If possible I like to make the lingual of the mandibular denture in the shape of a "J." If you combine the "J" on one side with the backward "J" on the other side you have a "U." The proximal side of the tongue will hopefully rest on the border and keep it seated. Make sure there are no undercuts on the lingual or the tongue will lift the denture.

If there is room I also try make this same shape on the posterior buccal of the mandibular. Maybe the cheek will rest on the border. As one of the Temple faculty used to say, "Make all of the polished surface of the mandibular denture face upward."

©1999 by Julius Rosen, D.D.S.