In the treatment of maxillary denture instability, what anatomical feature is crucial to assess?

In addressing maxillary denture instability, assessing the vestibular depth is crucial due to its impact on the retention and stability of the denture. The vestibule refers to the space between the lips/cheek and the gums, and its depth can significantly influence how securely a denture fits against the underlying tissues.

An adequate vestibular depth allows for optimal border molding and facilitates sufficient extension of the denture base, which can enhance its retention by increasing the area of surface contact with the mucosal tissues. Conversely, insufficient vestibular depth can result in inadequate support and retention, leading to a more unstable denture.

While factors such as alveolar bone height, mucosal integrity, and muscle attachment height are important considerations in denture design and stability, the vestibular depth directly affects how well the denture will fit within the oral cavity. Therefore, evaluating this anatomical feature is essential for optimizing maxillary denture retention and overall function.