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Lec 4 (3rd) Class

The major connector is the main structural component of a removable partial denture that joins all other parts together. It functions to distribute forces across the arch for stability. Requirements are that it be sufficiently rigid, not impinge on gingival tissues, and provide indirect retention where needed. The borders should run parallel to gingival margins and cross at right angles if they must pass over them, with relief provided. Design considerations include symmetry, avoiding tori with relief if covered, and smooth rounded contours for comfort.

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86 views6 pages

Lec 4 (3rd) Class

The major connector is the main structural component of a removable partial denture that joins all other parts together. It functions to distribute forces across the arch for stability. Requirements are that it be sufficiently rigid, not impinge on gingival tissues, and provide indirect retention where needed. The borders should run parallel to gingival margins and cross at right angles if they must pass over them, with relief provided. Design considerations include symmetry, avoiding tori with relief if covered, and smooth rounded contours for comfort.

Uploaded by

Brandon Avicii
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lecture 4 Prosthodontics ‫ صفا غالب‬.

‫د‬

Components of a removable partial denture


Every removable partial denture will have some or all of the following components:
1. Major connectors
2. Minor connectors
3. Rests
4. Direct retainers
5. Stabilizing or reciprocal components (as parts of a clasp assembly)
6. Indirect retainers (if the prosthesis has distal extension bases)
7. One or more bases, each supporting one to several replacement teeth

Figure (1): Components of a removable partial denture

Major connectors
Definition:
It is that unit of the partial denture to which all other parts are directly or indirectly
attached.
Or …The part of a removable partial denture that joins the components on one side of
the arch to those on the opposite side.
Functions
1. Join the various parts of a RPD so that the prosthesis acts as a single unit.
2. Distribution of the applied force throughout the arch to selected teeth and tissues.
3. Cross-arch Stability to minimize the torque to the teeth.

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Lecture 4 Prosthodontics ‫ صفا غالب‬.‫د‬

Requirements of Major Connectors:


1. Sufficiently rigid: Structural rigidity permits broad distribution of applied forces.
 Other components of a removable partial denture such as retentive clasps, occlusal
rests, and indirect retainers can be effective only if the major connector is rigid.
If the major connector is flexible:
*It will lead to concentration of forces that in turn will cause:
 Severe damage to the hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity
 Tooth mobility or tooth loss.
 Resorption of the hard and soft tissues.
2. A major connector must not permit impingement upon the free gingival margins of
the remaining teeth because the marginal gingivae are highly vascular and
susceptible to injury from sustained pressure.
 In the maxillary arch, the borders of a major connector should be located at least 6
mm from the free gingival margins.

Figure (2): Maxillary major connector


 In the mandibular arch, the borders of a major connector should be positioned at
least 3 mm from the free gingival margins.

Figure (2): Mandibular major connector

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Lecture 4 Prosthodontics ‫ صفا غالب‬.‫د‬

 The borders should run parallel to the gingival margins of the remaining teeth.

Figure (3): Parallelism of major connector to the gingival margins

 If the gingival margins must be crossed, they should be crossed at right angles to
minimize coverage of the delicate marginal tissues.

Figure (4): Major connector crossed the gingival margin at right angle

* Where the major connector crosses a gingival margin, relief (ie, space) must be
provided between the metal and soft tissues. If relief is not provided, inflammation of
the soft tissues will result.
3. A major connector also must provide a means for obtaining indirect retention
where indicated.
4. A fourth requirement for major connectors involves the proper placement of
denture bases.
5. Finally, a major connector must promote patient comfort. Consequently, the edges
of a major connector should be contoured to blend with the oral tissues.

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Lecture 4 Prosthodontics ‫ صفا غالب‬.‫د‬

*This is particularly true for major connectors that cross the anterior palate. The
anterior border of a maxillary major connector should not end on the anterior slope of
a prominent ruga (Fig 5 a). The additional thickness produced by metal coverage will
create a noticeable prominence on this section of the palate, and may interfere with the
patient’s comfort and speech. Instead, the anterior border of the major connector
should be terminated on the posterior slope of a prominent ruga (Fig 5 b). In this
manner, the edge of the prosthesis may be blended with the existing soft tissue
contours.

Figure (5): Major connector crossed the anterior palate


Design considerations to all major connectors
1. It is good design policy to make the major connector as symmetrical as possible. In
addition, the borders of a maxillary major connector should cross the palatal
midline at right angles.

Figure (6): Symmetrical major connector

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Lecture 4 Prosthodontics ‫ صفا غالب‬.‫د‬

2. Tori also should be avoided if possible. If a maxillary torus must be covered, relief
should be provided.

Figure (7): Tori avoidance by major connector


3. A major connector should exhibit smooth, rounded contours. Sharp angles and
corners may cause patient discomfort and produce areas of stress concentration
within a removable partial denture framework.

Figure (8): Smooth, rounded contours of major connector

4. A removable partial denture also must be designed to be as self-cleansing as


possible.
5. When it is necessary to extend components of a removable partial denture
framework onto the teeth, embrasures should be used to disguise the thickness of
the metal.

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Lecture 4 Prosthodontics ‫ صفا غالب‬.‫د‬

Figure (9): Extension of major connector onto the teeth

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