Systematic approach to designing Mandibular Major Connectors

STEPS
 STEPS: 1-5, Maxillary Major Connectors
 B

C
A

F
 Theconnecting link between the major
connector or base of a removable partial
denture & other units of the prosthesis,
such as clasps, indirect retainers &
occlusal rests
 Major connector
&
Base of a RPD clasps,
indirect retainers
rest
 FUNCTIONS:

Prosthesis-to-abutment function:
This means to transfer functional stress to the abutment
teeth.
Abutment-to-prosthesis function:
It means to transfer the effect of the retainers, rests, and
stabilizing components throughout the prosthesis.
 Those which:

Join clasp to major connector

Join indirect retainers or auxiliary rest to major

Connector

Join denture base to major connector

Serve as approach arms for bar- type clasp

 Join Indirect Retainers Or Auxiliary Rest To Major
Connector

Right angle with the major connector

Gently curve junction

Positioned in lingual embrasure
 JOIN DENTURE BASE TO MAJOR CONNECTOR

Open construction form ladder

like network

Mesh construction

Bead, wire or nail head components

on metal base
 JOIN DENTURE BASE TO MAJOR CONNECTOR

Bead, wire or nail head components

on metal base

It is hygienic
better tissue response
But
Only in tooth supported cases, Well healed ridges
 Open Construction Form Or
Ladder Like Network
Strong enough to anchor denture base distal extension

In maxillary arch, extend as far posterior as practically

possible

In mandibular arch, extend two thirds the length of edentulous

ridge
 Open Construction Form Or
Ladder Like Network
Open Latticework construction Consists of 2 struts of metal
(12-16 gauge)
Smaller struts usually 16 gauge, is used to connect the two
struts according to teeth arrangement
Strongest
 Integral part of minor connector

Provide stability for framework during the

stages of transfer and processing

Prevent distortion of framework during acrylic

resin processing

Enagage buccal and lingual slopes for

stability
 Serve As Approach Arms For Bar- Type Clasp

Must not cross tissue undercut

END

Minor connectors that join denture base to major connector :
Minor connectors that join denture base to major connector Latticework construction Mesh construction Bead,
wire, or nail-head minor connectors (used with a metal base) They must be strong to anchor the denture base
securely They must be rigid enough to resist breakage or flexing, & They interfere as little as possible with
arrangement of teeth In maxillary arch extend to cover tuberosity In mandibular arch extend to 2/3rd the
length of edentulous ridge

Open Latticework construction :

Open Latticework construction Consists of 2 struts of metal (12-16 gauge) Smaller struts usually 16 gauge is
used to connect the two struts according to teeth arrangement Strongest

Mesh construction :
Mesh construction Multiple holes Difficult to pack acrylic Weaker attachment

Tissue stop :
Tissue stop Provision must be made to stabilize framework 2 square mm Prevents distortion

Bead, wire, or nail-head minor connectors :

Bead, wire, or nail-head minor connectors It is hygienic better tissue response But it is weakest Only in tooth
supported cases, Well healed ridges

Attachment to major connector :

Attachment to major connector Internal finish lines

Slide 14:
External finish line Attachment to major connector

Minor connectors that join denture base to major connector :
Minor connectors that join denture base to major connector Latticework construction Mesh construction Bead,
wire, or nail-head minor connectors (used with a metal base) They must be strong to anchor the denture base
securely They must be rigid enough to resist breakage or flexing, & They interfere as little as possible with
arrangement of teeth In maxillary arch extend to cover tuberosity In mandibular arch extend to 2/3rd the
length of edentulous ridge

Open Latticework construction :

Open Latticework construction Consists of 2 struts of metal (12-16 gauge) Smaller struts usually 16 gauge is
used to connect the two struts according to teeth arrangement Strongest

Mesh construction :
Mesh construction Multiple holes Difficult to pack acrylic Weaker attachment

Tissue stop :
Tissue stop Provision must be made to stabilize framework 2 square mm Prevents distortion

Bead, wire, or nail-head minor connectors :

Bead, wire, or nail-head minor connectors It is hygienic better tissue response But it is weakest Only in tooth
supported cases, Well healed ridges

Attachment to major connector :

Attachment to major connector Internal finish lines

Slide 14:
External finish line Attachment to major connector
 Minor connectors that serve as approach arm for vertical projection or bar-type
clasp :
Minor connectors that serve as approach arm for vertical projection or bar-type
clasp

TYPES :
TYPES There are four types of minor connectors based on their location and
function: (1) proximal, (2) embrasure, (3) surface, (4) denture base retention
mechanism. The denture base is also a minor connector since it attaches the
prosthetic teeth to the denture base retention minor connector and thus to the
major connector SUMMARY

FUNCTION :
FUNCTION To join the parts of the RPD to the major connector so that the
prosthesis acts as a single unit rather than the components acting individually.
This way forces applied to one part of the RPD are transmitted to other parts, and
are dissipated by all teeth and tissues contacted by rigid parts of the prosthesis,
rather than just by those where the force is applied. .