, BDS, MDS,a Anuraddha Mohite, BDS, MDS,b
and Jyoti B. Nadgere, BDS, MDSc-JPD

43. 4. Place the thermoplastic sheet template intraorally and transfer the markings of
the anterior and posterior vibrating line to it by using a black permanent
marker (Permanent marker; Camlin).
5. Trim the thermoplastic sheet template to the marked posterior vibrating line of
the PPS area.
6. Place the thermoplastic sheet template on the definitive cast and draw the
posterior vibrating line of the PPS area on the cast by using the indelible
pencil.
7. Trim the thermoplastic sheet template to the marked anterior vibrating line of
the marked PPS area.
8. Place the thermoplastic sheet template on the definitive cast and draw the
anterior vibrating line of the PPS area on the cast with the indelible pencil.

44.  A total of 197 subjects were included in the study and a clinical examination was carried out to
examine the location of vibrating line whether it is anterior, posterior or at the fovea palatini in
different soft palate types.
 RESULTS: The vibrating line was located anteriorly to the palatine fovea in 68%, 70% and 50% of
subjects with Class I, II and III soft palate types. The vibrating line coincided with the palatine
fovea in 32%, 30% and 50% of the subjects with Class I, II and III soft palates. None of the subject
in any soft palate type had the vibrating line present posteriorly to the palatine fovea.
 CONCLUSIONS: The vibrating line was predominately found anterior to the palatine fovea in
subjects with Class I and II soft palate palatini.
Location of the Vibrating Line with Respect to Fovea Palatini in Class I, Class II and Class III Soft Palate Types Bharat Kumar1 BDS, FCPS Asma
Naz2 BDS, FCPS

45.  This method offers more practicality in clinical routine and increased control for addition of material to create the
PPS when compared to traditional techniques such as the use of impression wax.
 Technique
 Make an accurate maxillary definitive impression.
 Identify the posterior vibrating line by asking the patient to say “Ah.”
 Mark the area intraorally with an indelible pencil (Blue Copying Pencil; Faber-Castell, Stein, Germany)
 Replace the impression in the mouth, and transfer the marked zone that identifies the PPS area to the definitive
impression.
Use of Resin-Based Provisional Material to Create the Posterior Palatal Seal in Complete Denture Definitive Impressions Victor Eduardo
de Souza Batista, MSc-ACP

46.  Dry the impression and create the form for the PPS with the resin-based
provisional material (Bioplic; Biodinamica, Parana, Brazil or similar material
such as ˆ Clip F; Voco, Cuxhaven, Germany). Use a regular size microbrush
disposable applicator (Microbrush, Grafton, WI) to obtain a smooth surface .
 To customize the resin-based provisional material, place the impression into the
mouth and evaluate retention and patient comfort.
 Remove the impression from the mouth and polymerize for 40 seconds using a
LED light-curing unit (Valo; Ultradent, South Jordan, UT).
 Add additional resin-based provisional material to improve the PPS if necessary.
 Bead and box the impression, and pour the cast with gypsum.
 Assess the PPS area as defined in the definitive cast .

47. CONCLUSION
• The placement of the correct posterior palatal seal area is not a difficult procedure once the anatomy
and the physiology of the area are understood. Careful examination during the diagnostic phase of
the treatment can alleviate many potential problems.
• Following established techniques for the placement of the border seal will ensure a more retentive
prosthesis for the patient, whose satisfaction is the practitioner’s main concern.

48. REFERENCES
1. Essentials of complete denture prosthodontics-winkler-2nd edition
2. Boucher’s PROSTHODONTIC TREATMENT FOR EDENTULOUS PATIENTS: COMPLETE
DENTURES AND IMPLANT-SUPPORTED PROSTHESES-zarb.Bolender
3. The posterior palatal seal. A review Ronald L. Ettinger, M.D.S.
4. Evolution of Techniques in Recording Posterior Palatal Seal – Dr.sunantha Jayachandran
5. A procedure for adding posterior palatal seal to an existing denture in dental office-Tz&arul
NayaPe Ansari, MDS

49. 6. The study of anatomic structures in establishing the posterior seal area for maxillary complete dentures
Kyu-Young Kyung, DDS, MS,a Kee-Deog Kim, DDS, PhD
7. THE GLOSSARY OF PROSTHODONTIC TERMS- Ninth Edition
8. Use of Resin-Based Provisional Material to Create the Posterior Palatal Seal in Complete Denture
Definitive Impressions Victor Eduardo de Souza Batista, MSc-ACP
9. A study of correlation between posterior palatal seal width and soft palatal angulation with palatal
contour Rupal J. Shah, Sanjay B. Lagdive-JIPS
10. Transfer of posterior palatal seal area on maxillary cast: A modified technique Amit M. Gaikwad, BDS,
MDS,a Anuraddha Mohite, BDS, MDS,b and Jyoti B. Nadgere, BDS, MDSc-JPD
11. Location of the Vibrating Line with Respect to Fovea Palatini in Class I, Class II and Class III Soft Palate
Types Bharat Kumar1 BDS, FCPS Asma Naz2 BDS, FCPS

50. POSTERIOR PALATAL SEAL
AJAY YERRAMSETTI