Anterior - Posterior Strap Major Connector
Posted on 11/09/2011
Unlike the single palatal strap which is indicated for only Kennedy Class III arches, the Anterior-Posterior (A-P) strap is arguably the most versatile major connector design, and is indicated for Kennedy Class I, II, III or IV partially edentulous arches.
The A-P strap is a combination of a palatal strap across the anterior section of the palate and another palatal strap across the posterior of the palate - connected by lateral straps. This leaves an opening in the middle of the palate. The major advantages to this design are:
1. The thin straps exhibit excellent rigidity
2. Offer minimal tissue coverage
3. Exhibit little interference with the tongue function
4. Is an ideal option for inoperable tori that end 6 to 8mm short of the hard and soft palate junction.
The key design elements are as follows:
1. Anterior posterior and lateral straps should be 6 to 8 mm wide
2. Lateral straps should be parallel
3. Anterior strap should not sit forward of the most anterior rests
4. Anterior border should sit in the a valley between the rugae
5. Posterior border should ideally be placed at the junction of the hard and soft palates
6. Palatal opening (space between anterior and posterior straps) should be at least 15mm
*Portions of this post were adapted from the book: Atlas of Removable Partial denture Design by Dr. Russell J. Stratton and Dr. Frank J. Wiebelt published by Quintessence Publishing Co., Inc. in 1988.
The A-P strap is a combination of a palatal strap across the anterior section of the palate and another palatal strap across the posterior of the palate - connected by lateral straps. This leaves an opening in the middle of the palate. The major advantages to this design are:
1. The thin straps exhibit excellent rigidity
2. Offer minimal tissue coverage
3. Exhibit little interference with the tongue function
4. Is an ideal option for inoperable tori that end 6 to 8mm short of the hard and soft palate junction.
The key design elements are as follows:
1. Anterior posterior and lateral straps should be 6 to 8 mm wide
2. Lateral straps should be parallel
3. Anterior strap should not sit forward of the most anterior rests
4. Anterior border should sit in the a valley between the rugae
5. Posterior border should ideally be placed at the junction of the hard and soft palates
6. Palatal opening (space between anterior and posterior straps) should be at least 15mm
*Portions of this post were adapted from the book: Atlas of Removable Partial denture Design by Dr. Russell J. Stratton and Dr. Frank J. Wiebelt published by Quintessence Publishing Co., Inc. in 1988.
