Prosthodontics seminar 3rd stage University of Anbar College Of Dentistry Created By Mohammed Amer Hekma Supervised by: Dr Osama Abdul Rasool Hammoodi References • FUNDAMENTALS OF REMOVABLE PARTIAL PROSTHODONTIC DESIGN by Kenneth R. McHenry, D.D.S., M.S and Terrence McLean, D.D.S. • Stewart's Clinical Removable Partial Prosthodontics, Fourth Edition by Rodney D Phoenix, D.D.S, M.S, David R Cagna, D.M.D, M.S and Charles F DeFreest, D.D.S • McCRACKEN’S REMOVABLE PARTIAL PROSTHODONTICS, TWELFTH EDITION BY Alan B. Carr, D.M.D, M.S, and David T. Brown, DDS, MS

1. MAXILLARY MAJOR
CONNECTORS
By
Mohammed Hekma
Supervised by
Dr Osama Abdul
Rasool Hammoodi

2. Is the component of the partial denture that
connects the parts of the prosthesis located on one
side of the arch with those on the opposite side and
to which all other parts are directly or indirectly
attached. It also provides crossarch stability to help
resist displacement by functional stresses.
A MAJOR
CONNECTOR
2

3. TYPES OF MAXILLARY MAJOR
CONNECTORS
3
PALATAL
STRAP
ANTEROPOSTERIOR
PALATAL BAR
ANTEROPOSTERIOR
PALATAL STRAP
COMPLETE
PALATE
6 Types
PALATAL
BAR
HORSESHOE
(U-SHAPED)

4.  Narrow half oval with its thickest point at the
center.
 The bar is gently curved and should not form a
sharp angle at its junction with the denture
base.
Indications:
 Limited to shortspan Class III applications
(eg, replacing one or two teeth on each
side of the arch).
PALATAL BAR
4
1

5. The palatal bar has few advantages and
should be avoided.
Advantages of the palatal bar
 Used primarily in interim applications.
Disadvantages of the palatal bar
 Patients find the palatal bar uncomfortable.
 Derives little vertical support from the bony
palate.
 The palatal bar should not be placed
anterior to the second premolar position.
PALATAL BAR
5
1

6.  The most versatile maxillary major connector.
 The palatal strap consists of a wide band of metal
with a thin cross-sectional dimension
Indications:
 Is indicated for unilateral or bilateral edentulous areas of
short spans in a toothsupported RPD (i.e., Kennedy
Class III) where the need for palatal support is minimal.
 May be used for unilateral distal wide extension partial
dentures (i.e., Kennedy Class II)
It should not be used for bilateral distal extension
applications (i.e., Kennedy Class I).
PALATAL STRAP
6
2

7. Advantages of the palatal strap:
 It offers great resistance to bending and twisting
forces.
 Well accepted by patients.
 Distribute applied stresses over a larger area.
Disadvantages of the palatal strap:
 A patient may complain of excessive palatal
coverage.
 Papillary hyperplasia.
 It could interfere with speech.
PALATAL STRAP
7
2

8.  The anteroposterior palatal bar displays
characteristics of palatal bar and palatal strap
major connectors
Indications:
 when the anterior and posterior abutments are
widely separated (Long edentulous spans that are
tooth bound, Class III)
 May be used when support is not a major
consideration and When anterior teeth must be
replaced by the partial denture and additional
rigidity is needed for the anterior bar
 In the presence of an inoperable palatal torus.
ANTEROPOSTERIOR
PALATAL BAR
8
3

9. Advantages of the anteroposterior palatal
bar:
 Rigidity.
 Minimizes soft tissue coverage, yet
provides exceptional resistance to
deformation. .
Disadvantages of the anteroposterior
palatal bar.
 Uncomfortable to the patient.
 Derives little support from the bony palate.
ANTEROPOSTERIOR
PALATAL BAR
9
3

10.  Is a structurally rigid major connector that may be
used in most maxillary partial denture applications.
Indications :
 When numerous teeth are to be replaced
 When a palatine torus is present.
 It is used most frequently in Classes II and IV
Contraindications:
Inoperable maxillary torus that extends posterior to
the soft palate. In this situation, a broad, U-shaped
major connector may be used
ANTEROPOSTERIOR
PALATAL STRAP
10
4

11. Advantages of the anteroposterior palatal strap:
 Rigid connector that derives good support from the
tissues of the hard palate despite its open design.
 The corrugated contour of the metal over the rugae adds
strength to the connector and allows the metal to be
made relatively thin (< 1 mm).
 The shape of this connector also provides a definite L-
beam effect, thereby increasing the resistance to flexure.
Disadvantages of the anteroposterior palatal strap:
 Interference with phonetics may occur in some patients.
 The extensive length of borders may cause irritation to
the tongue.
ANTEROPOSTERIOR
PALATAL STRAP
11
4

12. 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
Indications :
 Its main indications are in the presence of
a large palatal torus or prominent median
suture.
 When only anterior teeth are absent.
HORSESHOE
(U-SHAPED)
12
5

13. Advantages of the horseshoe connector:
 It is a strong connector that can derive some vertical
support from tissues of the hard palate.
 May be designed to avoid bony prominences without
sacrificing vertical support.
Disadvantages of the horseshoe connector:
 Its lack of rigidity
 Limited resistance to flexing, and noticeable movement
can occur at the open end.
 It must have support over and above its principal rests by
the use of additional rests.
 May permit impingement of underlying tissue when
subjected to occlusal loading
HORSESHOE
(U-SHAPED)
13
5

14. The complete palate provides the
ultimate rigidity and support.
It also provides the greatest amount
of tissue coverage.
Indications:
When all posterior teeth are to be
replaced
When the remaining teeth are
periodontally compromised
COMPLETE
PALATE
14
6

15. Advantages of the complete palate:
 Distribution of applied forces to the remaining teeth, as
well as to the palatal tissues.
 When minimal ridge height is available, a complete
palate can provide additional stabilization for the
prosthesis.
 Undesirable lateral or horizontal forces may be dissipated
by intimate contact between the major connector and the
underlying soft tissues.
 Comfortable and exerts little or no effect upon phonetics.
 L-beam effect and an extremely rigid major connector.
Disadvantages of the complete palate:
 Adverse soft tissue reactions may occur
 Problems with phonetics may be encountered.
COMPLETE
PALATE
15
6

16. 1. If the periodontal support of the remaining teeth is weak - A wide palatal strap or a complete
palate is indicated.
2. If the remaining teeth have adequate periodontal support and little additional support is needed,
a palatal strap or anteroposterior palatal bar may be used.
3. For long-span distal extension bases where rigidity is critical, an anteroposterior palatal strap or
complete palate is indicated.
4. When anterior teeth must be replaced, an anteroposterior palatal strap, complete palate, or
horseshoe major connector may be used.
5. If a torus is present and is not to be removed, an anteroposterior palatal strap, anteroposterior
palatal bar, or horseshoe major connector may be used.
6. A horseshoe connector should be used very sparingly.
7. A palatal bar is rarely indicated.
SUMMARY OF INDICATIONS FOR
MAXILLARY MAJOR CONNECTORS
16

17. THANK
YOU
Mohammed Amer
Mohammed.hekma@gmail.com
+964-773-969-1145
Dental student