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Prosthodontics & Occlusion · single question

With dentures in place, the phrase 'San Francisco' is used to evaluate fit. What finding should be observed during this assessment?

  1. Approximately 1 mm of interocclusal space between posterior teeth during sibilant sounds
  2. Teeth clicking together during speech
  3. More than 3 mm of interocclusal space
  4. No interocclusal space at all
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Correct answer: A. Approximately 1 mm of interocclusal space between posterior teeth during sibilant sounds

  • A. Correct. Properly fitting dentures should show approximately 1 mm of interocclusal space during sibilant ('s') sounds like in 'San Francisco,' confirming appropriate vertical dimension.
  • B. Clicking suggests the vertical dimension is too low/teeth are contacting prematurely, not a normal expected finding.
  • C. Excessive space (>3mm) suggests the vertical dimension is set too low.
  • D. No space at all suggests excessive vertical dimension (teeth too close/contacting).

Note: This evaluates the patient's ability to produce sibilant and fricative sounds — part of VDO assessment.

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