Minor Connector

Retentive Arm

Active component of RPD

1. Minor connectors that join clasp assemblies to major connectors

2. Minor connectors that join indirect retainers or auxiliary rests to major connector

3. Minor connector that serves as an approach arms for vertical projections/bar-type clasp

4. Minor connector that join denture bases to major connector

Four types of Minor connector

Reciprocal Arm

What component will counteract the movement of the retentive arm?

Minor connector that joins clasp assemblies to major connectors

Must be rigid

Minor connector that joins clasp assemblies to major connectors

Must have sufficient bulk to ensure rigidity

Minor connector that joins clasp assemblies to major connectors

Must be positioned so they do not irritate the oral tissues

Minor connector that joins clasp assemblies to major connectors

Should be broad buccolingually, but thin mesiodistally

Embrasures

Location of the placement of the minor connector that joins clasp assemblies to major connectors

Minor connector that joins clasp assemblies to major connectors

Should never be positioned on the convex lingual surfaces of a tooth, where its bulk is evident

Minor connector that join indirect retainers or auxiliary rests to major connectors

Should form right angles with the corresponding major connectors, but junctions should be gently curved to prevent stress concentration

Minor connector that join indirect retainers or auxiliary rests to major connectors

Juncture to the major connector should be rounded

• Retentive arm and Major connector on distal extension area

All RPD components should be rounded; EXCEPT:

Minor connector that serves as approach arms for vertical projection/bar-type clasps

Approaches the tooth from an apical direction rather than from an occlusal direction

Major connector that serves as approach arms for vertical projection/bar-type clasps

Must not cross a soft tissue undercut

Minor connectors that join denture bases to major connectors

Must be strong enough to anchor a denture base to the RPD framework

Minor connectors that join denture bases to major connectors

Must be rigid enough to resist fracture and displacement

Minor connectors that join denture bases to major connectors

Must have minimal interference

Pterygomaxillary notch

In maxillary arch —- distal extension base must extend into the ____

Retromolar pad

In mandibular arch —- denture base must cover the ____

• Longitudinal strut

• Transverse strut

Parts of lattice

Buccal to the ridge crest

Location of the longitudinal strut in maxillary and mandibular arch

Transverse strut

Must be positioned to facilitate the placement of the artificial teeth

5 mm

Measurement of placement of pontics in between transverse strut

Lattice

Appropriate thickness of wax relief between the minor and tissues of the residual ridge

Lattice

Used whenever multiple teeth are to be replaced

Lattice

Provides stronger attachment of acrylic resin to the RPD framewok

Lattice

Facilitates relining and rebasing

Mesh

May be compared to rigid metallic screen

• Difficulty during packing of acrylic resin

• May interfere with the arrangement of prosthetic teeth

Disadvantages of Mesh

Bead

Often used in conjunction with metal denture base

Bead

Type of DBRE that is limited to short span

Bead

Tooth supported applications in px with well healed ridges

Bead

Related to improve hygiene

Bead

Enhance thermal stimulation

• Mesiodistal space and occlusogingival space is limited

Indication of Bead

Bead

Difficulty in adjusting and relining cast metal bases

Bead

Attachment of resin is relatively weak

Prevent or minimize bending/distortion of minor connector during acrylic resin packing and processing

Purpose of tissue stops or cast stops

Finish lines

Rising metal interfaces must be created

Internal Finish lines

Formed as a result of relief wax placed on edentulous ridges of a master cast prior to duplication

Internal finish lines

Creates an elevated area on the resultant refractory cast

External Finish lines

Formed by the placement and carving of wax during framework fabrication.