DETERMINING THE PATH OF INSERTION & GUIDING PLANES

After surveying, the next step in the treatment plan of a partial

dentures is determining the path of insertion and guiding plane.
Path of insertion is defined as, the direction in which a prosthesis is
placed upon and removed from the abutment teeth.
Factors determining the path of insertion and removal of a
removable partial denture are:

1. Guiding planes
2. Retentive undercuts
3. Interferences
4. Aesthetics
5. Denture base
6. Location of vertical minor connector
7. Point of origin of approach arm.
GUIDING PLANE:
These are two or more parallel vertical surfaces pf abutment teeth
shaped to guide the prosthesis during placement and removal
without causing undesirable forces against the teeth.
The path of insertion will always be parallel to guide planes.
Guiding planes are prepared on the proximal and axial surfaces of
primary and secondary abutment teeth.
The surface of the minor connector that contacts the secondary
abutment is known as the proximal plate of the minor connector.
The proximal plate on the minor connector should and will contact
the guide planes during insertion. It is the only part of RPD that
contacts the proximal plates.
The guide planes are prepared in enamel surface or in wax patterns
for cast restorations.
Structure of a guide plane:

Guiding planes are usually 2-3 mm in occluso-gingival height

parallel to the path of insertion.
Guide planes do not naturally occur on the teeth, instead it should
be prepared by the clinician during Prosthetic mouth preparation.
The guide plane should be flat and does not contain any undercuts.
As a thumb rule, proximal guiding planes surfaces should be about
2/3rd bucco-lingual width between the buccal and lingual cusps&
about 2/3rd the length of the enamel crown portion from the
marginal ridge cervically.
For DE (Distal Extension) dentures, guiding plane should involve,
approximately 1/3rd the bucco-lingual width of tooth & 2/3rd of
vertical length of enamel crown.
Functions of a Guiding Plane:
 It minimizes the wedging stresses on the abutments.
Makes insertion and removal of the prosthesis easier.
Aids in stabilization of prosthesis against horizontal forces.
Reduces the block-out area, contributes to indirect retention &
frictional forces.
RETENTIVE UNDERCUTS:
For a clasp to be retentive, its path of escapement must be other
than parallel to the path of removal of the denture itself.
With the analysing rod being attached to the vertical arm, each
abutment tooth is examined for the presence of retentive undercuts.
It is a rule that, retentive undercuts must be present on the
abutment teeth at the horizontal tilt.
If the retentive undercut is not present, it must be created by the
use of a full crowns or the enamel surfaces may be contoured to
improve the retentive undercuts.
Ideally, the proposed abutment tooth should have 0.010 inch
undercut at the most desired location either mesio-buccal or disto-
buccal line angle and in the gingival third of the clinical crown.
0.010 inch undercut is desired when cast chrome alloy is used for
the frame work.
0.020 inch undercut is needed for wrought wire combination clasp
because of the greater flexibility of wrought alloys.
INTERFERENCES:
In Maxilla:

Torus Palatinus
Bony exostoses
Buccally tipped teeth.
In mandible:
Lingual tori
Lingual inclination of remaining teeth
Bony exostoses.
PARTS OF A REMOVABLE DENTURE PROSTHESIS:
The various components of a removable partial denture is,
Major connector
Minor connector
Rest
Direct retainer
Indirect retainer
Denture base
 Artificial tooth

MAJOR CONNECTOR:
A Part of a removable partial denture which connects the
components on one side of the arch to the components on the
opposite side of the arch
It is the most important and largest component of a removable
denture and also helps in indirect retention.
TYPES OF MAJOR CONNECTORS:
Maxillary major connectors:
Palatal bar
Palatal strap
Anteroposterior or double palatal bar
Horseshoe shaped or u shaped connector
Closed horseshoe or anteroposterior palatal strap
Complete palate

Type Shape Advantages Disadvantages Indications

Palatal bar Narrow Minimalism Bulky Interim partial
half oval in design , Little vertical denture
shape. effortlessne support Rarely in
Width less ss in Poor bony kennedy class 3
than 8mm. fabrication support from
the palate.

Good
Palatal strap Wide strap rigidity and Tissue Bilateral short
strength. reactions span tooth
Less bulky Distribute supported
stresses prosthesis
Improved (Kennedy class
retention 3 strong
abutments)
Unilateral DE
cases.
Anteroposter Anterior Relieved for Less palatal When anterior
ior palatal bar is bony support and posterior
bar narrower. exostosis Discomfort abutment teeth
(Double Posterior Decreased bulk are widely
palatal Bar) bar is half- Stiffness of metal separated.
oval. Cases with
Most rigid inoperable tori.
palatal Class IV cases.
major
connector.

Anteroposter Anterior - Distress in Indicated in

ior palatal and Structurally speech almost any
strap or posterior , it is the Tissue partial denture
Closed palatal most rigid reactions design.
Horse-shoe straps palatal Kennedy class 4
connected connector.
by two - Additional
lateral effect due
bars. to L-beam
The border effect.
should be - Good
6mm away palatal
from the support.
margin. - The
central
opening
provides
taste
sensation.

Horse shoe Thin band Beneficial -More lateral Used when

shape extending in restoring forces many anterior
palatal bar in the anterior produced. teeth to be
or U shaped anterior teeth -Least replaced.
bar and desirable In cases of
posterior major inoperable tori
lateral connector. extending to
surfaces of -It lacks posterior limit
palate. rigidity. of hard palate.
Anteriorly -Cannot be
 its a thin used for DE
plate that cases.
covers the
cingula of
the teeth.

-First choice of
Complete Uniform -Rigid Tissue connector in
palate metal simple reactions distal extension
extending design Posterior cases.
over entire -Good palatal seal -For patients
hard support cannot be with well-
palate. -Greatest altered developed
The Retention. Weight of the muscles of
posterior prosthesis may mastication.
border dislodge
extends to prosthesis
the
junction of
hard and
soft
palate.

COMMON INDICATIONS OF MAXILLARY MAJOR CONNECTOR:

CONDITION MAJOR CONNECTOR DESIGN
Periodontal support of the Complete palate
remaining teeth is week and more Wide palatal strap.
palate should be covered.
For long span distal extension bases Complete palate
Closed horse-shoe or A-P
palatal strap
If a torus is present and must not be U or horse shoe
removed Closed horse shoe
A-P palatal bar
When several anterior teeth are to Horse shoe
be replaced Closed Horse shoe
Complete palate
 MANDIBULAR MAJOR CONNECTORS:
types shape advantages disadvanta indications contraindicat
ges ions
Lingual Half pear Ease of Food Used in all Lack of
bar shaped design and impaction situations sufficient
bar with constructio Patient where a space
superior n discomfort minimum lingually,
and Less tissue of 8mm Tori
inferior coverage space
border Decreased required in
decalcificat lingual
ion and anterior
tissue region
reactions
Lingual Pear Indirect Decalcifica All Condition
plate shaped retention tion of possible where
bar with Good tooth. situations lingual bar is
superior rigidity,sup Soft tissue used.
and port and reactions
inferior stabilizatio
border. n.
Superior
border
extends
as thin
plate to
lingual
surface of
anterior
teeth
Double Superior Stabilizatio Complex Crowded Ideal
lingual and n to desing lower situations
bar or inferior horizontal Food anterior
Kenned bar forces. entrapmen teeth
ys connecte Indirect t Diastemas
continu d by retention Tongue in lower
ous bar lateral annoyance anteriors
bars Compromi
sed
Periodonta
l support.

Labial Half pear Labial Distorts lip Used Last choice

bar shaped support support when of connector
 bar in Patient teeth are Tents to
labial or discomfort lingually distort lip.
buccal Difficulty placed. Poor
surface in Inoperable aesthetics.
Modifica fabrication mandibula
tion of r tori.
labial
bar
(Swing
lock) a
hinge is
placed at
one end
and lock
at the
other end
for closer
adaptatio
n.
Subling Kidney Less Sublingual similar to Similar to
ual bar shaped obstructive extension lingual bar lingual bar
extending than lingual is critical
sub bar
lingually Increased
rigidity
than lingual
bar

COMMON INDICATIONS FOR MANDIBULAR MAJOR CONNECTORS:

CONDITION MAJOR CONNECTOR
INDICATED
Routinely indicated or first Lingual bar
preference major connector for
tooth supported RPD
High lingual frenum, active tissues Lingual plate
of the floor of the mouth
Long span edentulous ridges, Class I Lingual plate
or II design RPD and indirect
retention is needed
Anterior teeth having reduced Lingual plate
periodontal support and need Double lingual bar
stabilization
Large interproximal spaces that Double lingual bar
could cause esthetic problems by
the metal display of a lingual plate
Extreme lingual inclination of Labial bar
premolars and anterior teth,
inoperable tori

MINOR CONNECTORS:
The connecting link between the major connector or base of a removable
partial denture and other units of the prosthesis, such as clasps, indirect
retainers and occlusal rests.
It is also a rigid part of RPD.
It should form a right angle with the major connector so that the
gingival crossing is abrupt and cover little gingival tissues.
Minor connector is the only part of RPD that contacts the guiding
plane of abutment.
Functions of a minor connector:

It connects the major connector to other parts like clasps, rests,

indirect retainers and denture bases.
It transmits stresses evenly to all components so that there is no
concentration of load at any single point.
It transmits the forces acting on the prosthesis to the edentulous
ridge and the remaining natural teeth.
Types of minor connector:
1. Joining the clasp assembly to major connectors
2. Joining the indirect retainer or auxiliary rest to the major connector
3. Joining the denture base to the major connector
4. Approach arm in bar type clasp.
1. CLASP ASSEMBLY MINOR CONNECTOR
Must be rigid with sufficient bulk
But the bulk, must be concealed.
If located in the proximal surface of teeth adjacent to edentulous
area, it should be broad buccolingually and thin mesiodistally.
Thickest portion should be at lingual line angle of the tooth and
should taper evenly to its thinnest portion at buccal line angle area.
If clasp assembly not placed adjacent to edentulous area, minor
connector is placed in the embrasure between two teeth.
Minor connector should never be placed on the convex lingual
surface of tooth*
2. INDIRECT RETAINER OR AUXILIARY REST MINOR CONNECTOR
Designed to lie in embrasure
 Connects indirect retainer and auxiliary rest to major connector.
Should form a right angle with major connector.
Provided its junction to be gentle curve.
3. DENTURE BASE MINOR CONNECTOR
Joins the denture base to major connector
Must possess the sufficient strength and rigidity to anchor the
denture base securely and must not interfere with tooth
arrangement.
In maxillary distal extension bases must extend to cover the
tuberosity (ladder or loop design)
In mandibular distal extension bases should extend two
thirds the length of residual ridge (Open lattice or ladder type
design)
Types are:
a. Lattice work construction
b. Mesh construction
c. Bead wire or nail head construction
4. APPROACH ARM MINOR CONNECTOR

Serves as an approach arm for bar clasp vertical projection clasp

Supports the direct retainer
Engages the undercut from gingival margin.
Only minor connector not required to be rigid
Should have a smooth even taper from start to finish
Must not cross a soft tissue undercut.
REST & REST SEATS:

Rest is the unit of RPD that provides vertical support.

This component is designed in such a way that the transmitted
forces are directed along the long axis of the supporting tooth.
In all the tooth supported denture, the rests are capable of
transferring 100% of occlusal stresses to the abutment teeth.
Rests act as a vertical stop and prevents impingement of soft
tissues.
The rest that is a component part of a direct retainer is referred as
Primary rest.
Additional rests that are used for indirect retention are called as
auxillary rest or secondary rest.
One of the principle is that rests should be placed on the proximal
surfaces of all the teeth adjacent to edentulous spaces, in order to
prevent food impaction between minor connector and the tooth.
 Strategically positioned minor connector and the rest, together can
act as the reciprocal clasp arm.
Types of rests:
1. Occlusal rest: It is placed on the occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth.
2. Lingual or Cingulum rest: It is placed on the lingual surface of a
tooth, mostly the maxillary canine.
3. Incisal rest: Placed on the incisal edges of the teeth, usually a
mandibular canine.
Features of Rests & Rest seats:
Outline form of the rest seat Triangular shaped, base on the
marginal ridge and rounded apex
towards the centre of the tooth.
Size of the occlusal rest One-half of the bucco-lingual width
of tooth from cusp tip to cusp tip &
One-third to one-half of the
mesiodistal width.
Angle between the floor of rest seat It should be less than 90*
and long axis of the abutment
Floor of the rest in posterior teeth Spoon or Saucer shape or concave
shape with smooth gentle curves.
Floor of the rest on Cast Box shaped
restorations
Outline form of the lingual rest seat V shape or Half moon shape.
Burs used to prepare occlusal rest No.6 and 8 round burs
on sound amalgam
Bur used to prepare lingual and 1/4th inch bur
incisal rests
Common tooth preferred for lingual Maxillary canine
rest
Common tooth preferred for incisal Mandibular canine
rest
Measurements for Lingual rests M-D length : 2.5 3 mm
B-L width: 2 mm
Depth: 1.5 mm
Measurements for Incisal rests Width: 2.5 mm
Depth: 1.5 mm

Reduction of the marginal ridge is approximately 1.5 mm is usually

necessary.
There should be no sharp edges or line angles in the preparation.
Floor of the rest seat must incline towards the centre of the tooth to
transmit forces down the long axis of tooth.
 When the angle between the floor of rest seat and long axis of the
abutment is greater than 90*, it causes:
Failing to transmit occlusal forces along the long axis of
the abutment tooth.
Slippage of the prosthesis
Orthodontic movement of the abutment tooth.
Improperly prepared rest seats have the effect of inclined planes
between tooth & prosthesis.
For DE prosthesis, the occlusal rest seats are located on the distal
side of the distal most abutment next to edentulous space.
For a DE prosthesis, the rest seat should be shallow, saucer shaped
and the rest should move like a ball & socket joint, allowing the
horizontal forces to be dissipated.
The important cause of failure of an occlusal rest is insufficient
reduction of the marginal ridge (1.5 mm is usually required).
DIRECT RETAINERS:
Upper part of the Support
abutment
Middle third of the Stability
abutment
Gingival third of the retentio
abutment n

Direct retainer is the component of removal prosthesis that engages an

abutment tooth in such a manner as to resist dislodgment of the
prosthesis
Clasp assembly consists of:
One or more minor connectors
Principle rest
Retentive arm or holding arm
Reciprocal arm or bracing arm
Thus direct retainer possess the characteristics of vertical support,
retention and stability.
Direct retainer are of two basic types:
1. Intra-coronal (Internal attachment / Precision attachment)
2. Extra-coronal (Clasp retainer)

Intra coronal retainer should be indicated in tooth-supported

denture bases only.
It should not be used with tissue supported or DE denture cases
unless some forms of stress breaker is used.
EXTRA-CORONAL (OR) CLASP DIRECT RETAINER:
 It is the most frequently used direct retainer.
Protheros cone theory is the basis of clasp retention.
Requirement of clasp assembly includes:

Retention
Support
Stability
Reciprocation
Encirclement
Passivity
RETENTION OF A CLASP:

The retentive clasp arm provides retention.

The terminal third of the retentive arm is flexible and engages the
undercut area.
The proximal third of the retentive arm or the shoulder is rigid and is
positioned above the height of contour.
Factors affecting the retention are:

1. The amount of clasp arm that extends below the height of

contour
2. The depth of the retentive terminal that extends into the
undercut.
SUPPORT:

The most important property regarding the health of oral tissues is

support
It is the property of a clasp that resists displacement of the clasp in
a gingival direction
The prime support units of a clasp are rests.
STABILITY:
Stability is the ability to resist horizontal displacement of the
prosthesis.
Except the retentive clasp terminal, every other components of the
clasp contribute to the stability.
Cast circumferential clasp provides greater stability due to rigid
shoulder.
On the other hand, wrought wire clasp has flexible shoulder and the
bar clasp lacks shoulder and hence both offers lesser stability.
All the three types of clasps have rigid reciprocal or bracing arm
which provide equal stability.
RECIPROCATION:
Reciprocation is provided by the reciprocal arm or the bracing arm.
 It is positioned on the opposite side of the tooth from the retentive
arm at the junction of the gingival and middle thirds of the
abutment tooth.
This resists the forces exerted by the retentive arm during
placement and removal of the denture.
ENCIRCLEMENT:
Clasp should be designed to encircle more than 180 degrees of the
abutment tooth.
It may be continuous as in case of circumferential clasp or may be
broken as in case of bar clasps.
PASSIVITY:
A clasp should be completely passive in nature.
The retentive function is activated only when a dislodging force is
applied to the denture.

COMPONE FUNCTION LOCATION

NT
Rest Support Occlusal, Lingual and Incisal

Minor Stability From the marginal ridge to

connector the junction of the middle
and gingival third of the
proximal surface of
abutment crown.
Clasp Stability Apical portion of middle
arms third of crown
Reciprocatio Apical portion of middle
n third of crown
Retention Gingival third of crown in
measured undercut.

There are two types of clasps;

(a) Circumferential (supra bulge)

(b) Bar Type or Vertical Projection. (infra bulge)

1. CIRCUMFERENTIAL
 Circumferential clasps approach the undercut from the occlusal aspect of the height
of contour. The retentive terminal third should be pointed toward the occlusal surface,
never toward the gingiva. This helps produce a curved clasp and results in greater
flexibility.

The retentive tip should terminate at the mesial or distal line angle of the tooth,
never in the centre of the buccal or lingual surface.

The clasp arm should be kept as low on the tooth as possible. (depth of the undercut)

This will give greater mechanical advantage against a lever action on the tooth than if
it were positioned near the occlusal surface. Also the lower the clasp position, better
aesthetics are possible.

This type of clasp may also be referred to as a suprabulge clasp.

2. BAR TYPE OR VERTICAL PROJECTION

These clasps approach the undercut from the cervical or gingival margin. The flexibility
of the bar clasp may be controlled by the taper and length of the approach arm. The
greater the length and the more the taper, the more flexible the clasp. The approach arm
must be tapered uniformly along its length and diameter.

The approach arm of a bar clasp must not impinge on the soft tissue it crosses.
The approach arm should cross the gingival margin at a 90-degree angle.

COMPONENTS OF A CLASP UNIT

Rest:
The part of the unit that lies on the occlusal, lingual or incisal surface of a tooth and
resists the movement of the clasp toward the mucosa. It is essential that this be rigid.

Body:
The part of the unit that connects the rest and the shoulders of the clasp to the minor
connector. It must be rigid and lie occlusal to the height of contour (circumferential
only).

Shoulder.
That part of the unit that connects the body to the clasp terminals. The shoulder must lie
occlusal to the height of contour and provide some stabilization against horizontal forces
(circumferential only).

Reciprocal Arm.
A rigid non retentive clasp arm placed occlusal to the height of contour on the opposing
side of the tooth to the retentive arm. It should, where possible, resist the tipping force
applied to the tooth by the retentive arm as it passes over the height of contour. The arm
also helps stabilize the prosthesis against lateral movement. It can also contribute to
vertical support as it is occlusal to the height of contour.

Retentive Clasp Arm.

The part of the unit comprising the-shoulder, which is not flexible, and is located occlusal
to the height of contour and the retentive terminal (circumferential only).

CIRCUMFERENTIAL CLASP BAR CLASP

Also called as Akers clasp Also called as Vertical projection
or Roach Clasp
It approaches the undercut from It approaches the undercut from
above the height of contour. below the height of contour
Offers pull type of retention Offers push type of retention
Continuous type of encirclement Broken type of encirclement
Does not permit functional Permits physiological tooth
prosthesis movement movement and functional
prosthesis movement
Less esthetic but has more More esthetic but has lesser
stability & bracing quality stability and bracing quality.
A cast circumferenctial clasp arm can
Bar clasp arm can be used with
be used with any type of base except
to engage a mesio-buccal undercut tooth borne partial dentures and
adjacent to distal extension space.
when retentive under cut is
present adjacent (disto-buccal)
to the distal extension space.

CONDITION CLASP INDICATED

Clasp indicated to engage a mesio- Combination Clasp
buccal undercut adjacent to a distal
extension space.
Clasp indicated to engage a disto- Bar clasp
buccal undercut adjacent to distal Reverse circlet or reverse approach
extension space clasp
C clasp or Fish hook or Hair pin
clasp
Clasp indicated in tipped molars Ring claps
(maxillary molars tip mesiobuccally
and mandibular molars tip mesio-
lingually)
Clasp indicated when denture Multiple clasp
replaces an entire half of the dental
arch or when additional retention is
needed.
Clasp indicated in non-edentulous Embrasure clasp
arches
Isolated rotated abutment tooth Half & half clasp.

TYPES OF CIRCUMFERENTIAL CLASP:

1. Simple Circlet Clasp:

It is the most versatile and widely used clasp.

It is most often the clasp of choice for tooth supported RPD.
The clasp usually approaches the undercut on the abutment tooth
from the edentulous area and engages the undercut remote from
the dentulous space.
2. Ring clasp:
Encircles nearly all of the tooth from its point of origin
Indicated in unsupported tipped molars.
It is difficult to repair.
Back action clasp is the modification of ring clasp.
3. Embrasure clasp or Modified crib clasp:
Indicated on the side of the arch where there is no edentulous space
like unmodified class II or class III partial denture.
It is basically two simple circlet clasps joined at the body. It should
always be used with double occlusal rest.
The tooth structure must be removed on the buccal inclines only.
4. Multiple Clasp:

It is essentially two simple circlet clasps joined at the terminal end

of the two reciprocal arms.
 It is used when additional retention is needed when the principle
abutment tooth has lost its periodontal support.
5. Half and Half clasp:

It consists of circumferential retentive arm arising in one direction

and a reciprocal arm arising from another direction.
6. Reverse or Reverse approach circlet clasp:

It is used when the retentive undercut is located on the adjacent

surface (Distobuccal) of the edentulous space.
It is exact opposite of simple circlet clasp.
Simple circlet clasp engages mesial undercut on the abutment tooth
and revese circlet clasp engaes on the distal undercut.
7. Reverse action or C or Fish-hook or Hairpin clasp:
It is simple circlet clasp in which the retentive arm after crossing the
facial surface of the tooth from its point of origin loops back in a
hairpin turn to engage an undercut below its point of origin.
It is used only when bar type retentive arm is contraindicated.
8. Combination clasps:
It is an extended occlusal rest with buccal and lingual clasp arms.
It consists of a wrought round wire retentive clasp arm and a cast
reciprocal arm.
The wrought wire retentive arm is a circumferential clasp arm.
It is indicated when retentive undercut is present on the mesio-
buccal side of abutment tooth adjacent to a DE space.
It is usually placed in 0.020 inch undercut.
Types of Bar clasps:
1. T Clasp:
The retentive terminal and its opposing encircling finger project
laterally from approach arm to form a T.
The retentive terminal must cross under the height of contour to
engage retentive undercut while other finger of T stays on the
supra-bulge area of the tooth.
It is most frequently indicated to engage a disto-buccal undercut
adjacent to distal extension space.
Modified T clasp has increased esthetics but decreased encirclement
of abutment.
2. I bar:

The retentive I bar is normally near the centre of the facial surface
of tooth.
 In I clasp, the retentive arm is placed on the distobuccal surface of
maxillary canine.

INDIRECT RETAINERS:
In case of partial dentures not supported by natural teeth at each
end of the edentulous space (Class I bilateral DE, Class II unilateral),
the denture is subjected to rotational forces which require additional
units to resist these forces. This is achieved using indirect retainers.
Indirect retainers controls the movement of the denture base away
from the ridge.
The imaginary line passing through teeth and direct retainers
around which the rotation of denture occurs is called as fulcrum line.
More than one fulcrum line may be present for the same removable
partial denture.
Class I RPD has 3 fulcrum lines
Functions of indirect retainers:
Resists the vertical movement of denture base away from the
residual ridge.
Indirect retainer in DE RPD uses the mechanical advantage by
moving the fulcrum line farther from the force.
Contributes to the support and stability of the partial denture.
An indirect retainer should be placed as far anterior from the DE
base as possible.
A line projected at right angles from the fulcrum line indicates the
most effective location of the indirect retainers.
Forms of Indirect retainers:

Auxiliary occlusal rest

Canine extension from occlusal rest
Lingual rest
Incisal rest
Continuous bar retainers and lingual plates
Rugae support