Bracing and connector

Question 1

What is bracing

Answer 1

resistance to horizontal/lateral force generated during function

Question 2

What is bracing provided by

Answer 2

major connector, denture flange, reciprocators, proximal plates, minor connector

Question 3

what does the major connector do

Answer 3

1. unifies entire components of RPD
2. distribute occlusal loads from saddle to all abutment teeth and supporting soft tissues throughtout arch
3. limit potential denture movement, improvde denture stability by support and bracing
4. connect component on one side to the other side

Question 4

What are some types of maxillary major connector

Answer 4

a. palatal bar
b. palatal strap
c. plate
d. horseshoe plate

Question 5

which is more rigid, the palatal bar or the palatal strap

Answer 5

palatal strap, thus can be thinner and more comfortable

Question 6

what type of palatal bars are there

Answer 6

anterior palatal bar
mid palatal bar
posterior palatal bar
combined anterior posterior bar

Question 7

When is a palatal plate used

Answer 7

when there is poor mucosal support by saddle
- when there is poor tooth support due to periodontically weakened abutments
- need to resist rotational lateral movement
- when a lot of teeth are missing

Question 8

what are the features of a ring connector

Answer 8

-palatal aspect of teeth are covered
- less support than full covered plate but allows greater stimulation than full palatal plate

Question 9

when is U shaped horseshoe plate used

Answer 9

when some anterior teeth are being replaced. Should not be considered in free end saddle as it provides lesser mucosal support and tend to flex
- used when there are extensive torus palatinus and cannot use A-P palatal bar

Question 10

when is palatal strap used and how is it good

Answer 10

• can provide support and bracing function
• more rigid that bar
• used for bilateral tooth borne RPD/ unilateral free end saddle RPD

Question 11

what are the considerations on which major connector to use

Answer 11

1. where the edentulous area are
2. whether bracing/support is required
3. presence of palatal tori
4. requirements for indirect retention
5. phonetic consideration
6. patients preference

Question 12

How should the border of maxillary connector be

Answer 12

should be beaded to improve border sealing, prevent food trap under denture, to be less noticeable to the tongue

Question 13

What are some examples of minor connector

Answer 13

1. lingual bar
2. sublingual bar
3. lingual plate
4. kennedy bar
5. dental bar
6. labial bar

Question 14

how much depth of alveolar ridge is needed for lingual bar

Answer 14

at least 7-8mm, 3mm from gingival margin, 3 mm thickness, 1mm from bar to floor of mouth

Question 15

how much sulcus depth is required for sublingual bar

Answer 15

5mm sulcus depth, placed lower than lingual bar so able to increase thickness

Question 16

when is the lingual plate used

Answer 16

when there is insufficient lingual depth exist for bar,
useful for KC1 and 2, lingual plate acts an indirect retainer, limiting denture rotation

Question 17

what are the pros of kennedy bar

Answer 17

no coverage of the gingival margin

can act as a indirect retainer

can distribute occlusal stress towards anterior tooth

used for free end saddle

Question 18

When is a dental bar used? What are the considerations

Answer 18

when there isnt enough sulcus depth for lingual/sublingual bar. Clinical crown height must be long enough. Main problem is stability

Question 19

What are the considerations of mandibular major connector

Answer 19

1. depth of lingual sulcus/ height of frenal attachment
2. presence of lingual tori
3. lingual inclination of remaining tooth
4. horizontal stability and stress distribution
5. need to stabilise weak teeth
6. anticipated loss of natural teeth
7. patient preference

Question 20

What does the minor connector do

Answer 20

1. stress distribution
2. bracing
3. unification

Question 21

What should be considered for minor connector

Answer 21

1. rigid
2. hygienic
3. comfort

Question 22

How should the minor connector join to the major connector

Answer 22

it should join at 90 degrees for smooth stress distribution