RPD Framework - Double Lingual Bar and Labial Bar Connector

While the lingual bar and lingual plate are the most common designs for lower RPD framework major connectors, there are other variations of these designs used for specific and highly uncommon situations.

The double lingual bar design is essentially a lingual plate design where the plate itself is only a superior border - creating two lingual bars - one below the gingival margin and one at the contact points of the anterior teeth. This design is used specifically when a lingual bar is indicated but additional support of anterior teeth is required and when large interproximal spaces exist. A lingual plate would create a severe aesthetic concern due to the metal plate showing in the interproximals. The problems with this design are the food entrapment created at the superior bar and irritation to the gum.

The labial bar connector is a design where the bar is created on the labial side instead of the lingual side. This is a rare design due to aesthetic concerns and used only in situations where natural teeth are severely lingually inclined - not allowing for a lingual bar or lingual plate.

Finally, a variation of the above mentioned designs is the swinglock attachment - which is a combination of a lingual plate and a labial bar. Here is a picture of swinglock attachment. A link to Swinglock's website has also been provided.


*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.