UNIVERSITY OF SÃO PAULO

Ribeirão Preto Faculty of Dentistry

DEPARTMENT OF DENTAL MATERIALS AND PROSTHESIS

CONNECTION SYSTEM

Professor Dr. Valéria Oliveira Pagnano de Souza

2006
 CONNECTION SYSTEM

As previously reported, the Removable Partial Denture is divided into systems (support,
retention, connection, saddle and artificial teeth and stabilization) in order to facilitate understanding of
subject, that is, it is a didactic way of presenting the PPR, without, however, there being
possibility of some system existing or acting without the presence of elements from other systems.
As it has been said, the PPR is a bilateral biomechanical device that involves both sides.
of the arc of which it is a part. Thus, it is always necessary to connect the elements of the PPR of both
sides of the arch. The elements responsible for this connection and transmission of forces to
support elements are called connectors and are part of the connection system.
The connectors are classified into larger connectors or junction bars and connectors.
smaller. The larger connectors serve to join the elements of the prosthesis, the connectors
minors have the function of connecting the elements to the larger connector. It is important to emphasize that both

Connectors are rigid to truly distribute the chewing forces evenly.

However, there may be differences among the larger connectors as to their purpose.
mainly, such as: while the larger maxillary connector is mainly designed to provide
support, the mandibular connector has the function of promoting indirect retention. The obtaining of

Indirect retention is an attempt to minimize or neutralize the fulcrum line. The fulcrum line
it is an imaginary line that passes through the most posterior pillars of the prosthesis and determines a
axis around which the prosthesis tends to rotate. In other words, the larger connector will have the function of

minimize the movement of the prosthesis caused mainly by the resilience of the fibromucosa,
which is more evident in cases of free extremities.
It is also necessary to emphasize that there are several types of connectors larger than
they should be selected for specific clinical cases according to some criteria that
They will be addressed in due course.

1. LARGER CONNECTORS
It is important to emphasize again that the larger connector must be mandatory.
rigid to avoid deformation and promote wide distribution of forces in order to prevent torque to
support teeth. In addition to rigidity, there are other requirements needed for larger connectors:
prevent trauma to the gingival tissue, thus they should be positioned away from the gum
free margin around 6mm (maxillary connectors) to 4mm (mandibular connectors), cross to
average line at a 90-degree angle,
0
with rounded edges and maintaining the natural outline of the
underlying structures.

1.1. MAXILLARY MAJOR CONNECTORS

1.1.1. PALATINE BAR

It is the most commonly used maxillary connector, mainly indicated in cases of gaps.
small bilateral prosthetics. The bar must have a minimum width of 8mm and thickness
sufficient to avoid deforming in the face of chewing forces (Fig.1 and 2). Its use is against-
indicated in cases of prominent and inoperable palatine torus.

Minimum of 8 mm

Fig.1. Palatine bar. Fig.2. Palatine bar.

1.1.2. ANTERO-POSTERIOR PALATINE BAR

It is a connector that consists of two bars as the name itself indicates, one at the front.
that accesses the region of the anterior teeth and the posterior that accesses the edentulous spaces

corresponding to the back teeth. It is important that the front bar has a width between 6 and
8mm and that there is a minimum distance of 15mm between the two bars (Fig.3 and 4) to avoid accumulation
of food and discomfort to the patient. It is also important that the posterior bar is located
close to the limit of hard palate-soft palate to avoid discomfort. This connector is quite
indicated in cases of anterior teeth with uncertain prognosis or absent teeth and also in
cases of presence of bulky and inoperable palatine torus. Its use is contraindicated in cases
of deep palate presence because it prevents proper adaptation of the posterior bar in this.
region.
 15mm

Fig.3. Anteroposterior palatine bar. Fig.4. Antero-posterior palatine bar.

1.1.3. SUSPENDED PALATINE BAR

This connector is a modification of the double palatine bar. However, unlike the
anterior bar of the anteroposterior bar that is housed over the underlying tissues, the hanging bar
it is lodged on the palatine surfaces of the supporting teeth (Fig.5 and 6). Thus, it is necessary that the
pillars should have long clinical crowns to allow for this accommodation. The patient must also be
alerted about the importance of increased hygiene care due to the fact that there is
covering of the free marginal gum. The ends of this bar must always be
housed in properly prepared niches. This connector is also recommended in cases of
anterior teeth with uncertain prognosis that require stabilization, absence of teeth
previous and in cases of voluminous and inoperable palatine torus.
Its use is also contraindicated in cases of deep palate presence because
impede proper adaptation of the rear bar in this area.

Fig.5. Suspended palatine bar. Fig. 6. Suspended palatine bar.

1.1.4. PALATINE BAR IN THE SHAPE OF U OR FERRIS WHEEL
 As the name itself indicates, it is a palatine arch in the shape of a U or in the shape of

horseshoe. It is essential that the width of this bar is also at least 8mm to avoid the
deflection during the chewing act and the hygiene of the prosthesis by the patient (Fig. 7 and 8).
It should also be as wide and as thin as possible to avoid discomfort.
patient. However, many authors advise against its use due to the fact that it lodges
about the palatal roughness interfering with the patient's phonetics and in cases of
free extremities due to the greater flexion existing. It is a connector indicated in cases of teeth
previous ones with doubtful prognosis or absent and in cases of bulky palatal torus and
inoperable.

dx

minimum of 8mm

Fig.7. U-shaped palatine bar. Fig. 8. U-shaped palatine bar and

presence of palatine torus (arrow).

1.1.5. COMPLETE PALATINAL CONNECTOR

It is a connector indicated for cases of need for support, that is, cases of
free extremities or large edentulous spaces. It was previously made only in
metal (Fig.9), today is composed of metal and resin, being called palatine connector
mixed complete (Fig.10). The advantage of using resin is that the prosthesis can be relined.
periodically, it is lighter and more aesthetic.
Fig.9. Complete metallic palatine connector. Fig.10. Complete mixed palatine connector.

As mentioned, there are some criteria for the selection of the larger connectors.
Among the necessary factors for indicating the maxillary connectors, the following can be mentioned: necessity

support, presence of palatine torus, need for replacement of anterior teeth,

stabilization of the teeth, aesthetics, patient preference (a non-determinant factor, but one that should be considered)

to be taken into account) and the need for indirect retention.

1.2. LARGER MANDIBULAR CONNECTORS

[Link] BAR
It is the most commonly used mandibular connector due to the simplicity of the design. It has a section

transversal in the shape of a half pear. For its indication, the minimum distance required between the
the floor of the mouth and the bar is 3mm and from the bar to the free marginal gum is 3mm (Fig.11). It is

it is important that it has a minimum width of 4mm to avoid bending and that it is made of a
wax relief in the area under the structure to avoid trauma to the underlying mucosa which is
very thin and susceptible to trauma (Fig.12). This way, bone resorption is also prevented.
in this region and subsequent tooth loss.
The lingual bar is indicated in cases where there is no need for indirect retention and
contraindicated in cases of small distance between the floor of the mouth and the marginal gum
free, in cases of high insertion of the lingual frenum and the presence of a large lingual torus and

inoperable.
 3mm
4mm

3mm

Fig.11. Barra lingual. Distâncias entre a barra Fig.12. Barra lingual. Largura mínima da
the free marginal gingiva and the floor of the bar. Wax relief under the structure (arrow).
mouth.

1.2.2. DOUBLE LANGUARD BAR

The double lingual bar or Kennedy clasp is a connector made up of a
the lower lingual bar is an upper bar located on the lingual surface of the lower teeth,
indicated when there is a need for indirect retention, mainly in class I cases of
Kennedy. The minimum distance between the bars must be at least 3 mm to avoid impaction.
feeding and discomfort to the patient. It is also necessary that the supporting teeth accommodate
its ends have properly prepared niches for the placement of the bar (Fig.13). A
double lingual bar is also contraindicated in cases of small distance between the floor of the
the lip and the free marginal gingiva, in cases of high insertion of the lingual frenulum and presence of tori

voluminous and inoperable lingual.

When there are diastemas, there is a need to create a double lingual bar.
discontinuous that does not compromise the patient's aesthetics (Fig.14). In cases of crowded teeth,
the adjustment of the upper bar becomes quite compromised discouraging its recommendation.
Fig.13. Barra lingual dupla. Extremidades Fig.14. Barra lingual dupla descontínua.
housed in the prepared niches.

1.2.3. LINGUAL PLATE

The lingual plate is nothing more than a fusion of the upper and lower bars of the lingual bar.
double (Fig.15), indicated mainly when there is an impediment to placing a bar
lingual or double lingual bar due to the small distance between the floor of the mouth and the
free marginal gingiva, in cases of the presence of a high insertion lingual frenum or the presence of
voluminous and inoperable lingual torus. It also allows for the replacement of anterior teeth, being
indicated in cases of teeth with doubtful prognosis or missing (Fig.16). It presents the
inconvenience of preventing or normal massaging of the tissues that cover.

Fig.15. Lingual plate. Fig.16. Lingual bar. Note the possibility

of anterior tooth replacement.

1.2.4. DENTAL PLATE

 It is a connector similar to the lingual plate that differs by not covering the gum.
marginal, only middle third and cervical of the supporting teeth. It has the same indications as
lingual plate, that is, cases of the presence of a lingual frenulum with high insertion or presence of tori.
voluminous and inoperable tongue. It also allows for the replacement of anterior teeth, being
indicated in cases of teeth with uncertain prognosis or absent. It has the advantage of allowing
the massage of the free marginal gum, unlike the lingual plaque.

1.2.5. SUBLINGUAL BAR

Connector widely used in Europe, which is a modification of the lingual bar, located
next to the floor of the mouth, without interfering with the muscles of the region. It has a cross-section
in half a drop, with the widest portion located in the lowest region, thus allowing
greater resistance to lateral bending when in function. It is indicated in cases of major reabsorptions
alveolar due to periodontal problems.

1.2.6. VESTIBULAR BAR

It is a type of connector used in rare cases of great inclination of the lower teeth.
for lingual (Fig.17) or the presence of lingual torus that prevents the placement of any type of
bar in the lingual region of the mandibular arch. The vestibular bar should be located in the labial sulcus, with

greater width than the lingual bar because it is located in an arc of greater curvature, providing
greater rigidity (Fig.18).

Fig. 17. Waxing of the vestibular bar. Fig. 18. Vestibular bar. Note the width of the
bar.
Note the lingual inclination of the teeth.
1.2.7. SWING-LOCK
 It is a connector made up of a lingual plate and an articulated vestibular bar.
(Fig.19), that is, this bar is joined to the larger connector by a hinge on one side and a latch on the other.
other (Fig.20). The support is obtained by the supports in the support elements, the stability and
reciprocity from the lingual plate and retention from bar-type clasps on the vestibular surfaces
(Fig.19).
This connector is indicated in cases of missing supporting teeth, treated
periodontally, but with dubious prognosis, teeth and soft tissues with contours
unfavorable. Its use is contraindicated in cases of high labial frenulum insertion or presence of
smooth vestibule because they prevent the placement of the vestibular bar.

c a

Fig.19. Swing-lock. Presence of clamps types Fig.20. Swing-lock with vestibular bar with
bar. hinge (a) and latch (b) and tongue plate (c).

Among the necessary criteria for the indication of mandibular connectors, there may be
cited: mainly need for support, presence of lingual torus, need for
replacement of anterior teeth, stabilization of teeth, aesthetics, patient preference (factor
not determining, but that must be taken into account.

2. MINOR CONNECTORS
They are also rigid components that connect the elements of the PPR (supports) to the connector.
greater than that have the function of transmitting the forces to the supporting teeth and the rest of the structure of the

PPR. They can be of the following types: interproximal, proximal, or retention network (Fig.21) because
they join the artificial teeth and the prosthesis base to the larger connector.
 It is important that the manufacture of smaller connectors follows the following principles:

a) they should not be positioned in convex regions of the teeth to avoid discomfort when
patient. Thus, it is necessary that they are located in the regions of the battlements and that in these
regions should have reliefs made to avoid wedge effects;
b) they must intersect the gingival tissues at a right angle;

there must be a minimum space of 5mm between adjacent smaller connectors to avoid
food impaction;
d) they must present the area near the larger connector wider than the area that makes
contact with the teeth
they must contact the proximal axial surfaces and the lingual or palatal surfaces called guide planes,
natural or prepared to provide parallel walls to each other and to the insertion trajectory, of
it shapes the individualization of the insertion and removal trajectory of the PPR, thus increasing the

stability of the prosthesis.

a 5mm b
c

Fig.21. Minor connectors: interdental (a), proximal (b)

retention network (c). Minimum distance between them

OBS. Although they are not connectors, it is important to comment on two components.
of the metal structure: top tissue and termination line. In the PPRs of free ends, in the region
after the retention networks, elements called tissue tops are made.
prevent the PPR structure from shifting out of position during the procedures of
pressing of the prosthesis (Fig.22 and 23).

In the regions where the acrylic resin base of the PPR joins the larger connector are
finished the termination lines (Fig.23) that allow for better finishing of the resin and metal,
avoiding excess resin volume in this area.

Fig.22. Top tissular (seta). Fig.23. Termination line (a) and tissue top (b).

REFERENCED BIBLIOGRAPHY:
1. Mc GIVNEY, G.P.; CASTLEBERRY, D.J. Mc Cracken Removable Partial Prosthesis. 8th ed.
São Paulo: Medical Arts, 1994.
2. ZANETTI, A.L.; LAGANÁ, D.C. Planning: Removable Partial Prosthesis. São Paulo:
Sarvier, 1996.
Atlas of Removable Partial Dentures
4. DAVENPORT, J.C. et al. A clinical guide to Removable Partial Denture design. 2nd. ed.
London: British Dental Association, 2000.
5. BEZZON, O.L.; RIBEIRO, R.F.; MATTOS, M.G.C. Handbook of Removable Partial Prosthesis.
FORP-USP, 1995.