RPD Manual 11 - Removable Prosthodontics - Dalhousie University

Minor Connectors
Principles of Partial Denture Design - 67
Where a cingulum rest is not adjacent an embrasure minor connector to an occlusal rest, cross
the free gingival margin directly – do not use an embrasure minor connector. Cover the entire
rest seat preparation, but do not wrap these minor connectors into embrasures.
Incorrect Correct Incorrect
Don’t use an embrasure Too far into embrasures
Minor connector
Distal Extension Case Considerations:
1. Use stress releasing direct retainers in distal extension cases. There are three axes of
rotation for these partial dentures. If abutment teeth are locked into the frameworks they
can be torqued in many directions. Stress-relieving clasps allow for some release of the
teeth to minimize torquing potential.
Three Axes of Rotation of a Partial Denture
Rotational movements increase with length of span of the distal extension. Also as arm
flexibility increases, resistance to lateral displaceability decreases. Therefore, it is
important to use maximum coverage of the edentulous ridge to reduce the degree of lateral
movement. This is particularly effective when there are large, broad ridges which tend to
provide greater resistance to horizontal movements.
2. The character of the mucoperiosteum can affect rotational movements. Flabby tissue is
more displaceable leading to increased rotation and therefore increased potential for stress
transference to the abutment teeth.