RPD Framework - Maxillary Major Connector - An Introduction
Posted on 11/04/2011
Unlike the mandibular major connector, the maxillary major connector does not need to be designed around moveable tissues. As such, the border of the maxillary major connector should be designed much further (6mm minimum) from the gingival margin.
In addition to the above mentioned design, the maxillary major connector should exhibit these features:
1. All elements of the connector should cross the palatal midline (suture line) at right angles
2. Any curves should be placed on one side of the midline
3. Avoidance of the anterior palate is highly recommended so as not to interfere with speech and tongue function.
4. Anterior borders should be hidden in the rugae to create an even palatal surface
5. Borders should be beaded or 0.5mm to 1.mm wide and deep
The last feature - the beading of the borders - is very important for the following reasons:
- Beading creates and maintains positive contact with the soft tissue
- Beading increases the rigidity of the connector
- Beading provides a finishing line for the dental lab technician
- Beading allows edges of the connector to be tapered and less noticeable to the tongue through the bulk created
*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.
In addition to the above mentioned design, the maxillary major connector should exhibit these features:
1. All elements of the connector should cross the palatal midline (suture line) at right angles
2. Any curves should be placed on one side of the midline
3. Avoidance of the anterior palate is highly recommended so as not to interfere with speech and tongue function.
4. Anterior borders should be hidden in the rugae to create an even palatal surface
5. Borders should be beaded or 0.5mm to 1.mm wide and deep
The last feature - the beading of the borders - is very important for the following reasons:
- Beading creates and maintains positive contact with the soft tissue
- Beading increases the rigidity of the connector
- Beading provides a finishing line for the dental lab technician
- Beading allows edges of the connector to be tapered and less noticeable to the tongue through the bulk created
*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.
