Australian Dental Council (ADC) Practice Test

The correct answer identifies the coronoid process as the anatomical structure that interferes with a maxillary denture in the posterior vestibular fold. The coronoid process is a projection of the mandible where the temporalis muscle attaches, and it can indeed come into contact with the maxillary denture during certain movements of the mandible, particularly during protrusion or during wider opening of the mouth.

When a patient with a maxillary denture opens their mouth wide, the coronoid process may engage against the posterior aspect of the denture in the maxillary vestibule, causing discomfort or interference with the seating of the denture. This is particularly important in considering the design and fit of maxillary dentures, as adequate space should be allowed to accommodate this anatomical structure to ensure the patient can open their mouth comfortably without the denture being displaced.

In contrast, other structures like the condyle, masseter muscle, or mandibular notch, while they play significant roles in the anatomy and function of the mandible, do not directly interfere with the fit of a maxillary denture in the same manner as the coronoid process does. Understanding the anatomical relationships and implications for denture design is essential in providing effective dental care.