MAJOR CONNECTORS

Definition
A major connector is the component of the partial denture that connects
the parts prosthesis located on one side of the arch with those on the opposite
side. It is that unit of the partial denture to which all other parts are directly or
indirectly attached.
This component also provides the cross-arch stability to help resist
displacement by functional stresses. The basic function of the major connector is
unification. Connecting all the parts of a removable partial denture together helps
to distribute the stresses, particularly the horizontal forces which are more
damaging than vertical forces. By joining the different parts the force applied to
one side of the denture in the mouth are automatically transmitted to the other
sides thereby reducing the forces on chewing side considerably. lf they are
attached to, or originate from, a flexible connector, the effectiveness of
components can jeopardize the supporting oral structures and can be a detriment
to the comfort of the patient.
DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS OF MAJOR CONNECTORS
1. Made from an alloy compatible with oral tissues.
2. Rigid and uses the principles of broad distribution of stress.
3. Does not interfere with and is not irritating to the tongue.
4. Does not substantially alter the natural contour of the lingual surface of
the mandibular alveolar ridge or of the palatal vault.
5. Does not impinge on oral tissues when the restoration is placed,
removed, or rotates in function.
6. Covers no more tissue than is absolutely necessary.

7. Does not contribute to the retention or trapping of food particles.

8. Has support from other elements of the framework to minimize rotation
tendencies in function.
9. Contribute to the support of the prosthesis.

MAXILLARY MAJOR CONNECTORS

Six basic types of maxillary major connectors are considered:
1. Single palatal bar
2. Single palatal strap
3. U-shaped palatal connector
4. Anterior-posterior palatal bars
5. Combination anterior and posterior palatal strap-type connector
6. Palatal plate-type connector

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF THE MAXILLARY CONNECTOR

Rigidity
Although there are several criteria for selecting the most suitable maxillary
connector, certainly the requirement for support is a major one. If a dental arch
that is to be fitted with prosthesis has four abutment teeth situated in each of the
four quadrants of the arch, the need for support from the palatal tissue and the
2

residual ridges is minimal. In contrast, if there are only two abutment teeth
remaining, the palatal tissues should contribute maximally to the support of the
prosthesis, so as to reduce to a minimum the stresses which are transmitted to
these teeth. Many times there is a reluctance to employ a maxillary connector
which covers more than a minimum amount of palatal area, because of the
patient's presumed resistance to the greater areal coverage and because of the
resultant increase in bulk. This attitude is, in part, a holdover from an era of
dentistry when palatal coverage was accomplished with either acrylic resin or
gold alloy. It must be conceded that palatal coverage with acrylic resin, that
meets the requirement for strength, must be relatively bulky, whereas wide
coverage with gold alloy increases the weight of the prosthesis substantially.
However, as a result of the improved physical properties and advanced
techniques of fabrication of the chromium-cobalt dental alloys, it is possible to
cover the palate with a very thin though extremely strong, rigid covering which
adds little to either the bulk or the weight. Moreover, the patient's individual
palatal topography can be reproduced in the metal. Because the chromium-cobalt
alloys are polished by a deplating process, which eliminates the areas of uneven
thickness so often present in the gold alloy casting as a result of hand polishing,
problems due to excessive bulk are infrequent and phonetic difficulties are a
rarity. When one considers the obvious benefits to the abutment teeth of
employing the palatal tissues for support, and their eminent suitability for
providing it, there should be no hesitancy in using the connector which results in
minimal stress on the abutment teeth. It should be remembered, too, that in
addition to providing unification and support, a properly designed maxillary
connector can contribute materially to both latter by virtue of the interfacial
tension which is operant between the metal and the mucosa. The amount of
retention, stability, and support contributed will be directly proportional to the
amount of areal coverage.
Additional factors in selection of the most suitable palatal connector are:
(1) the presence of palatal tori, (2) the need for anterior tooth replacement) (3)
the requirement for indirect retention, (4) the need for stabilization of infirm teeth,
(5) phonetic considerations, and (6) the mental attitude of the patient.

Single palatal bar

Single palatal strap

Anterior-posterior palatal

U- shaped bars

Palatal type

SINGLE PALATAL BAR

To differentiate between a palatal bar and a palatal strap, a palatal
connector component of less than 8 mm in width is referred to as a bar. It is
perhaps the most widely used and yet the least logical of all palatal major
connectors.
It is narrow half oval with its thickest point at the centre, It is gently
curved and should not form sharp angles at the junction with denture base
For a single palatal bar to have the necessary rigidity for cross-arch
distribution of stress, it must have concentrated bulk, which, unfortunately all too
often ignored. For it to be effective, it must be rigid enough to provide support
and cross-arch stabilization and must be centrally located between the two
halves of the denture. Mechanically this practice may be sound enough; however,
from the standpoint of patient comfort and alteration of palatal contours, it is
highly objectionable.
A partial denture made with a single palatal bar is often either too thin and
flexible or too bulky and objectionable to the patient's tongue The decision to use
a single palatal bar instead of a strap should be based on the size of the denturebearing areas that are connected and on whether a single connector located
between them would be rigid without objectionable bulk.
Advantages
Although most widely used earliar, perhaps the only indication for its use is
as an interim partial denture until a more definitive treatment can be considered.
Disadvantages
Most difficult for the patient to adjust as to maintain the degree of rigidity it
has to be made bulky.
Due its narrow anterior-posterior width it derives little vertical support from
the bony palate and must be therefore supported positively by rests on the
remaining natural teeth.
Indication

If used it is limited to replacing one or two teeth on each side of arch and
placed no further anteriorly than the second premolar position. There must be
teeth capable of bearing an additional load both anteriorly and posteriorly to the
edentulous space.
Contraindication
It use is contraindicated in neither distal extension situation nor when anterior
teeth are to be replaced.

Half-round single palatal bar must

be bulky to obtain rigidity required
for cross-arch distribution of
stress. Its bulk may make it
objectionable to patient's tongue

SINGLE PALATAL STRAP

Most versatile therefore most widely used. It can be relatively narrow for small
tooth supported prosthesis or wider for larger edentulous spaces requiring
support. It consists of a wide thin barel of metal that crosses the palate in an
unobtrusive manner. It should not be less than 8mm wide or its rigidity maybe
compromised. Wider the palatal strap the vaguer the difference between it and
the modified complete palate. Bilateral tooth-supported restorations, even those
with short edentulous spaces, are more effectively connected with a single,
broad palatal strap connector, particularly when the edentulous areas are located
posteriorly. Such a connector can be made rigid, without objectionable bulk and
interference to the tongue, provided the cast framework material is distributed in
three planes.
If the edentulous area is extensive, bilateral and is not supported posteriorly
to the junction of the hard and soft palate, the connector is modified to complete

palate type. A wide palatal strap type maybe used for unilateral distal extension
situation but rarely bilateral situation.
Advantages

Because the palatal strap is located in three planes (the horizontal, or vault of
the palate: the vertical, or lateral slopes of the palate; and the sagittal, or
anterior slope of the palate), it offers great resistance to bending and twisting
forces. Thus greater rigidity with less bulk of metal is produced. This theory is
similar to the L-bar principle used in building construction. Forces transmitted
on different planes are counteracted more easily.

Because the palatal strap is inherently strong, it can be kept thin, thus
increasing patient comfort. It offers little interference to tongue action and as a
result is accepted well. In addition, by covering a relatively large area of
palatal tissue it helps distribute stress over a broad area.

Retention of the partial denture through the forces of adhesion and cohesion
is enhanced by the intimate contact between the metal and soft tissue.

The strap also contributes some indirect retention, preventing the partial
denture from rocking anteriorly when the pull of sticky foods or the force of
gravity tends to unseat the posterior end of the denture.

Disadvantages

The patient may complain of excessive palatal coverage. This complaint

frequently can be traced to improper positioning of the strap borders.

Another possible disadvantage is an adverse soft tissue reaction in the form

of papillary hyperplasia. This condition is seen when the partial denture is
worn 24 hours a day and is normally accompanied by poor oral hygiene and
poor care of the prosthesis.

Indications

Used only when 1 or 2 teeth are being replaced on either side.

Edentulous spaces are tooth bound

Need for palatal support is minimal.

Contraindication

For reasons of torque and leverage, a single bar or strap palatal major
connector should not be used to connect anterior replacements with distal
extension bases. To be rigid enough to resist torque and to provide
adequate vertical support and horizontal stabilization, a single bar or strap
would have to be objectionably bulky. When placed anteriorly, this bulk
would become even more objectionable to the patient because it could
interfere with speech

A, This single palatal strap-type major connector is better suited for

the

restoration

of

short

span

tooth-supported

bilateral

edentulous

areas. It may also be used in tooth-supported unilateral edentulous

situation

with

provision

for

cross-arch

attachment

by

either

extracoronal retainers or internal attachments. Width of palatal strap

should be confined within the boundaries of supporting rests.B, Sagittal
section. Midportion of major connector demonstrates slight elevation to
provide rigidity. Such thickness of major connector does not appreciably
alter palatal contours

.
U-SHAPED PALATAL CONNECTOR
From both the patient's standpoint and a mechanical standpoint, the Ushaped palatal connector is the least desirable of maxillary major connectors. It
should never be used arbitrarily.
It consists of thin band of metal running along lingual posterior teeth and
extending onto the palatal tissues for 6-8mm. Anteriorly the metal normally

covers the cingula of the present teeth and extends on to the palate to cover the
entire rugae area. Some variation of this outline form may occur.
The borders of the horseshoe connector must either be 6 mm from the
gingival margin or extend onto the lingual surfaces of the teeth. The borders
should also be placed in the valleys of the rugae. The lateral palatal borders
should be at the junction of the horizontal and vertical slopes of the palate. The
rigidity can be increased by extending the borders slightly onto the horizontal
palate surface. The connector should be symmetric, with the palatal borders
extending to the same height on both sides. All borders or angles of the
connector should be gently curved and smooth.
Advantages

This major connector is used primarily when several anterior teeth are
being replaced.

It is a reasonably strong connector that can derive some vertical support

and some indirect retention from the palate. In patients with considerable
vertical overlap of the anterior teeth, the horseshoe is thin yet strong
enough to support the replacement teeth.

In the presence of a hard median suture line or an inoperable torus, this

major connector may offer some definite advantages. The torus can be
avoided without sacrificing strength or loss of vertical support.

Disadvantages

When vertical force is applied to either or both ends of the horseshoe

major connector there is a tendency for the connector to spread or
straighten.

Therefore it is a poor choice for a distal extension partial denture.

This is not a good connector when cross-arch stabilization is required. It

has less resistance to flexing, and movement can occur at the open end.

To avoid the tendency to flex, the metal crossing the rugae area must be
thicker than that used in most other major connectors. This places the
greatest bulk of metal in the area where the tongue needs the most space.
Interferences with phonetics and patient comfort can result.

Indications

Can be in case of a large inoperable tori

Occasionally when several anterior teeth are to be replaced.

In case of patients with exaggerated gag reflex.

When periodontically weakened anterior teeth need some stabilizing

support. This design may contnbute to this need by partially engaging the
lingual surfaces. Vertical stops should be provided on the anterior teeth, so
that unreciprocated thrust in a labial direction is avoided , and the free
gingival margins that are bridged by the connector should be liberally
relieved to avoid their impingement

Contraindications

Its lack of rigidity (compared with other designs) can allow lateral flexure
under occlusal forces, which may induce torque or direct lateral force to
abutment teeth.

The design fails to provide good support characteristics and may permit
impingement of underlying tissues when subjected to occlusal loading.

Bulk to enhance rigidity results in increased thickness in areas that are a

hindrance to the tongue.

The wider the coverage of a U-shaped major connector, the more it

resembles a palatal plate-type connector, with its several advantages. But
when used as a narrow U design, the necessary rigidity is usually lacking.
A U-shaped connector may be made more rigid by providing multiple tooth

support through definite rests. A common error in the design of a U-shaped

connector, however, is its proximity to, or actual contact with, gingival tissues.
The principle that the borders of major connectors should either be supported by
rests in prepared rest seats or be located well away from gingival tissues has
been stated previously. The majority of U-shaped connectors fail to do either, with
resulting gingival irritation and periodontal damage to the tissues adjacent to the
remaining teeth.

10

ANTERIOR AND POSTERIOR PALATAL BAR-TYPE CONNECTORS

The double palatal bar is often used when the anterior and posterior
abutments are widely separated and the full palatal connector is not to be used
for one reason or a another. The two bars may be made wider or thinner, as
dictated by the needs and the available space, in the particular case. Structurally,
this combination of major connectors exhibits many of the same disadvantages
as the single palatal bar .To be sufficiently rigid and to provide the needed
support and stability, these connectors could be too bulky and could interfere with
tongue function.
The greatest asset of the anteroposterior palatal bar is excellent rigidity. At
the same time, because of its narrow bars, or straps, it offers little in the way of
support to the partial denture, which must rely almost exclusively on support from
the remaining teeth. Therefore this connector should not be used unless the
remaining teeth have good periodontal support. It receives little vertical support
from hard palate
The flat anterior bar is narrower than the palatal strap. Its borders are
positioned in the valleys between the rugae, never on the rugae crests. The
posterior bar is half-oval, similar to the single posterior palatal bar connector but
less bulky. The two bars are joined by flat longitudinal elements on each side of
the lateral slopes of the palate. This configuration gives the effect of a circle and
is considerably more rigid than any of the individual elements. The two bars, lying
in different planes, produce a structurally strong L-beam effect.
Advantages

The main advantage of the antero-posterior palatal bar is its rigidity. In

comparison to the amount of soft tissue coverage, it is by far the most rigid
maxillary major connector.

Disadvantages

The antero-posterior palatal bar is frequently uncomfortable. In addition to

the extra bulk of metal needed because of the narrow bars, the many

11

borders of the bars are a nuisance because the tongue tends to want to
investigate them.

Less support from the palate as tissue contact is less.

May interfere with speech- especially the anterior bar.

Indications

The antero-posterior palatal bar may be used when support is not a major
consideration and when the anterior and posterior abutments are widely
separated.

The A-P bar may be the connector of choice for the maxillary arch which
has a torus palatinus that is either undercut, lobulated, or too massive to
be covered with a full coverage connector or a strap.

The Patient's Mental Attitude: The A-P bar may be used as a compromise
for the patient who strongly objects to the greater bulk or areal coverage of
the full palatal connector. Although the double palatal bar may serve
adequately, to all intents and purposes, in such a circumstance, it cannot
equal the full palatal connector from a standpoint of support and with its
borders positioned in the depressions and slopes of the rugae rather than
on the crests.

Contraindications

Because of the limited palatal tissue contact, little support is derived from
the bony palate. In many instances the extra rigidity offered by the anteroposterior palatal bar would be desirable, but its use is contraindicated
because of reduced periodontal support of the remaining teeth that
necessitates additional support from the palate.

As a general rule the antero-posterior palatal bar should not be considered

as a first choice for a maxillary major connector. It should be selected only
after other choices have been considered and eliminated.

It is definitely not indicated when a high narrow vault is present because

the anterior bar will interfere with phonetics.

12

Use of a double palatal bar

to circumvent a tori when
it is not desirable to
cover
it palatal bar to circumvent
Use
of double

The anterior bar of A-P bar

connector should be wide and
flat and positioned in
valleys
between
rugae.
a tori when
it is not the
desirable
to cover it.

ANTERIOR AND POSTERIOR PALATAL STRAP-TYPE CONNECTOR

Structurally, this is a rigid palatal major connector. The anterior and
posterior palatal strap combination may be used in almost any maxillary partial
denture design.
A posterior palatal strap should be flat and a minimum of 8 mm wide.
Posterior palatal connectors should be located as far posteriorly as possible to
avoid interference with the tongue, but they should never be placed on moving
tissues. The connectors should be located on the hard palate anterior to the line
of flexure formed by the junction of the hard and soft palates. The only condition
preventing their use is when there is an inoperable maxillary torus that extends
posteriorly to the soft palate. In this situation a broad U-shaped major connector
may be used.
The strength of this major connector design lies in the fact that the anterior
and posterior components are joined together by longitudinal connectors on
either side, forming a square or rectangular frame. Each component braces the
others against possible torque and flexure. Flexure is practically nonexistent in
such a design.
The anterior connector may be extended anteriorly to support anterior
tooth replacements. In this form a U-shaped connector is made rigid because of
the added horizontal strap posteriorly. If a maxillary torus exists, it may be
encircled by this type of major strap-type connector without sacrificing rigidity.
The combination anterior-posterior connector design may be used with any

13

Kennedy class of partially edentulous arch. It is used most frequently in Classes

II and IV, whereas the single wide palatal strap is more frequently used in Class
III situations. The palatal plate-type or complete coverage connector is used most
frequently in Class I situations for reasons to be explained subsequently.
Both anterior and posterior palatal bar and palatal strap connectors, and
the anterior and posterior borders of a palatal plate, should cross the midline at a
right angle rather than on a diagonal. This is for reasons of symmetry. The
tongue, being a bilateral organ, will accept symmetrically placed components far
more readily than those placed without regard for bilateral symmetry. Therefore
any irregularities in the connector should be placed to one side of the midline so
that the connector may pass from one side to the other at right angles to the
sagittal plane.

Advantages

The closed horseshoe is a rigid connector that derives good support from
the palate even though an opening is provided in the palate. The
corrugated contour of the metal over the rugae adds strength to the
connector and allows the metal to be made thinner. The circle effect of the
anterior and posterior straps contributes to the rigidity of the connector.
The shape of this connector also provides a definite L-beam effect [that is,
the metal lying in two planes increases the resistance to flexing}.

Disadvantages

Even though the metal over thin rugae area may be thinner than in some
other major connectors, interference with phonetics may occur in some
patients.

In addition, the extensive length of borders for the tongue to contact may
cause annoyance or discomfort.

Indications

Kennedys Class I and Class Ii arches.

Long edentulous spans in Class II modifications I arches.

14

Class IV arches.

In case of inoperable tori.

PALATAL PLATE-TYPE CONNECTOR

For the lack of better terminology, the words Palatal plate are used to
designate any thin, broad, contoured palatal coverage used as a maxillary major
connector and covering one half or more of the hard palate. Anatomic replica
palatal castings have uniform thickness and strength by reason of their
corrugated contours. Through the use of electrolytic polishing, uniformity of
thickness can be maintained, and the anatomic contours of the palate are
faithfully reproduced in the finished denture.
Advantages

It permits the making of a uniformly thin metal plate that reproduces

faithfully the anatomic contours of the patient's own palate. Its uniform
thinness and the thermal conductivity of the metal are designed to make
the palatal plate-more readily acceptable to the tongue and underlying
tissues.

The corrugation in the anatomic replica adds strength to the casting; thus
a thinner casting with adequate rigidity can be made.

Surface

irregularities

are

intentional

rather than accidental;

therefore electrolytic polishing is all that is needed. The original uniform

thickness of the plastic pattern is thus maintained.

By

virtue

of

intimate

contact,

interfacial surface tension

between metal and tissues provides the prosthesis with greater retention.
Retention must be adequate to resist the pull of sticky foods, the action of
moving border tissues against the denture, the forces of gravity, and the
more violent forces of coughing and sneezing. These are all resisted to
some extent by the retention of the base itself, which is proportional to the
total area of denture base contact to the supporting tissues. The required
amount of both direct and indirect retention will depend on the amount of
retention provided by the denture base.

15

Disadvantages

Because of the extensive tissue coverage, adverse soft tissue reaction in

the form of inflammation or hyperplasia may occur if adequate oral
hygiene is not practiced. Problems with phonetics may occasionally be
encountered.

Indications

Two Distal Extension Bases:

Six Remaining Anterior Teeth: When only six natural anterior teeth remain
in the maxilla, the mechanical problems created by a partial prosthesis
are so formidable that full palatal coverage may be considered essential
in all but exceptional instances.

It may be used as a plate of varying width that covers the area between
two or more edentulous areas, as a complete or partial cast plate that
extends posteriorly to the junction of the hard and soft palates or in the
form of an anterior palatal connector with a provision for extending an
acrylic resin denture base posteriorly

The palatal plate should be located anterior to the posterior palatal seal
area. Little posterior seal is ever necessary with a metal palate because of
the accuracy and stability of the cast metal. This is in contrast to the
posterior palatal seal needed with acrylic resin complete denture bases.

When the last remaining abutment tooth on either side of a Class I arch is
the canine or first premolar tooth, complete palatal coverage is strongly
advised, especially when the residual ridges have undergone excessive
vertical resorption.

Complete palatal coverage is indicated when posterior teeth are to be

replaced bilaterally. It is also indicated when anterior teeth require
replacement along with bilateral distal extension replacements.

In individuals with well-developed muscles of mastication and a full

complement of mandibular teeth, heavy occlusal forces can be
anticipated, and the extra support against vertical displacement offered by
the complete palate major connector may be beneficial.
16

When flat or flabby ridges or a shallow vault is present, the complete

palate can provide the best stabilization for the prosthesis. Undesirable
lateral or horizontal forces are dissipated well by the intimate contact
between this connector and the soft tissue.

In the maxillary arch any acrylic resin partial denture that replaces
posterior teeth should have full palatal coverage for strength.

Cleft palate patients

The cast metal palate can be produced as a uniformly thin plate that
reproduces the anatomic contour of the palate. The surface irregularities
feel natural to the patient and the major connector serves as a secondary
masticatory surface. The corrugations resulting from the rugal contours
and the coverage of different palatal planes provide an L-beam effect,
making this a rigid major connector. The all-metal connector also
enhances the transfer of temperature changes to produce a more natural
sensation during eating and drinking. This advantage is lost when acrylic
resin is used.

Contraindication

Presence of tori which cannot be surgically removed a full palatal

coverage cannot be given.

Structural Details
The full palate connector should be thin, with the natural anatomy of the
palate reproduced in the metal. The material which covers the residual ridges
should be one that can be refitted easily (acrylic resin), because this is the area
of the mouth that is most susceptible to atrophic change. The posterior border
can be fabricated of either metal or acrylic resin.
If it is made of metal, the border must be precisely established, because if
overextended it will quickly induce soreness, and the metal is difficult to alter
satisfactorily. A slight bead should be provided in the metal by lightly scraping the
refractory cast, prior to forming the wax pattern for the framework.
The acrylic resin border is preferred when maximum adhesion and
atmospheric seal is needed, and it has the advantage of being easily altered. The

17

post dam seal should be located in the zone of the palate where the mucosa is
resilient but not movable. This will be found at, or very near, a line drawn from
one hammular notch to the other, through the fovea palatinae. It may be located
quite precisely in the mouth by observing the region of the fovea palatinae while
the patient says "ah.' Articulation of the ah sound raises the palatal curtain, thus
disclosing the junction of movable and nonmovable tissue.
Normally the full palate connector requires no relief unless there is a
prominent palatal raphe or a large torus palatinus. The posterior border of the
complete palate normally extends to the juncture of the soft and hard palate. The
anterior border must be kept 6 mm from the marginal gingiva or must cover the
cingula of the anterior teeth. The connector can be made in the following three
forms:
1. All acrylic resin: The entire connector is made of acrylic resin. It covers the
entire palate and usually extends to two or more edentulous areas and to the
juncture of the hard.
2. Combination metal and acrylic resin: The anterior portion of the connector,
covering the rugal area, is constructed of metal cast to conform to the
convolutions of the rugae. Extending posteriorly from the metal are projections of
metal around which can be processed the acrylic resin that will cover the
remainder of the palate. This resin extends posteriorly to the junction of the hard
and soft palates.

3. All cast metal. The entire palate is covered with a thin metal casting, which
also extends posteriorly to the junction of the hard and soft palates.
The posterior palatal seal that is used with complete dentures should not
be employed with a removable partial denture. It is not possible to produce a
peripheral seal in a removable partial denture such as is produced by border
molding a complete denture.
Attempts to use a posterior palatal seal not only fail to accomplish the
desired purpose, but also, because of the rebound of the tissues under
compression, place unnecessary extra forces on the abutment teeth.
18

A slight border seal or bead is needed along the posterior border of the
connector to prevent debris from collecting beneath the complete palate. The
intimate contact of the cast metal palate aids retention through adhesive and
cohesive forces.
Many practitioners resort to complete or partial coverage of the palate with
acrylic resin in preference to cast metal because of the mistaken belief that it is
difficult if not impossible to obtain an accurate casting of the size needed to cover
the palate. Inaccurate castings can most frequently be traced to inaccurate
impressions of the palatal vault area. Impression materials of the type generally
used for removable partial dentures tend to slump away from the palatal tissues
during their gelation period if the material is not supported adequately. This
slumping will produce an impression that appears accurate but in reality is
distorted.
Advantages of a cast palate over a complete resin palate make the complete
cast palate sufficiently preferable to offset the slight additional cost. However,
when the cost and fee must be held to a minimum, the latter method may be
used satisfactorily. The partial metal palate may also be used when later relining
is anticipated. In such circumstances the posterior heading can be redone as part
of the relining procedure.
The complete palatal plate is not a connector that has received universal
use. It has, however, become accepted as a satisfactory palatal connector for
many maxillary partial dentures. In all circumstances the portion contacting the
teeth must have positive support from adequate rest seats. The dentist should be
familiar with its use and, at the same time, with its limitations so that it may be
used intelligently and to the fullest advantage.

MATERIALS USED FOR MAJOR CONNECTORS

The various alloys that can be used in constructing removable partial denture
framework are:
1. Type lV gold alloy
2. Nickel chromium
3. Cobalt-chromium
4. Co- Cr- Ni
19

5. Titanium and its alloys

20