Coronomaxillary space and its significance in complete denture retention--case reports

The coronomaxillary space defines the distal-most extension of the maxillary denture border, and it usually is tightened during mouth opening. It has been reported that its adequate filling or overfilling is helpful in prosthesis retention. Two types of individual anatomical variations can affect the size of this space: vertical or lateral. With vertical variations, the space increases or does not vary when the mouth is opened; therefore, the prosthesis border must be thicker to obtain adequate retention. With lateral variations, the coronomaxillary space is reduced when the mouth is opened; therefore, the prosthesis border must be thin. The case reports presented here show how complete denture retention can be augmented by the careful recording of the coronomaxillary space dimensions.