Major Connectors

Functions of a Major Connector

Unification
Partial denture acts as one unit
Connects various parts
Functions of a Major Connector
Stress Distribution
Distributes functional loads to both
teeth & mucosa
Functions of a Major Connector
Cross-Arch Stabilization
(Counterleverage)
Bracing elements on one side of the
arch providing stability to the other
Requirements of a Major Connector
Rigidity
Functions as one unit
To Increase Rigidity
Use a more rigid alloy
Chrome-cobalt > gold alloys; cast > wrought
Shape
1/2 round > 1/2 pear shaped > flat bars
To Increase Rigidity
Increase the bulk as the length increases
Corrugate linguo-plate or rugae areas
Requirements
Non-Interference with Tissues
Should not enter undercut areas
avoid by changing path of insertion
or by using blockout
Non-Interference With Tissues
Avoid terminating on:
Free gingival margin
Cross abruptly at 90
o

Relief is used to minimize
impingement

(Fig 2-17, Stewart's)
Non-Interference With Tissues
Avoid terminating on:
Hard structures such as the mid-
palatal suture or mandibular tori
Place relief
Non-Interference With Tissues
Avoid terminating on:
Lingual frenum & the movable soft palate
Soft tissue movements must also be allowed
Careful intraoral exam
Minimize Food Impaction
Locate margins away from the FGM
Eliminate "traps" or large concavities
where food can collect
Unobtrusive
Smooth transition from connector to
denture base - butt joint

Unobtrusive
Line angles and edges should be smooth
and rounded
Borders should not interfere with speech

(Fig 2-21, Stewart's)
Mandibular Major Connectors
Lingual Bar
Lingual Plate
Continuous Bar
Mandibular Major Connectors
Lingual Bar
Most common in mandibe
Use whenever possible
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)
Mandibular Major Connectors
Lingual Bar
Size
Occluso-gingival width = 4 to 6 mm
Thickness = l.5 to 2 mm

Inferior Border Mandible
Patient lifts tongue
Activates floor of mouth
Measure from tip of probe to free
gingival margin
Inferior Border Mandible
Record values in chart, transfer to cast
Lingual Bar
Position
Superior border
l.5-2.0 mm or more below FGM
As far from gingival margin as
possible

(Fig 2-15, Stewart's)
Potential Impingement
Anterior major connector moves toward tissue
as the posterior portion is loaded
Space needed more when ridge is less vertical

(Fig 2-33, Stewart's)
Mandibular Major Connector Relief
Eliminates impingement
Wax spacer (relief) placed under major
connector
one thickness of 30 gauge wax
Lingual Plate (Linguoplate)
Lingual bar with extension over cingula of
anterior teeth
Use where a lingual bar cannot be used

Lingual Plate Indications
Potential Impingement from lingual bar
High floor of the mouth
Prominent lingual frenum
Lingual tori
Lingual Plate
Rest at each end of lingual plate
Prevents forces being directed facially
Easier denture tooth addition than bar
Lingual Plate Variations
May show through embrasures

(Fig 2-41 & 43, Stewart's)
Continuous Bar Retainer
(Kennedy Bar, Double Lingual Bar)
Lingual bar with secondary bar above
cingula
Secondary bar acts as indirect retainer

Continuous Bar Retainer
Potential food trap between two bars
Normally avoid
Maxillary Major Connectors
Anterior-Posterior Palatal Strap
Full Palatal Strap
Palatal Strap
Anterior Palatal Strap
Maxillary Major Connectors
Terminate 4.0 mm or more from free
gingival margin when possible
Anterior-Posterior Palatal Strap
Maximum rigidity
Minimum bulk
Use in most cases
Especially torus palatinus
Anterior-Posterior Palatal Bar
A narrow (A-P) variation of anterior-
posterior palatal strap
Double palatal bar connector
Requires greater bulk for rigidity
Anterior-Posterior Palatal Bar
More objectionable to the patient
Strap connectors provide greater
distribution of stresses
Full Palatal Plate
Maximum tissue support
Connector of choice in long distal
extension cases
Six or less anterior teeth remain
Full Palatal Plate
Abutments are periodontally involved
Maximum stress distribution
Flabby tissue
Shallow palatal vault
Full Palatal Plate
Greater stability and stress distribution
Not used with torus
Increases retention
Full Palatal Plate
Connector should:
Be fabricated of uniformly thin metal
Have accurate anatomic reproduction
of the ruggae
improves strength and rigidity
Full Palatal Plate
Connector should:
Cover same area as complete denture
posteriorly
Have large surface area of mucosal contact
improves potential for retention
Full Palatal Plate
Generally of cast metal
Acrylic resin used in interim prostheses
Palatal Strap
Usually use for Class III & IV cases
Wide anterio-posteriorly
Palatal Bar
Dont use
Narrow anterio-posteriorly
Thick occluso-gingivally
Palatal bar objectionable due to bulk

(Fig 2-24, Stewart's)
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
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
Anterior Palatal Plate
Too flexible
Allows movement at the posterior
Traumatic to the residual ridge
Use only where torus prohibits other
connectors
Flexes, impinging on soft tissue
Unilateral RPD
Dangerous
Avoid
aspiration