Guide Plates for RPD Frameworks
Posted on 10/26/2011
Guide plates (also known as proximal plates or guide surfaces) are metal struts primarily used to help to determine the path of insertion and removal of the RPD framework. Guide plates are technically a "minor connector", but serve a unique, specific function and are often discussed separately from the other minor connectors.
A guide plate is typically designed to contact a mesial or distal surface of a tooth. However, from a technical standpoint, any metal strut surface even along the lingual is a guide plate. The term proximal plate refers specifically to metal struts that contact only the mesial or distal surface of an abutment tooth.
Another term that is often confused with the guide plate is the term "guide plane" - which technically refers to the surface of the abutment tooth that has been designated to contact with the guide plate. However, the two terms are often used interchangeably on prescription Rx forms.
In addition to helping determine the path of insertion, other functions of the guide plate include:
1. Improved retention through frictional contacts
2. Stabilization against horizontal forces (together with other metal components such as clasps)
3. Provide reciprocation
4. Stabilization of individual teeth.
5. Elimination of negative strain on abtument teeth during insertion and removal of prosthesis
*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. Pages 25-27
A guide plate is typically designed to contact a mesial or distal surface of a tooth. However, from a technical standpoint, any metal strut surface even along the lingual is a guide plate. The term proximal plate refers specifically to metal struts that contact only the mesial or distal surface of an abutment tooth.
Another term that is often confused with the guide plate is the term "guide plane" - which technically refers to the surface of the abutment tooth that has been designated to contact with the guide plate. However, the two terms are often used interchangeably on prescription Rx forms.
In addition to helping determine the path of insertion, other functions of the guide plate include:
1. Improved retention through frictional contacts
2. Stabilization against horizontal forces (together with other metal components such as clasps)
3. Provide reciprocation
4. Stabilization of individual teeth.
5. Elimination of negative strain on abtument teeth during insertion and removal of prosthesis
*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. Pages 25-27
