1. Major Connectors

2. Functions of a Major Connector
Unification
Partial denture acts as one unit
Connects various parts

3. Functions of a Major Connector
Stress Distribution
Distributes functional loads to both teeth & mucosa

4. Functions of a Major Connector
Cross-Arch Stabilization (Counterleverage)
Bracing elements on one side of the arch providing stability to the other

5. Requirements of a Major Connector
Rigidity
Functions as one unit

6. To Increase Rigidity Use a more rigid alloy Shape
Chrome-cobalt > gold alloys; cast > wrought
Shape
1/2 round > 1/2 pear shaped > flat bars

7. To Increase Rigidity Increase the bulk as the length increases
Corrugate linguo-plate or rugae areas

8. Requirements Non-Interference with Tissues
Should not enter undercut areas
avoid by changing path of insertion
or by using blockout

9. Non-Interference With Tissues
Avoid terminating on:
Free gingival margin
Cross abruptly at 90o
Relief is used to minimize impingement
(Fig 2-17, Stewart's)

10. Non-Interference With Tissues
Avoid terminating on:
Hard structures such as the mid-palatal suture or mandibular tori
Place relief

11. Non-Interference With Tissues
Avoid terminating on:
Lingual frenum & the movable soft palate
Soft tissue movements must also be allowed
Careful intraoral exam

12. Minimize Food Impaction
Locate margins away from the FGM
Eliminate "traps" or large concavities where food can collect

13. Unobtrusive
Smooth transition from connector to denture base - butt joint

14. Unobtrusive Line angles and edges should be smooth and rounded
Borders should not interfere with speech
(Fig 2-21, Stewart's)

15. Mandibular Major Connectors
Lingual Bar
Lingual Plate
Continuous Bar

16. Mandibular Major Connectors
Lingual Bar
Most common in mandibe
Use whenever possible

17. Lingual Bar Reasons for choosing Most hygienic (least tooth contact)
Most comfortable (least coverage)

18. Mandibular Major Connectors
Lingual Bar
Shape
Flat on tissue side
Convex or tear-drop on tongue side
(1/2 pear shape, with thin edge toward teeth)
(Fig 2-35, Stewart's)

19. Mandibular Major Connectors
Lingual Bar
Size
Occluso-gingival width = 4 to 6 mm
Thickness = 2 to 3 mm

20. Inferior Border Mandible
Patient lifts tongue
Activates floor of mouth
Measure from tip of probe to free gingival margin

21. Inferior Border Mandible
Record values in chart, transfer to cast

22. Lingual Bar Position Superior border
Prefer at least l mm or more below FGM; absolute min: 1.0 mm
As far from gingival margin as possible
(Fig 2-15, Stewart's)

23. Potential Impingement
Anterior major connector moves toward tissue as the posterior portion is loaded
More space needed when ridge is more horizontal
(Fig 2-33, Stewart's)

24. Mandibular Major Connector Relief
Eliminates impingement
Wax spacer (relief) placed under major connector
one thickness of 30 gauge wax

25. Lingual Plate (Linguoplate)
Lingual bar with extension over cingula of anterior teeth
Use where a lingual bar cannot be used

26. Lingual Plate Indications
Potential Impingement from lingual bar
High floor of the mouth
Prominent lingual frenum
Lingual tori
Stabilize mobile teeth (not always needed)
Need to add denture teeth if anterior teeth will be subsequently lost

27. Lingual Plate Rest at each end of lingual plate
Prevents forces being directed facially
Easier denture tooth addition than bar

28. Lingual Plate Variations
May show through embrasures
(Fig 2-41 & 43, Stewart's)

29. Continuous Bar Retainer (Kennedy Bar, Double Lingual Bar)
Lingual bar with secondary bar above cingula
Secondary bar acts as indirect retainer

30. Continuous Bar Retainer
Potential food trap between two bars
Normally avoid

31. Labial Bar Extreme lingual inclination of the remaining teeth
Indications are rare
Swing-lock design is a variation

32. Maxillary Major Connectors
Anterior-Posterior Palatal Strap
Full Palatal Strap
Palatal Strap
Anterior Palatal Strap

33. Maxillary Major Connectors
Terminate 4.0 mm or more from free gingival margin when possible

34. Anterior-Posterior Palatal Strap
Maximum rigidity, Minimum bulk
Comfort (minimum coverage)
Use in most cases
Especially torus palatinus

35. Anterior-Posterior Palatal Bar
Variation of anterior-posterior palatal strap
Double palatal bar connector
Requires greater bulk for rigidity
More objectionable to the patient

36. Full Palatal Plate Maximum tissue support
Connector of choice in long distal extension cases
Six or less anterior teeth remain

37. Full Palatal Plate Abutments are periodontally involved
Maximum stress distribution
Flabby/compressible support

38. Full Palatal Plate Greater stability and stress distribution
Not used with torus
Increases retention

39. Full Palatal Plate Connector should:
Be fabricated of uniformly thin metal
Have accurate anatomic reproduction of the ruggae
improves strength and rigidity

40. Full Palatal Plate Connector should:
Cover same area as complete denture posteriorly (point to hamular notch if distal extension)
Have large surface area of mucosal contact
improves potential for retention

41. Full Palatal Plate Generally of cast metal
Acrylic resin used in interim prostheses

42. Palatal Strap Usually use for Class III & IV cases
Wide anterio-posteriorly

43. Palatal Bar Don’t use Narrow anterio-posteriorly
Thick occluso-gingivally
Palatal bar objectionable due to bulk
(Fig 2-24, Stewart's)

44. Palatal Strap (or Bar)
Never use in cases involving distal extensions or replacement of anterior teeth since it must be made bulky for rigidity
Relief may be required over bony midline
Not used with torus

45. Anterior Palatal Plate (U-Shaped or "Horse-Shoe" Palatal Connector)
Poor connector
Never use unless absolutely necessary
Requires bulk in the rugae area (where the tongue requires freedom) for rigidity

46. Anterior Palatal Plate
Too flexible
Allows movement at the posterior
Traumatic to the residual ridge
Use only where torus prohibits other connectors

47. Flexes, impinging on soft tissue

48. Unilateral RPD
Dangerous
Avoid
aspiration

49. Next: Retentive Undercut Abutment Modifications Presentation Videos:
Double embrasure movie
Retentive undercuts