Influence of the thickness of the resin palatal vault on the closest speaking space with complete dentures

The closest speaking space (CSS) has been considered stable over time, and therefore useful to determine the vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) in edentulous patients. Clemencon affirms that, in complete denture wearers, C SS is not constant but depends on the thickness of the resin palatal vault, and that is the air volume needed to pronounce words to remain constant. T he aim of this study was to evaluate Clemencon hypothesis in a group of ede ntulous patients rehabilitated with traditional maxillary denture and mandi bular implant anchored overdenture. The CSS was determined by means of a ki nematics method using the Elite System(R) at 30, 60, 90, 180, 360 days from delivery. The CSS was assessed twice at each stage: with the unmodified de nture and a second time after thickening the resin palatal vault by 2 mm wi th a calibrated wax layer. The CSS after thickening the resin palatal vault was wider. The wider CSS observed can be because of oro-sensory feedback e xcited by contact between tongue and palatal vault. As hypothesized by Clem en on thickening the resin palatal vault could be a useful procedure to inc rease the VDO, in cases in which it is too low from the aesthetic stand poi nt.