The document discusses major connectors for removable partial dentures. Major connectors join components on one side of the dental arch to the other, providing support and retention. For maxillary arches, common connectors include palatal straps, bars, and complete palates. For mandibular arches, lingual bars are most common but lingual plates can also be used. Proper design of the connector depends on factors like remaining teeth, jaw anatomy, and required rigidity.

1. MAJOR
CONNECTORS
GUIDED BY-
Dr. ASHISTARU SAHA
Dr. TUSHAR TANWANI
Dr. ANUPAM PURWAR
Dr. NEHA NAVLANI
Dr. RUCHI GUPTA
Dr. SUDEEPTI SONI
PRESENTED BY- Dr. POOJAAGRAWAL

2. CONTENT
 Major connector
 Requirements
 Types of maxillary major connector
 Types of mandibular major connector
 Conclusion
 References

3. MAJOR CONNECTORS
 A major connector joins the components on one
side of the arch with those on the opposite side.
 Therefore, all components are attached to the
associated major connector either directly or
indirectly.

4. REQUIREMENT OF MAJOR CONNECTORS
 Be rigid.
 Provide vertical support and protect the soft
tissues.
 Provide a means for obtaining indirect retention
where indicated.
 Provide a means for placement of one or more
denture bases.
 Promote patient comfort.

5. In the maxillary arch-the border of the major connector should be at
least 6mm from the gingival crevice of the teeth.
In the mandibular arch-it should be at least 3 mm from the gingival
margin.

6. The border should run parallel to the gingival margin of the teeth.
If the margin must be crossed, the crossing must be at right angles
to the margin to produce the least possible contact with the soft tissues.

10. MAXILLARY MAJOR CONNECTORS
 All maxillary major connectors should display
minor elevations at those borders that contact the
palatal soft tissues.
 The elevations are termed bead lines and are
intended to slightly displace the adjacent soft
tissues.

11. BEAD LINES

12. TYPES OF MAXILLARY MAJOR CONNECTORS
 Palatal bar
 Palatal strap
 Anteroposterior palatal bar
 Horseshoe
 Anteroposterior palatal strap
 Complete palate

13. PALATAL BAR
 Is narrow, half oval with its thickest point at the
centre.
 The bar is gently curved and should not form a
sharp angle at its junction with the denture base.

14.  ADVANTAGES Only indication for the single
posterior bar is an interim partial denture.
 DISADVANTAGES One of the most difficult
maxillary major connectors for a patient to adjust
to, because to maintain any degree of rigidity it
has to be bulky.
 It should never be used in a distal extension
edentulous situation, nor should it be used when
anterior teeth require replacement.

15. PALATAL STRAP
 The palatal strap is the most versatile maxillary
major connector.
 The palatal strap consists of a wide band of metal
with a thin cross-sectional dimension.

16.  Advantages- because the palatal strap is located in
two or more planes, it offers great resistance to
bending and twisting forces.
 Palatal strap can be kept relatively thin.
 Little interference with normal tongue action
 Well accepted by patients.
 Distribution of applied stress over a larger area.

17.  Disadvantages-
 Patient may complain of excessive palatal
coverage.
 Chances of developing papillary hyperplasia.

18. ANTEROPOSTERIOR PALATAL BAR
 The anteroposterior palatal bar displays
characteristics of palatal bar and palatal strap
major connectors.
 The anterior bar is relatively flat. Its cross-
sectional shape is similar to that of a palatal strap.
 The posterior bar is a half oval, similar to the
palatal bar major connector.
 The two bars are joined by flat longitudinal
elements on each side of the palate. This
configuration gives the effect of a circle and is
considerably more rigid than any of the individual
elements.

19. Anteroposterior palatal bar major connector

20.  Advantages-
 Rigidity.
 Minimizes soft tissue coverage.
 Can be used where- anterior and posterior
abutment are widely separated.
 Presence of large palatal tori.

21.  Disadvantages-
 Uncomfortable to patient.
 Interference to tongue and phonetics.
 Little support derived from palate.

22. HORSESHOE CONNECTOR
 The horseshoe connector consists of a thin band of
metal running along the lingual surfaces of the
remaining teeth and extending onto the palatal
tissues for 6 to 8 mm.

23.  Advantages-
 Used when several anterior teeth are being
replaced.
 In presence of prominent median suture line or an
inoperable torus ,this major connector is used.

24.  Disadvantages-

25. ANTEROPOSTERIOR PALATAL STRAP
 The anteroposterior palatal strap is a structurally
rigid major connector that may be used in most
maxillary partial denture applications.
 This major connector is particularly indicated
when numerous teeth are to be replaced, or when a
palatine torus is present.

26.  Advantages- Increased rigidity due to structural
encirclement.
 Disadvantages- Interference with phonetics.
 Irritation to tongue.

27. COMPLETE PALATE
 The complete palate provides ultimate rigidity and
support. It also provides greatest amount of tissue
coverage.
 The anterior border of a complete palate must be
kept 6 mm from the marginal gingivae, or it must
cover the cingula of the anterior teeth. The
posterior border should extend to the junction of
the hard and soft palates.

28. Complete palate major connector

29.  Advantages- It can be used-
 When all posterior teeth are to be replaced.
 When the remaining teeth are periodontally
compromised.
 Disadvantages-
 Adverse soft tissue reactions.
 Problem with phonetics.

30. MANDIBULAR MAJOR CONNECTORS
 In general, mandibular major connectors are long
and relatively narrow.
 Mandibular major connectors may require relief
between a mandibular removable partial denture
and the underlying soft tissues.

32. TYPES OF MANDIBULAR MAJOR CONNECTOR
 Lingual bar
 Lingual plate
 Cingulum bar
 Double lingual bar(kennedy bar)
 Sublingual bar
 Labial bar

33. LINGUAL BAR
 Most frequently used mandibular major connector.
 A lingual bar is indicated for all tooth-supported
removable partial dentures unless there is
insufficient space between the marginal gingivae
and the floor of mouth.
 In cross section, lingual bar is half pear shaped.

35. Minimum 8 mm space requirement Periodontal probe used for measurement
Intraoral measurement transferred to
the corresponding dental cast

36.  Advantages-
 Minimal contact with the remaining teeth and soft
tissues.
 Decreased plaque accumulation.
 Increased soft tissue stimulation.
 Disadvantages-
 Framework is not much rigid.

37. LINGUAL PLATE
 The structure of a lingual plate is basically that of
a half-pear-shaped lingual bar with a thin, solid
piece of metal extending from its superior border.
This thin projection of metal is carried onto the
lingual surfaces of the teeth and presents a
scalloped appearance.

38. lingual plate may include "step
backs" to minimize or eliminate
the appearance of metal.
A lingual plate must be
supported by rests located
no farther posterior than the
Mesial surfaces of first premolars.

39.  Indications of lingual plate-
 If there is insufficient vertical space for lingual
bar.
 When remaining teeth have lost much of their
periodontal support and require splinting.
 When one or more anterior teeth are periodontally
compromised but may provide service for a time.
 When posterior teeth have been lost and there is a
need for additional indirect retention.

40.  In patients with conditions that prevent the
removal of existing mandibular tori.
 Advantages-
 Rigidity
 More comfortable to patient
 Disadvantages-
 Decalcification of enamel surfaces.
 Irritation of soft tissues in patients with poor oral
hygiene.

41. CINGULUM BAR(CONTINIOUS BAR)
 Thin, narrow metal strap located on cingula of
anterior teeth, scalloped to follow interproximal
embrasures with inferior and superior borders
tapered to tooth surfaces.
 Cingulum bar may be added to lingual bar or can
be used independently.

42. Lingual Bar and Cingulum Bar Cingulum Bar

43. DOUBLE LINGUAL BAR(KENNEDY
BAR)
 Double lingual bar displays characteristics of both
lingual bar and cingulum bar major connectors.
 The lower component of this major connector
should display the same structural characteristics
as does a lingual bar. It should be half-pear shaped
in cross section, with its greatest diameter at the
inferior margin.
 The upper bar should be half oval in cross
section.This bar should be 2 to 3 mm in height and
1 mm thick. The upper bar should not run straight
across the lingual surfaces of the teeth but should
present a scalloped appearance.

44. DOUBLE LINGUAL BAR

45.  Advantages- Offers indirect retention in an
anterior direction.
 Horizontal stablization of the prosthesis.
 Marginal gingiva left uncovered.
 Disadvantages- Tendency to trap debris.
 Irritation to the tongue.

46. SUBLINGUAL BAR
 A modification of lingual bar, where placement is
inferior and posterior to the usual placement of
lingual bar, lying over and parallel to the anterior
floor of the mouth.
 Sublingual bar is same half-pear shape as a lingual
bar.
 It should be used where height of the floor of
mouth in relation to the free gingival margins will
be less than 6 mm.

47. Sublingual bar

48. LABIAL BAR
 Labial bar runs across the mucosa on the facial
surface of the mandibular arch.
 Half-pear shape in cross-section.
 Longer than a corresponding lingual bar, double
lingual bar or lingual plate.
 When there is presence of a gross uncorrectable
interference that makes use of lingual major
connector impossible, labial bar is used.

49. Labial bar

50.  Indications-
 Large, inoperable lingual tori.
 Severe and abrupt lingual undercut.
 Lingually inclined lower anteriors and premolars.
 Disadvantages-
 Patient acceptance- poor.
 Distortion of lower lip.

51. CONCLUSION
 Major connectors by uniting the other components
of a removable partial dentures acts like a
foundation bringing about bilateral distribution of
forces which depends on the rigidity of the
connector.
 Although there are many variations in major
connector, a thorough comprehension of all factors
influencing their design will lead to the best design
for each patient.

52. Kennedy’s class I Anteroposterior palatal Strap
Complete palate
Class II Anteroposterior Palatal strap
Complete palate
Palatal strap
Class III Palatal Strap
Anteroposterior palatal bar
Class IV Anteroposterior palatal strap
Complete palate
Anteroposterior palatal bar
Horseshoe connector

53. Kennedy’s Class I Lingual plate
Class II Lingual plate
Class III Lingual bar
Lingual plate
Class IV Lingual plate

54.  1. PALATAL BAR- For interim partial denture

55.  A partial denture made with a single palatal bar is
often either too thin and flexible
 or
 Too bulky and objectionable to patient’s tongue.
 A palatal bar is rarely indicated.

56.  Bilateral edentulous spaces of short span in a tooth
supported restoration (Kennedy's class III)
 Unilateral distal extension partial denture.

57.  When anterior and posterior abutments are widely
separated.
 Patients with large palatal tori that can not be
surgically removed.
 Class IV conditions.

58.  In presence of inoperable palatal torus extending to
posterior limit of hard palate.
 Kennedy’s Class IV condition

59.  When vertical forces are applied on either one or
both ends it tends to straighten.

60.  Lack of rigidity(compared with other design)
 Design fails to provide good support characteristics
and may permit impingement of underlying tissue
when subjected to occlusal loading.
 Bulk to enhance rigidity results in increased
thickness which is irritating to tongue.
 Gingival irritation and periodontal damage to the
tissue adjacent to remaining teeth.

61.  Kennedy’s class I and II arches
 Long edentulous spans in class II, modification I
arches
 Class IV arches
 Inoperable palatal tori that do not extend posteriorly
to the junction of hard and soft palates.

62.  In most conditions when only some or all anterior
teeth remain(Kennedy’s class I)
 Class II with large posterior modification space and
some missing anterior teeth
 Resorbed residual ridges with class I condition
 In absence of palatal tori

63.  LINGUAL BAR-
 Class III conditions where sufficient space exists
between the floor of mouth to lingual gingival
tissue.

64.  When a lingual plate or sublingual bar is otherwise
indicated but the axial alignment of anterior teeth is
such that excessive blockout of interproximal
undercuts would be required.

65.  When a lingual plate is otherwise indicated but the
axial alignment of anterior teeth is such that
excessive blockout of interproximal undercuts would
be required.
 When wide diastema exist between mandibular
anterior teeth .

66.  When height of floor of mouth in relation to free
gingival margins will be less than 6 mm.
 When it is desirable to keep free gingival margins of
remaining anterior teeth exposed.

67.  FOR MAXILLARY MAJOR CONNECTOR-
 If periodontal support of remaining teeth is weak-
Wide Palatal strap or complete palate
 If remaining teeth have adequate periodontal support
and little additional support is needed- Palatal strap
or anteroposterior palatal bar.
 For long span distal extension base-
Anteroposterior palatal strap or Complete palate
 For anterior teeth replacement- Anteroposterior
palatal strap, Complete palate or Horseshoe
major connector

68.  If a torus is present and not to be removed-
Anteroposterior palatal strap, Anteroposterior
palatal bar, Horseshoe major connector
 A Palatal bar is rarely indicated.

69.  Tooth supported condition- Lingual bar
 When insufficient room between floor of mouth and
gingival margins(<8 mm)- Lingual plate
 When anterior teeth have reduced periodontal support
and require stabilization- Lingual plate
 When anterior teeth have reduced periodontal support
and large interproximal spaces- Modified lingual
plate(Step back design) or double lingual bar.
 Replacement of all mandibular posterior teeth- Lingual
plate
 A Labial bar is rarely indicated.

70.  Major connector should be properly located in
relation to gingival and moving tissues and should be
designed to be rigid.
 Rigidity in a major connector is necessary to provide
proper distribution of forces to and from the
supporting components.

71.  There are three important principles for design
exclusively used for a major connector-
 L-bar or L-beam principle
 Circular configuration
 Strut configuration

72.  Flexibility of a bar is directly proportional to the
length of the bar and inversely proportional to its
thickness.
 When a load is placed on the bar or beam supported
at its ends, maximum stress is present in the centre
and zero stress at the supported ends.

74.  The advantage of a circle is that it is a continuous
unit without an end.
 Any force acting on a circular bar can be easily
distributed all along the circumference.
 A circular bar is more rigid than a linear bar with the
same area of cross section.

76.  A straight bar bent at its ends near the support is
more rigid because, the bent slopes of the bar aid to
transfer the load acting on the horizontal portion.
 The major connector extending in two different
planes has more rigidity.

78. REFERENCES
 Stewart’s Clinical Removable Partial
Prosthodontics. Third editon. quintessence
Publication.
 McCraken’s Removable Partial Prosthodontics.
Eleventh Edition. Elsevier Publication.