Major ConnectorsMajor Connectors Major ConnectorsMajor Connectors
Rola M. Shadid, BDS, MSc
Major ConnectorMajor ConnectorMajor ConnectorMajor Connector
A major A major connector is the component of is the component of the RPD that connects the parts of the the RPD that connects the parts of the prosthesis located on one side of the arch prosthesis located on one side of the arch with those on the opposite side. with those on the opposite side.
It is that unit of the RPD to which all It is that unit of the RPD to which all other parts are directly or indirectly other parts are directly or indirectly attached.attached.
A major A major connector is the component of is the component of the RPD that connects the parts of the the RPD that connects the parts of the prosthesis located on one side of the arch prosthesis located on one side of the arch with those on the opposite side. with those on the opposite side.
It is that unit of the RPD to which all It is that unit of the RPD to which all other parts are directly or indirectly other parts are directly or indirectly attached.attached.
Functions of Major ConnectorFunctions of Major ConnectorFunctions of Major ConnectorFunctions of Major Connector
UnificationUnification Partial denture acts as one unitPartial denture acts as one unit Connects various partsConnects various parts
UnificationUnification Partial denture acts as one unitPartial denture acts as one unit Connects various partsConnects various parts
Functions of Major ConnectorFunctions of Major ConnectorFunctions of Major ConnectorFunctions of Major Connector
Stress DistributionStress Distribution Distributes functional loads to both Distributes functional loads to both
teeth & mucosateeth & mucosa
Stress DistributionStress Distribution Distributes functional loads to both Distributes functional loads to both
teeth & mucosateeth & mucosa
Functions of Major ConnectorFunctions of Major ConnectorFunctions of Major ConnectorFunctions of Major Connector
Cross-Arch Stabilization Cross-Arch Stabilization ** (Counterleverage)(Counterleverage) Bracing elements on one side of the Bracing elements on one side of the
arch providing stability to the otherarch providing stability to the other
Cross-Arch Stabilization Cross-Arch Stabilization ** (Counterleverage)(Counterleverage) Bracing elements on one side of the Bracing elements on one side of the
arch providing stability to the otherarch providing stability to the other
Requirements of Major ConnectorRequirements of Major ConnectorRequirements of Major ConnectorRequirements of Major Connector
Rigidity Rigidity ** Functions as one unit Functions as one unit
Rigidity Rigidity ** Functions as one unit Functions as one unit
To Increase RigidityTo Increase RigidityTo Increase RigidityTo Increase Rigidity
Use a more rigid alloy Use a more rigid alloy Chrome-cobalt > gold alloys; cast > wroughtChrome-cobalt > gold alloys; cast > wrought
Shape (cross-section)Shape (cross-section) 1/2 round > 1/2 pear shaped > flat bars1/2 round > 1/2 pear shaped > flat bars
Use a more rigid alloy Use a more rigid alloy Chrome-cobalt > gold alloys; cast > wroughtChrome-cobalt > gold alloys; cast > wrought
Shape (cross-section)Shape (cross-section) 1/2 round > 1/2 pear shaped > flat bars1/2 round > 1/2 pear shaped > flat bars
To Increase RigidityTo Increase RigidityTo Increase RigidityTo Increase Rigidity
Increase the bulk as the length increasesIncrease the bulk as the length increases Corrugate linguoplate or rugae areasCorrugate linguoplate or rugae areas
Increase the bulk as the length increasesIncrease the bulk as the length increases Corrugate linguoplate or rugae areasCorrugate linguoplate or rugae areas
RequirementsRequirementsRequirementsRequirements
Non-Interference with soft tissuesNon-Interference with soft tissues Should not enter undercut areasShould not enter undercut areas
avoid by changing path of insertion avoid by changing path of insertion or by using blockoutor by using blockout
Non-Interference with soft tissuesNon-Interference with soft tissues Should not enter undercut areasShould not enter undercut areas
avoid by changing path of insertion avoid by changing path of insertion or by using blockoutor by using blockout
Non-Interference With TissuesNon-Interference With TissuesNon-Interference With TissuesNon-Interference With Tissues
Avoid terminating on:Avoid terminating on: Free gingival margin Free gingival margin
Cross abruptly at 90Cross abruptly at 90oo
Relief is used to minimize Relief is used to minimize impingementimpingement
Avoid terminating on:Avoid terminating on: Free gingival margin Free gingival margin
Cross abruptly at 90Cross abruptly at 90oo
Relief is used to minimize Relief is used to minimize impingementimpingement
Borders of maxillary connector Borders of maxillary connector should be placed should be placed a minimum a minimum of 6 mm of 6 mm away from and away from and parallel to the gingival parallel to the gingival margins.margins.
Border of mandibular Border of mandibular connector should be located connector should be located a a minimum of 4 mm below the minimum of 4 mm below the gingival margingingival margin
Borders of maxillary connector Borders of maxillary connector should be placed should be placed a minimum a minimum of 6 mm of 6 mm away from and away from and parallel to the gingival parallel to the gingival margins.margins.
Border of mandibular Border of mandibular connector should be located connector should be located a a minimum of 4 mm below the minimum of 4 mm below the gingival margingingival margin
Non-Interference With TissuesNon-Interference With TissuesNon-Interference With TissuesNon-Interference With Tissues
Avoid terminating on:Avoid terminating on: Hard structures such as the mid-Hard structures such as the mid-
palatal suture or mandibular toripalatal suture or mandibular tori Place reliefPlace relief
Avoid terminating on:Avoid terminating on: Hard structures such as the mid-Hard structures such as the mid-
palatal suture or mandibular toripalatal suture or mandibular tori Place reliefPlace relief
Non-Interference With TissuesNon-Interference With TissuesNon-Interference With TissuesNon-Interference With Tissues
Avoid terminating on:Avoid terminating on: Lingual frenum & the movable soft palateLingual frenum & the movable soft palate Soft tissue movements must also be allowed Soft tissue movements must also be allowed
Avoid terminating on:Avoid terminating on: Lingual frenum & the movable soft palateLingual frenum & the movable soft palate Soft tissue movements must also be allowed Soft tissue movements must also be allowed
Minimize Food ImpactionMinimize Food ImpactionMinimize Food ImpactionMinimize Food Impaction
Locate margins away from the FGMLocate margins away from the FGM Eliminate "traps" or large concavities Eliminate "traps" or large concavities
where food can collectwhere food can collect
Locate margins away from the FGMLocate margins away from the FGM Eliminate "traps" or large concavities Eliminate "traps" or large concavities
where food can collectwhere food can collect
Unobtrusive *Unobtrusive *Unobtrusive *Unobtrusive *
Smooth transition from connector to Smooth transition from connector to denture base - butt joint denture base - butt joint
Smooth transition from connector to Smooth transition from connector to denture base - butt joint denture base - butt joint
UnobtrusiveUnobtrusiveUnobtrusiveUnobtrusive
Line angles and edges should be smooth Line angles and edges should be smooth and roundedand rounded
Borders should not interfere with speechBorders should not interfere with speech
Line angles and edges should be smooth Line angles and edges should be smooth and roundedand rounded
Borders should not interfere with speechBorders should not interfere with speech
ReliefReliefReliefRelief
Mandibular major connectors Mandibular major connectors should be should be located and/or located and/or relievedrelieved to prevent to prevent impingement of tissue because the distal impingement of tissue because the distal extension denture rotates in function. extension denture rotates in function.
Except for a palatal torus or prominent Except for a palatal torus or prominent median palatal suture area, median palatal suture area, maxillary maxillary connectors connectors ordinarily require ordinarily require no reliefno relief..
Mandibular major connectors Mandibular major connectors should be should be located and/or located and/or relievedrelieved to prevent to prevent impingement of tissue because the distal impingement of tissue because the distal extension denture rotates in function. extension denture rotates in function.
Except for a palatal torus or prominent Except for a palatal torus or prominent median palatal suture area, median palatal suture area, maxillary maxillary connectors connectors ordinarily require ordinarily require no reliefno relief..
Mandibular Major ConnectorsMandibular Major ConnectorsMandibular Major ConnectorsMandibular Major Connectors
Lingual BarLingual Bar Lingual PlateLingual Plate Sublingual bar Sublingual bar Lingual bar with cingulum bar Lingual bar with cingulum bar
(continuous bar)(continuous bar) Labial bar Labial bar Swing lock designSwing lock design
Lingual BarLingual Bar Lingual PlateLingual Plate Sublingual bar Sublingual bar Lingual bar with cingulum bar Lingual bar with cingulum bar
(continuous bar)(continuous bar) Labial bar Labial bar Swing lock designSwing lock design
Mandibular Major ConnectorsMandibular Major ConnectorsMandibular Major ConnectorsMandibular Major Connectors
Lingual BarLingual Bar Most common in mandibeMost common in mandibe Use whenever possibleUse whenever possible
Lingual BarLingual Bar Most common in mandibeMost common in mandibe Use whenever possibleUse whenever possible
Mandibular Major ConnectorsMandibular Major ConnectorsMandibular Major ConnectorsMandibular Major Connectors
Lingual BarLingual Bar ShapeShape
Flat on tissue sideFlat on tissue side Convex or tear-drop on Convex or tear-drop on
tongue sidetongue side (1/2 pear shape, with (1/2 pear shape, with
thin edge toward teeth)thin edge toward teeth)
Lingual BarLingual Bar ShapeShape
Flat on tissue sideFlat on tissue side Convex or tear-drop on Convex or tear-drop on
tongue sidetongue side (1/2 pear shape, with (1/2 pear shape, with
thin edge toward teeth)thin edge toward teeth)
Lingual BarLingual BarLingual BarLingual Bar
Located above moving tissue but as far below the gingival tissue as possible
The superior border should The superior border should be tapered toward the be tapered toward the gingival tissue superiorly gingival tissue superiorly with its greatest bulk at the with its greatest bulk at the inferior border, resulting inferior border, resulting in a contour that is a half-in a contour that is a half-pear shape.pear shape.
Located above moving tissue but as far below the gingival tissue as possible
The superior border should The superior border should be tapered toward the be tapered toward the gingival tissue superiorly gingival tissue superiorly with its greatest bulk at the with its greatest bulk at the inferior border, resulting inferior border, resulting in a contour that is a half-in a contour that is a half-pear shape.pear shape.
Mandibular Major ConnectorsMandibular Major ConnectorsMandibular Major ConnectorsMandibular Major Connectors
Lingual BarLingual Bar SizeSize
Occluso-gingival width = 4 to 6 mmOccluso-gingival width = 4 to 6 mm Thickness = l.5 to 2 mmThickness = l.5 to 2 mm
Lingual BarLingual Bar SizeSize
Occluso-gingival width = 4 to 6 mmOccluso-gingival width = 4 to 6 mm Thickness = l.5 to 2 mmThickness = l.5 to 2 mm
Inferior Border of Lingual Bar *Inferior Border of Lingual Bar *Inferior Border of Lingual Bar *Inferior Border of Lingual Bar *
Patient lifts tonguePatient lifts tongue Activates floor of mouthActivates floor of mouth
Measure from tip of probe to free gingival marginMeasure from tip of probe to free gingival margin
ORORo Make impression Make impression
with lifted tongue with lifted tongue o Measure on castMeasure on cast
Patient lifts tonguePatient lifts tongue Activates floor of mouthActivates floor of mouth
Measure from tip of probe to free gingival marginMeasure from tip of probe to free gingival margin
ORORo Make impression Make impression
with lifted tongue with lifted tongue o Measure on castMeasure on cast
Inferior Border of Lingual BarInferior Border of Lingual BarInferior Border of Lingual BarInferior Border of Lingual Bar
Lingual BarLingual BarLingual BarLingual Bar PositionPosition
Superior border Superior border 3-4 mm or more below FGM3-4 mm or more below FGM As far from gingival margin as As far from gingival margin as
possiblepossible
PositionPosition Superior border Superior border 3-4 mm or more below FGM3-4 mm or more below FGM As far from gingival margin as As far from gingival margin as
possiblepossible
Mandibular Major Connector ReliefMandibular Major Connector ReliefMandibular Major Connector ReliefMandibular Major Connector Relief
Eliminates impingementEliminates impingement Wax spacer (relief) placed under major Wax spacer (relief) placed under major
connectorconnector
One thickness of 30 gauge wax One thickness of 30 gauge wax **
Eliminates impingementEliminates impingement Wax spacer (relief) placed under major Wax spacer (relief) placed under major
connectorconnector
One thickness of 30 gauge wax One thickness of 30 gauge wax **
Lingual Bar IndicationLingual Bar IndicationLingual Bar IndicationLingual Bar Indication
The lingual bar should be used for The lingual bar should be used for mandibular RPD where sufficient space mandibular RPD where sufficient space exists between the slightly elevated exists between the slightly elevated alveolar lingual sulcus and the lingual alveolar lingual sulcus and the lingual gingival tissue gingival tissue (more than 8 mm)(more than 8 mm)
The lingual bar should be used for The lingual bar should be used for mandibular RPD where sufficient space mandibular RPD where sufficient space exists between the slightly elevated exists between the slightly elevated alveolar lingual sulcus and the lingual alveolar lingual sulcus and the lingual gingival tissue gingival tissue (more than 8 mm)(more than 8 mm)
Contraindications for Lingual Contraindications for Lingual BarBarContraindications for Lingual Contraindications for Lingual BarBar Remaining natural Remaining natural
anterior teeth severely anterior teeth severely tilted linguallytilted lingually
Interfering lingual toriInterfering lingual tori High attachment of High attachment of
lingual frenumlingual frenum Interference with Interference with
elevation of the floor of elevation of the floor of the mouth during the mouth during functional movements functional movements (< 8 (< 8 mm)mm)
Remaining natural Remaining natural anterior teeth severely anterior teeth severely tilted linguallytilted lingually
Interfering lingual toriInterfering lingual tori High attachment of High attachment of
lingual frenumlingual frenum Interference with Interference with
elevation of the floor of elevation of the floor of the mouth during the mouth during functional movements functional movements (< 8 (< 8 mm)mm)
Lingual Plate (Linguoplate)Lingual Plate (Linguoplate)Lingual Plate (Linguoplate)Lingual Plate (Linguoplate)
Lingual bar with extension over cingula of Lingual bar with extension over cingula of anterior teethanterior teeth
Use where a lingual bar cannot be usedUse where a lingual bar cannot be used
Lingual bar with extension over cingula of Lingual bar with extension over cingula of anterior teethanterior teeth
Use where a lingual bar cannot be usedUse where a lingual bar cannot be used
Lingual PlateLingual PlateLingual PlateLingual Plate
Inferior border at the Inferior border at the ascertained height of ascertained height of the alveolar lingual the alveolar lingual sulcus when the sulcus when the patient's tongue is patient's tongue is slightly elevated.slightly elevated.
Inferior border at the Inferior border at the ascertained height of ascertained height of the alveolar lingual the alveolar lingual sulcus when the sulcus when the patient's tongue is patient's tongue is slightly elevated.slightly elevated.
Lingual PlateLingual PlateLingual PlateLingual Plate
Rest at each end of lingual plateRest at each end of lingual plate Prevents forces being directed faciallyPrevents forces being directed facially Easier denture tooth addition than bar Easier denture tooth addition than bar **
Rest at each end of lingual plateRest at each end of lingual plate Prevents forces being directed faciallyPrevents forces being directed facially Easier denture tooth addition than bar Easier denture tooth addition than bar **
Lingual Plate VariationsLingual Plate VariationsLingual Plate VariationsLingual Plate Variations
May show through embrasuresMay show through embrasures May show through embrasuresMay show through embrasures
Lingual Plate IndicationsLingual Plate IndicationsLingual Plate IndicationsLingual Plate Indications
Potential Impingement from lingual bar Potential Impingement from lingual bar High floor of the mouthHigh floor of the mouth (< 8 mm) (< 8 mm) Prominent lingual frenum Prominent lingual frenum Lingual toriLingual tori
Potential Impingement from lingual bar Potential Impingement from lingual bar High floor of the mouthHigh floor of the mouth (< 8 mm) (< 8 mm) Prominent lingual frenum Prominent lingual frenum Lingual toriLingual tori
Lingual Plate IndicationsLingual Plate IndicationsLingual Plate IndicationsLingual Plate Indications
The residual ridges in The residual ridges in Class I arch have undergone Class I arch have undergone such vertical resorption such vertical resorption that they will offer only that they will offer only minimal resistance to horizontal rotations of the minimal resistance to horizontal rotations of the denture through its bases.denture through its bases.
For using For using periodontally weakenedperiodontally weakened
teeth to furnish support teeth to furnish support to prosthesis and to help to prosthesis and to help resist horizontal rotation of the distal extension resist horizontal rotation of the distal extension type of denture. (act as periodontal splint)type of denture. (act as periodontal splint)
The residual ridges in The residual ridges in Class I arch have undergone Class I arch have undergone such vertical resorption such vertical resorption that they will offer only that they will offer only minimal resistance to horizontal rotations of the minimal resistance to horizontal rotations of the denture through its bases.denture through its bases.
For using For using periodontally weakenedperiodontally weakened
teeth to furnish support teeth to furnish support to prosthesis and to help to prosthesis and to help resist horizontal rotation of the distal extension resist horizontal rotation of the distal extension type of denture. (act as periodontal splint)type of denture. (act as periodontal splint)
Mandibular Lingual Bar with Continuous Mandibular Lingual Bar with Continuous Bar (Cingulum Bar)Bar (Cingulum Bar)(Kennedy Bar, Double Lingual Bar)(Kennedy Bar, Double Lingual Bar)
Mandibular Lingual Bar with Continuous Mandibular Lingual Bar with Continuous Bar (Cingulum Bar)Bar (Cingulum Bar)(Kennedy Bar, Double Lingual Bar)(Kennedy Bar, Double Lingual Bar)
Lingual bar with secondary bar on Lingual bar with secondary bar on cingula of anterior teeth cingula of anterior teeth **
Lingual bar with secondary bar on Lingual bar with secondary bar on cingula of anterior teeth cingula of anterior teeth **
Mandibulat Lingual Bar with Mandibulat Lingual Bar with Continuous Bar IndicationsContinuous Bar IndicationsMandibulat Lingual Bar with Mandibulat Lingual Bar with Continuous Bar IndicationsContinuous Bar Indications
When a linguoplate is otherwise When a linguoplate is otherwise indicated but the axial indicated but the axial alignment of anterior teeth is alignment of anterior teeth is such that excessive blockout such that excessive blockout of interproximal undercuts of interproximal undercuts would be required. would be required.
When wide diastema exists When wide diastema exists between mandibular anterior between mandibular anterior teeth and a linguoplate teeth and a linguoplate would objectionably display would objectionably display metal in a frontal view.metal in a frontal view.
When a linguoplate is otherwise When a linguoplate is otherwise indicated but the axial indicated but the axial alignment of anterior teeth is alignment of anterior teeth is such that excessive blockout such that excessive blockout of interproximal undercuts of interproximal undercuts would be required. would be required.
When wide diastema exists When wide diastema exists between mandibular anterior between mandibular anterior teeth and a linguoplate teeth and a linguoplate would objectionably display would objectionably display metal in a frontal view.metal in a frontal view.
Mandibulat Lingual Bar with Mandibulat Lingual Bar with Continuous BarContinuous BarMandibulat Lingual Bar with Mandibulat Lingual Bar with Continuous BarContinuous Bar
Potential food trap between two barsPotential food trap between two bars Normally avoidNormally avoid
Potential food trap between two barsPotential food trap between two bars Normally avoidNormally avoid
Maxillary Major ConnectorsMaxillary Major ConnectorsMaxillary Major ConnectorsMaxillary Major Connectors
1.1. Anterior-Posterior Palatal Strap Anterior-Posterior Palatal Strap
2.2. Palatal plate-type connector Palatal plate-type connector
3.3. Single palatal strapSingle palatal strap
4. U-shaped palatal connector (Anterior Palatal Strap)
5. Single palatal bar
6. Anterior-posterior palatal bar
1.1. Anterior-Posterior Palatal Strap Anterior-Posterior Palatal Strap
2.2. Palatal plate-type connector Palatal plate-type connector
3.3. Single palatal strapSingle palatal strap
4. U-shaped palatal connector (Anterior Palatal Strap)
5. Single palatal bar
6. Anterior-posterior palatal bar
Maxillary Major ConnectorsMaxillary Major ConnectorsMaxillary Major ConnectorsMaxillary Major Connectors
Whenever it is Whenever it is necessary for the necessary for the palatal connector to palatal connector to make contact with make contact with the teeth for support, the teeth for support, definite tooth definite tooth support by definite support by definite rest seats should be rest seats should be provided provided **
Whenever it is Whenever it is necessary for the necessary for the palatal connector to palatal connector to make contact with make contact with the teeth for support, the teeth for support, definite tooth definite tooth support by definite support by definite rest seats should be rest seats should be provided provided **
Maxillary Major ConnectorsMaxillary Major ConnectorsMaxillary Major ConnectorsMaxillary Major Connectors
Terminate 6.0 mm or more from free Terminate 6.0 mm or more from free gingival margin when possiblegingival margin when possible
Terminate 6.0 mm or more from free Terminate 6.0 mm or more from free gingival margin when possiblegingival margin when possible
Anterior-Posterior Palatal Strap*Anterior-Posterior Palatal Strap*Anterior-Posterior Palatal Strap*Anterior-Posterior Palatal Strap*
Maximum rigidity Maximum rigidity Minimum bulkMinimum bulk Use in most cases Use in most cases Especially torus palatinusEspecially torus palatinus
Maximum rigidity Maximum rigidity Minimum bulkMinimum bulk Use in most cases Use in most cases Especially torus palatinusEspecially torus palatinus
Anterior-Posterior Palatal Strap Anterior-Posterior Palatal Strap IndicationsIndicationsAnterior-Posterior Palatal Strap Anterior-Posterior Palatal Strap IndicationsIndications
Class I and II arches in which excellent Class I and II arches in which excellent abutment and residual ridge support abutment and residual ridge support exists, and direct retention can be made exists, and direct retention can be made adequate without the need for indirect adequate without the need for indirect retention.retention.
Long edentulous spans in Class II, Long edentulous spans in Class II, modification 1 arches.modification 1 arches.
Class IV archesClass IV arches
Class I and II arches in which excellent Class I and II arches in which excellent abutment and residual ridge support abutment and residual ridge support exists, and direct retention can be made exists, and direct retention can be made adequate without the need for indirect adequate without the need for indirect retention.retention.
Long edentulous spans in Class II, Long edentulous spans in Class II, modification 1 arches.modification 1 arches.
Class IV archesClass IV arches
Anterior-Posterior Palatal Strap Anterior-Posterior Palatal Strap IndicationsIndicationsAnterior-Posterior Palatal Strap Anterior-Posterior Palatal Strap IndicationsIndications Inoperable palatal tori that do not Inoperable palatal tori that do not
extend posteriorly to the junction of the extend posteriorly to the junction of the hard and soft palateshard and soft palates..
The only condition preventing its use is The only condition preventing its use is when there is an inoperable maxillary when there is an inoperable maxillary torus that extends posteriorly to the soft torus that extends posteriorly to the soft palate.palate.
Inoperable palatal tori that do not Inoperable palatal tori that do not extend posteriorly to the junction of the extend posteriorly to the junction of the hard and soft palateshard and soft palates..
The only condition preventing its use is The only condition preventing its use is when there is an inoperable maxillary when there is an inoperable maxillary torus that extends posteriorly to the soft torus that extends posteriorly to the soft palate.palate.
Anterior-Posterior Palatal BarAnterior-Posterior Palatal BarAnterior-Posterior Palatal BarAnterior-Posterior Palatal Bar A narrow (A-P) variation of anterior-A narrow (A-P) variation of anterior-
posterior palatal strap posterior palatal strap Double palatal bar connector Double palatal bar connector Requires greater bulk for rigidity Requires greater bulk for rigidity
A narrow (A-P) variation of anterior-A narrow (A-P) variation of anterior-posterior palatal strap posterior palatal strap Double palatal bar connector Double palatal bar connector Requires greater bulk for rigidity Requires greater bulk for rigidity
Anterior-Posterior Palatal BarAnterior-Posterior Palatal BarAnterior-Posterior Palatal BarAnterior-Posterior Palatal Bar
More objectionable to the patient More objectionable to the patient Strap connectors provide greater Strap connectors provide greater
distribution of stressesdistribution of stresses
More objectionable to the patient More objectionable to the patient Strap connectors provide greater Strap connectors provide greater
distribution of stressesdistribution of stresses
Palatal Plate-Type ConnectorPalatal Plate-Type ConnectorPalatal Plate-Type ConnectorPalatal Plate-Type Connector
Covers one half or more of the hard palateCovers one half or more of the hard palate Maximum tissue supportMaximum tissue support Connector of choice in long distal extension Connector of choice in long distal extension
cases cases
Covers one half or more of the hard palateCovers one half or more of the hard palate Maximum tissue supportMaximum tissue support Connector of choice in long distal extension Connector of choice in long distal extension
cases cases
Palatal Plate-Type ConnectorPalatal Plate-Type ConnectorPalatal Plate-Type ConnectorPalatal Plate-Type Connector
Greater stability and stress distributionGreater stability and stress distribution Not used with torus Not used with torus Increases retentionIncreases retention
Greater stability and stress distributionGreater stability and stress distribution Not used with torus Not used with torus Increases retentionIncreases retention
Palatal Plate-Type ConnectorPalatal Plate-Type ConnectorPalatal Plate-Type ConnectorPalatal Plate-Type Connector
Connector should:Connector should: be fabricated of uniformly thin metal *be fabricated of uniformly thin metal * have accurate anatomic reproduction have accurate anatomic reproduction
of the rugaeof the rugae improves strength and rigidity improves strength and rigidity
Connector should:Connector should: be fabricated of uniformly thin metal *be fabricated of uniformly thin metal * have accurate anatomic reproduction have accurate anatomic reproduction
of the rugaeof the rugae improves strength and rigidity improves strength and rigidity
Palatal Plate-Type ConnectorPalatal Plate-Type ConnectorPalatal Plate-Type ConnectorPalatal Plate-Type Connector
Connector should:Connector should: Cover same area as complete denture Cover same area as complete denture
posteriorly posteriorly Have large surface area of mucosal contactHave large surface area of mucosal contact
improves potential for retentionimproves potential for retention
Connector should:Connector should: Cover same area as complete denture Cover same area as complete denture
posteriorly posteriorly Have large surface area of mucosal contactHave large surface area of mucosal contact
improves potential for retentionimproves potential for retention
1.1. A cast plate between A cast plate between two or more edentulous two or more edentulous areasareas
2.2. A complete or partial A complete or partial cast plate that extends cast plate that extends posteriorly to the posteriorly to the junction of the hard and junction of the hard and soft palatesoft palate
1.1. A cast plate between A cast plate between two or more edentulous two or more edentulous areasareas
2.2. A complete or partial A complete or partial cast plate that extends cast plate that extends posteriorly to the posteriorly to the junction of the hard and junction of the hard and soft palatesoft palate
Palatal Plate-Type Connector Palatal Plate-Type Connector FormsFormsPalatal Plate-Type Connector Palatal Plate-Type Connector FormsForms
3. 3. An anterior palatal An anterior palatal connector with a connector with a provision for extending provision for extending an acrylic resin denture an acrylic resin denture base posteriorlybase posteriorly
3. 3. An anterior palatal An anterior palatal connector with a connector with a provision for extending provision for extending an acrylic resin denture an acrylic resin denture base posteriorlybase posteriorly
Palatal Plate-Type Connector Palatal Plate-Type Connector FormsFormsPalatal Plate-Type Connector Palatal Plate-Type Connector FormsForms
Palatal Plate-Type Connector Palatal Plate-Type Connector IndicationsIndicationsPalatal Plate-Type Connector Palatal Plate-Type Connector IndicationsIndications
Abutments are periodontally involvedAbutments are periodontally involved Maximum stress distribution is neededMaximum stress distribution is needed** Flabby tissue Flabby tissue Shallow palatal vault Shallow palatal vault
Abutments are periodontally involvedAbutments are periodontally involved Maximum stress distribution is neededMaximum stress distribution is needed** Flabby tissue Flabby tissue Shallow palatal vault Shallow palatal vault
Single Palatal StrapSingle Palatal StrapSingle Palatal StrapSingle Palatal Strap
Usually use for Class III & IV casesUsually use for Class III & IV cases * * Usually use for Class III & IV casesUsually use for Class III & IV cases * *
Single Palatal StrapSingle Palatal StrapSingle Palatal StrapSingle Palatal Strap
Strap should be 8mm wide or approximately as wide as the combined width of a maxillary premolar and first molar.
Confined within an area bounded by the four principal rests
Strap should be 8mm wide or approximately as wide as the combined width of a maxillary premolar and first molar.
Confined within an area bounded by the four principal rests
Single Palatal StrapSingle Palatal StrapSingle Palatal StrapSingle Palatal Strap
NeverNever use in cases involving distal extensions use in cases involving distal extensions since it must be made bulky for rigiditysince it must be made bulky for rigidity
Relief may be required over bony midline Relief may be required over bony midline Not used with torusNot used with torus
NeverNever use in cases involving distal extensions use in cases involving distal extensions since it must be made bulky for rigiditysince it must be made bulky for rigidity
Relief may be required over bony midline Relief may be required over bony midline Not used with torusNot used with torus
Palatal BarPalatal BarPalatal BarPalatal Bar Don’t useDon’t use Narrow anterio-posteriorlyNarrow anterio-posteriorly Thick occluso-gingivally Thick occluso-gingivally Palatal bar objectionable due to bulkPalatal bar objectionable due to bulk
Don’t useDon’t use Narrow anterio-posteriorlyNarrow anterio-posteriorly Thick occluso-gingivally Thick occluso-gingivally Palatal bar objectionable due to bulkPalatal bar objectionable due to bulk
U-Shaped or "Horse-Shoe" Palatal U-Shaped or "Horse-Shoe" Palatal ConnectorConnectorU-Shaped or "Horse-Shoe" Palatal U-Shaped or "Horse-Shoe" Palatal ConnectorConnector
Poor connector Poor connector NeverNever use unless use unless
absolutely necessaryabsolutely necessary Requires bulk in the Requires bulk in the
rugae area (where rugae area (where the tongue requires the tongue requires freedom) for rigidityfreedom) for rigidity
Poor connector Poor connector NeverNever use unless use unless
absolutely necessaryabsolutely necessary Requires bulk in the Requires bulk in the
rugae area (where rugae area (where the tongue requires the tongue requires freedom) for rigidityfreedom) for rigidity
U-Shaped or "Horse-Shoe" U-Shaped or "Horse-Shoe" Palatal ConnectorPalatal ConnectorU-Shaped or "Horse-Shoe" U-Shaped or "Horse-Shoe" Palatal ConnectorPalatal Connector
Too flexibleToo flexible Allows movement at the posteriorAllows movement at the posterior Traumatic to the residual ridgeTraumatic to the residual ridge Use only where torus prohibits other Use only where torus prohibits other
connector & extends to the posterior limit connector & extends to the posterior limit of the hard palateof the hard palate
Too flexibleToo flexible Allows movement at the posteriorAllows movement at the posterior Traumatic to the residual ridgeTraumatic to the residual ridge Use only where torus prohibits other Use only where torus prohibits other
connector & extends to the posterior limit connector & extends to the posterior limit of the hard palateof the hard palate
Flexes, impinging on soft tissueFlexes, impinging on soft tissue
ReferencesReferencesReferencesReferences
Chapter 5 Major and Minor Connectors, Chapter 5 Major and Minor Connectors, McCracken's Removable Partial McCracken's Removable Partial Prosthodontics, 11Prosthodontics, 11thth edition edition
Chapter 5 Major and Minor Connectors, Chapter 5 Major and Minor Connectors, McCracken's Removable Partial McCracken's Removable Partial Prosthodontics, 11Prosthodontics, 11thth edition edition