Major Maxillary Connectors

DEFINITION:

It is a component of partial denture that connects parts of partial removable prosthesis at one side of arch with those on opposite side.

Fig 1.

Major Maxillary Connectors

TYPES:

Six basic types of major maxillary connectors are:

1. SINGLE PALATAL BAR: its component is less than 8mm in width is referred to as a bar.

Fig 2.

Indication:

· Limited to replacing one or two teeth on each side of arch.

Contraindication:

· In distal extension situation

· when anterior teeth are to be replace

2. SINGLE PALATAL STRAP: It consists of a wide thin barel of metal that crosses the palate in an unobtrusive manner.

Fig 3.

Indication:

· In CLASS III situations.

· Need for palatal support is minimal.

Contraindication:

· Anterior replacements with distal extension bases.

3. U-SHAPED PALATAL CONNECTOR: It consists of thin band of metal running along posterior teeth and extending onto the palatal tissues for 6–8mm.

Fig 4.

Indication:

· Can be in case of a large inoperable tori

· When several anterior teeth are to be replaced.

4. ANTERIOR-POSTERIOR PALATAL BAR: The flat anterior bar is narrower than the palatal strap.

Fig 5. and Fig 6.

Indication:

· When support is not a major consideration and when the anterior and posterior abutments are widely separated.

· Presence of torus palatinus.

Contraindication:

· In reduced periodontal support of the remaining teeth that necessitates additional support from the palate.

5. COMBINATION ANTERIOR AND POSTERIOR PALATAL STRAP-TYPE CONNECTOR: A posterior palatal strap should be flat and a minimum of 8 mm wide.

Fig 7.

Indication:

· Kennedy’s Class I and CLASS II arches.

· CLASS II modifications I arches.

· Class IV arches.

Contraindication:

· In addition, the extensive length of borders may cause discomfort to the tongue.

6. PALATAL PLATE-TYPE CONNECTOR: The full palate connector should be thin, with the natural anatomy of the palate reproduced.

Fig 8. and Fig 9.

Indication:

· CLASS I AND CLASS II arches.

· Cleft palate patients.

Contraindication:

· Presence of tori which cannot be surgically removed a full palatal coverage cannot be given.