MANDIBULAR DENTURE PRIMARY STRESS BEARING AREA Buccal Shelf Area
- Because it is made of cortical bone
- It is perpendicular to masticatory forces / occlusal plane

TRetromolar pad is Secondary stress-bearing area
- It provides retention, support & stability
- It adds another plane to the movement of the denture

Posterior most extension- 2/3rd height of the retromolar pad

Mandibular dentures do not rely on suction unlike max dentures, they get maximum stability by
covering as much basal bone as possible without impinging on the muscle attachments.