Major Connector

Tanta UNIversity Fatema al zhraa

alhaj omar

Definition • Major Connectors is

the of PD that connect parts of prosthesis from one side to other side& all other parts of RPD are attached to it directly or indirectly

Functions • Make RPD as a one unit • Equal stress distribution at the parts of

RPPD • Cross arch stabilization • If it rested on hard tissue give support

(unless if it rested on soft tissue , relief must be done

Requirements • Rigid to give equal distribution of forces • should be comfort to patient• shouldn't interference with movable tissue • shouldn't impingement of gingival margins (maxilla at

least 6mm from margins mandible at least 3-4 mm from gingiva)

• shouldn't have sharp edges or margins • Should be perpendicular at minor connector but with

gentle curve • Avoid food impaction• designed to be self cleansable area

Types of mandibular major connectors

• Lingual bar • lingual plate• Double lingual bar ( lingual bar with a

continuous bar indirect retainer)• labial bar (plate)• cingulum bar • sublingual bar

1- Lingual bar

The most common used The simplest major connector

Design of lingual bar1. it is half pear shape (flat to floor )2. superior portion is thin& inferior portion is thick 3. superior portion should be away from gingival at least 3-4mm4. portion should be present as low as floor of the mouth5. if lingual undercut present, relief should be done

Advantages # Disadvantages

* Advantages1. simple 2.accebted tongue 3. No interference to gingiva * Disadvantagesit is rigid if poorty constructed

2- lingual plate major connector

Use it if I have not convenient height to use ling.bar(<5mm) Cover the cingulum and take its shape

Lingual plate called as (interrupted lingual plate )

In diastema case

Design lingual plate • Cover gingiva and cingulum of ant teeth• Must have cingulum rest **indication:

1- functional bar < 7mm2- more rigidity needed

***contraindication :Ant.teeth inclined linguallytorus mandibularis

Advantages # Disadvantages

• Advantages:• Most rigid M.C• Act as indirect retainer • Reflection food • Resist horizontal forces • Cross arch stabilization• Splinting RPD as one unit

i• Disadvantages:• Gingival irritation• Periodontal disease • No gingival stimulation

Double lingual bar (LINGUAL BAR WITH CONTINUOUSBAR INDIRECT RETAINER)

Indications:1. Situations where the majorconnector must contact thenatural teeth to providebracing and indirect retentionand there are open cervicalembrasures whichcontraindicate the use of alingual plate. There must be adequate space for the lingualbar portion of the major connector.

Contraindications:1. Where a lingual bar orlingual plate will suffice.2. Any contraindication for alingual bar.3. Any contraindication for alingual plate except opencervical embrasures.4. Diastemas.

Double lingual bar design • rest seat preparation

needed • As lingual plate but

have a space at the middle

• Half oval shaped

Advantages # Disadvantages• Advantages:1. More rigid than lingual

bar.2. Indirect retainer 3. Horizontal stabilization 4. Covers less tooth and

tissuesurface than lingual

plate.

Disadvantages:

1. Very complex design.

2. May be objectionable to

patient because there are four

edges exposed to the tip of

the tongue.

3-food impaction

Maxillary major connectors

• Anterior palatal bar • Posterior palatal bar• Middle palatal bar• Anterio posterior palatal bar (ring design )• Anterior palatal strap • Middle palatal strap • Anterio posterior palatal strap (closed horse shoe

)• Complete plate

Maxillary major connectors

1. Antero posterior palatal bar(ring design)

Indication 1- used when rigidity is important 2- used in any class especially when the anterior and posterior abutments are widely separated 3- little palatal coverage is needed in case with large palatal toni

1. Antero posterior palatal bar(ring design)

Advantages• rigid •minimal coverage of palate Disadvantages •poor support• may be thick to overcome the support problem• anterior bar may interfere with speech

1. (ring design)

Design •borders should be smooth• ant. bar is flat& post is curved

2. Closed horses shoes (aniero posterior palatal strap

Indication• class I or ll• when anterior teeth are to be replaced• used when tours palatines is present •used with all PD designs

2. Closed horses shoes (aniero posterior palatal strap

Advantages •very rigid connector• give good support from palate Disadvantages •more palatal coverage •may be less tolerant

2. Closed horses shoes (aniero posterior palatal strap

Design details •uniform thickness• finished border should be smooth •it should be located at least 6mm away from gingival margins

3.Complete palate • it cover wide area of palate than any other type of max connectors • it should extended anteriory at least 6mm away from gingival margins • cover cingula of teeth with relief of gingival margins

3.Complete palate

Indication• long space in class I• long saddle •in heavy bite •poor rigid& need for retention• in patient with cleft palate

3.Complete palate Advantages• give highly support •give highly retention• give highly bracing(resist lateral forces)• wide distribution of vertical forces which decrease destruction of abutment teeth Disadvantages• not used if present of tours palatines• interfere with speech

3.Complete palate Types •complete metal •complete acrylic •metallic ant palatal connector with acrylic posterior extension Design • it should be located at least 6mm away from gingival margins • border should be extended as complete