RPD - Connectors Flashcards
(48 cards)
What is meant by the term ‘connector’?
- A term used to describe the rigid part of a partial denture that unites other components. There are minor connectors and major connectors
What are the 2 types of connectors?
- Minor and major connectors
What is the purpose of major connectors?
- Part of the denture that connects components on one side of the arch to components on the other side of the arch
What is the purpose of minor connectors?
- Join components such as rests to the major connector
- They transfer functional stresses to and from the abutment teeth
What are the requirements of a minor connector? (4 points)
- Be rigid
- Finish above (towards the occlusal surface) the survey line of the teeth
- Cross the gingival margin at right angles (to maintain gingival health)
- Cover as little gingival tissue as possible - trying to maintain the health of the gingiva
When using minor connectors what do you want to avoid?
- Avoid having multiple ‘windows’ (don’t want lots of thin bits connecting lots of bits together)
What are the requirements of a major connector? (4 points)
- Be rigid (no modifications to this rule)
- Avoid covering gingival margins
- Be comfortable, with as few edges as possible
- Cover al little tissue as is consistent with rigidity (apart from Craddock’s class 3)
What modifications may need to me made in major connectors? (6 points)
- Base distribution
- Need for tissue support
- Need for indirect retention
- Anatomical limitations
- Prognosis of the dentition
- Previous denture influence
In modifications for major connectors what is ‘prognosis of the dentition’?
- Situation where you’re planning on giving the patient a denture but there are a few teeth that are unlikely to last the full time of the denture - can factor this into the design so it is easy to add a tooth to the denture if it happens
In modifications for major connectors what is ‘previous denture influence’?
- If the previous denture is a denture they are happy with then don’t try to change this or try to change the design - just reproduce what they already have
Can a plate connector be made thinner in cross section but still maintain its rigidity?
- Yes
Which kind of connector design is the option for mucosa supported (Craddock’s class 2) designs?
- Plate designs
How thin can the cross sectional thickness of a plate be?
- As little as 0.5mm thin
Why are plate designs only recommended in the mandibular arch when no space is available for the bar?
- As it may cover gingival margins
To maintain rigidity of a plate what may it need to be in the cross section?
Thicker (this is depending on the coverage and shape of the mucosa areas)
As a general rule what do you need in a connector if you have less tooth support?
-Need greater mucosal coverage
What is the advantage of using a bar connector?
- There is less mucosal coverage
Why must a bar connector be made suitably thick in cross section?
- To maintain rigidity e.g. lingual bar should be at least 2mm thick
What type of connector is a common choice for a Craddock class 1?
- A bar connector
Why is a bar connector a default choice for the mandi bular arch?
- Because there is less space in the mandibular arch
What is the problem with a sublingual bar?
- Have to have recorded the functional floor of the mouth - if not recorded correctly it will be very uncomfortable for the patient
- Tends not to be regularly used as it is hard to get the impression accurate
What are the options for mandibular connectors? (5 points)
- Lingual bar
- Lingual plate
- Dental bar
- Sublingual bar
- Labial bar
When is the only time a labial bar would be used?
- When lower anterior teeth are lingually inclined therefore preventing the use of a lingual bar
Why are mucosa borne lower dentures not generally recommended?
- Due to the lack of mucosal support (coverage)
