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Prosthodontics & Occlusion · single question

When you ask an elderly complete-denture patient to say 'San Francisco' (a sibilant test), what finding is expected with a correctly fitted denture?

  1. Approximately 1 mm of interocclusal (closest speaking) space between posterior teeth during the 'S' sound
  2. Anterior teeth audibly clicking together during speech
  3. More than 2 mm of occlusal space
  4. The teeth fail to approach during fricative sounds
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Correct answer: A. Approximately 1 mm of interocclusal (closest speaking) space between posterior teeth during the 'S' sound

During sibilant sounds the mandible approaches the maxilla to the closest speaking space, leaving roughly 1 mm of clearance posteriorly. Audible clicking indicates excessive vertical dimension; loss of clearance indicates an over-closed or over-opened dimension.Other options: Clicking suggests too much vertical dimension of occlusion (teeth too long/insufficient interocclusal space); more than 2 mm or no approach indicates an incorrect vertical dimension.Key exam takeaway: Sibilant ('S') test = about 1 mm closest speaking space; teeth that click signal excessive VDO.

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