Minor connectors Dr. Shanai M.

Minor connectors Definition- Components that serve as the connecting link between major connector or base of a removable partial denture and other components of the prosthesis, such as the clasp assembly, indirect retainers, occlusal rest, or cingulum rests.

Functions In addition to joining denture parts, the minor connector serves two other purposes. Transfers functional stress to the abutment teeth. Occlusal forces applied to the artificial teeth are also transferred to abutment teeth through occlusal rests. The minor connectors arising from a rigid major connector make possible this transfer of functional stress throughout the dental arch; This is prosthesis-to-abutment function

function 2. Transfers the effects of the retainers, rests, and stabilizing components throughout the prosthesis. The effect of occlusal rests on supporting tooth surfaces, the action of retainers, the effect of reciprocal arms, the effects of contacting guiding plane and other stabilizing components are transferred to the reminder of the denture by minor connectors and then are transferred throughout the dental arch; therefore its an abutment- to-prosthesis function of minor connector.

Form and location Sufficient bulk to be rigid. Minor connector contacting axial surface of abutment teeth should not be located on convex surface, instead should be located on the embrasure in which it will be least noticeable to the tongue. The minor connector should form a right angle with the major connector so that the gingival crossing should be immediate and covered as little of gingival tissues as possible Should be thickest towards the lingual surface, tapering towards the contact area.

Deepest part of interdental embrasure should have been blocked out to avoid interference during placement and removal. When a minor connector contacts tooth surfaces on either side of the embrasure in which it lies, it should be tapered to the teeth. This avoids sharp angles, which could hinder tongue movement, and eliminates spaces that could trap food Minor connector should be wide enough to use the guiding plane to the fullest advantage. When it gives rise to clasp arm it should be tapered. Never position on convex lingual surface of a tooth.

Types proximal minor connector Embrasure minor connector Surface minor connectors Denture base retention minor connector

proximal minor connector Minor connectors originating from the gridwork in an edentulous area Broad contact with guiding planes May or may not terminate in an occlusal rest

Proximal minor connector Shifted slightly lingually Increases rigidity Enhances reciprocation Improves esthetics Often a triangular space below the guiding plane (an undercut)

Embrasure minor connector Between two adjacent teeth Arises from the major connector. Form a right angle with major connector. Designed to lie in the embrassure between teeth to cover its bulk as much as possible. Triangular shaped in cross section Joins major connector at right angles Relief placed so connector not directly on soft tissue

Gridwork Minor Connectors Connect the denture base and teeth to the major connector Adjacent edentulous spaces Usually connect major connector to direct retainers Types :-Open lattice work, mesh types Bead ,wire, loops or nail posts minor connectors

MESH LATTIIC NAIL POST BEAD

Must be strong enough to anchor the denture base. Rigid enough to resist breakage or flexing. In maxillary arch-distal extension base-minor connector –tuberosity. Mandibular distal extension base-two thirds the length of edentulous ridge

Surface minor connector Are located on the lingual surface of incisors and canines. They connect lingual rests to the major connector. Their junction with major connector is rounded right angle and they taper toward the occlusal (incisal). The lateral borders extend into the proximal embrasures to hide these edges from the tongue.