Parts of a Removable Partial Denture

1. Unification

2. Rigidity

Principal functions of major connector

Single palatal strap

Maxillary Major Connector — broad, thin; for bounded spaces

Anteroposterior palatal strap

Maxillary Major Connector — two straps for rigidity

Palatal plate

Maxillary Major Connector — complete coverage; maximum support

U-shaped (horseshoe)

Maxillary Major Connector — around a torus or anterior spaces

Lingual bar

Mandibular Major Connector — half-pear shaped; needs ≥7–8 mm of vertical space

Lingual plate (linguoplate)

Mandibular Major Connector — thin apron over the cingula when height is limited

Sublingual bar

Mandibular Major Connector — set lower and lingually where the vestibule is shallow

Labial/cingulum bar

Mandibular Major Connector — for severely lingually inclined teeth

Double lingual (Kennedy) bar

Mandibular Major Connector — a lingual bar plus a cingulum bar

Direct retainer

• Provides retention against dislodging forces

• Engages an undercut on the abutment tooth

Rest

Directs force along the long axis and stops the denture settling

Occlusal rest

Rest — spoon-shaped; ~1/3 the mesiodistal width

Cingulum rest

Rest — on the cingulum of a canine/anterior tooth

Incisal rest

Rest — a rounded notch at the incisal edge

Shortened dental arch (SDA)

Patients can function with as few as 20 occluding teeth

• Patient's choice

• No budget

• Significant difference in chewing and comfort

anterior teeth + 4-6 occlusal units

• opposing premolars = 1 occlusal unit

• opposing molars = 2 occlusal units

Shortened dental arch (SDA) requires ?