Types of maxillary major connectors Dr.Mohammad Al Sayed 8/3/2008

4.Horseshoe or U-shaped connector Indications: 1.When several anterior teeth being replaced. 2.In tooth borne partial denture with anterior and posterior teeth are being missing. 3.When a hard midline suture or palatal torus cannot be covered

Design: 1.It consists of U-shaped thin band of metal of 6-8mm in width. 2.The borders must be either 6mm away from the gingival margin or extend onto the lingual surfaces of the teeth. 3.The connector should be uniform in thickness, symmetric, and with curved and smooth borders.

Advantages: 1.It solves the problem of missing anterior teeth especially when there is deep anterior vertical overlap. 2.It offers a definite advantage in the presence of hard median suture or large torus. Disadvantage: 1.It tend to be less rigid than other connectors as a buccolingual movement may occur in the posterior area. 2.It covers the rugae area and interferes with phonetics and patient’s comfort.

5.Anteroposrerior palatal strap (closed horseshoe) Indications: 1.In tooth borne, and mucosa borne partial dentures when replacement of anterior and posterior teeth is required. 2.When a palatal torus exists.

Anteroposterior palatal strap Anteroposreior palatal strap

Design: 1.The anterior strap should be positioned as back as possible on the rugae area. 2.The posterior strap should be placed as far back as possible on the hard palate. 3.The borders of the connectors should be placed 6 mm away from the gingival margins or should extend above the height of contour of the teeth.

Advantages: 1.It is rigid because it lies at two different planes. 2.It provide good support to the partial denture. Disadvantages: May be not accepted by some patients due to multiple borders and coverage to the rugae area

6.The complete palatal plate Indications: 1.In long span bilateral tooth-mucosa borne partial denture with and without anterior teeth replacement. 2.Should be used whenever maximum tissue support is desired. 3.In patients with palatal defect. 4.Maximum palatal coverage should be considered in the presence of poor residual ridge, periodontal disease, increased muscular force and poor bone indices. 5.In transitional partial denture.

Design: 1.The anterior border should be 6 mm away from the gingival margin. 2. Posterior borders are extended to the junction of movable and immovable soft palate. 3.The posterior border is beaded to prevent debris from collecting beneath the palate.

Advantages: 1.It offers maximum rigidity support and retention to the partial denture. 2.It is made in a uniform thin metal plate, which reproduce anatomic contour of the palate and feel natural to the patient. Disadvantages: 1.Often cannot be used in the presence of a palatal torus. 2.Complete palatal coverage may alter taste and tactile sensation.

Types of palatal plates: 1.Complete cast metal plate covering the entire palate. It may not be relined easily. 2.Complete resin plate, which can be relined or rebased. 3.Combination of anterior metal with posterior resin area. The resin area may be relined or rebased.

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