Maxillary Major Connectors Quiz & Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of a major connector?

To evenly distribute occlusal forces on the edentulous ridge

To provide retention for the partial denture

To join the components on one side of the arch to the opposite side (correct)

To support the remaining teeth on the dental arch

Which of the following is NOT a structural requirement for a major connector?

Flexibility to prevent stress concentration (correct)

Avoidance of impingement on the gingival margin

Termination away from the gingival tissues

Rigidity to distribute stresses evenly

What is the consequence of a flexible major connector?

Even distribution of occlusal forces

Improved support for the remaining natural teeth

Increased retention of the partial denture

Concentration of stresses on individual teeth or edentulous ridges (correct)

Why should the border of a major connector avoid the gingival margin?

Because the gingival margin is highly vascular and easily injured Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of a major connector?

Providing direct retention for the partial denture Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the termination of a major connector is correct?

The border should never terminate on gingival tissues Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of using a lingual bar in dental prosthetics?

Allows natural gingival stimulation Signup and view all the answers

What is a common contraindication for using a lingual bar in dental prosthetics?

Bilateral torus mandibularis Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage associated with a long lingual bar in dental prosthetics?

Flexibility if poorly constructed Signup and view all the answers

In what situation would splinting of periodontally affected teeth be required in dental prosthetics?

When teeth have short clinical crowns Signup and view all the answers

Why can lingual bars sometimes be considered unhygienic in dental prosthetics?

Cause food collection in open spaces Signup and view all the answers

What modification can be made to lingual bars to provide more rigidity and strength?

Give indirect retention Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about relief for mandibular major connectors is correct?

The amount of relief depends on the type of partial denture and lingual anatomy. Signup and view all the answers

For a tooth-supported partial denture, what is the recommended relief for the mandibular major connector?

Minimal relief of 0.5 mm. Signup and view all the answers

If the lingual tissue covering the alveolar ridge slopes towards the tongue, what is the recommended relief for the mandibular major connector?

Maximum relief of 1 mm. Signup and view all the answers

If the lingual side of the alveolar ridge has an undercut, what is the recommended procedure for the mandibular major connector?

Block out the undercut in the laboratory. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of providing relief for mandibular major connectors?

To prevent lacerating the lingual mucosa during movement. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the mandibular major connector is incorrect?

It should cross the palate in a straight line. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum distance required between the border of the complete palatal plate and the gingival margin?

6 mm Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an advantage or indication for using a complete palatal plate?

Recommended for use in free-end cases Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following materials can be used to fabricate a complete palatal plate?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using a complete palatal plate?

Provides maximum support and rigidity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the borders of a complete palatal plate is true?

Both A and B Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a disadvantage of using a complete palatal plate?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the beading along the borders of maxillary major connectors?

To enhance retention, stability, and support Signup and view all the answers

In what situation should relief be considered under maxillary major connectors?

In the absence of torus palatinus or prominent median palatine raphe Signup and view all the answers

Why should both anterior and posterior borders of maxillary major connectors cross the midline at right angles?

To avoid diagonal contact with the soft tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the single palatal strap, a type of maxillary major connector?

Uniform thickness throughout Signup and view all the answers

Why should relief generally be avoided under maxillary major connectors?

To enhance retention and stability Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for the metal on the tissue side of maxillary major connectors to be smooth but not highly polished?

To prevent food debris collection Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Major Connectors in Dental Prosthetics

Major connectors serve to connect various components of a partial denture, providing structural stability.
Structural requirements include strength, rigidity, and appropriate design for the specific arch type.
A flexible major connector can compromise the stability of the prosthesis, leading to discomfort and potential misalignment.
Borders of major connectors should avoid the gingival margin to prevent irritation and maintain oral hygiene.

Functions and Characteristics

Major connectors provide support and distribution of forces across the dental arch.
Correct termination of major connectors ensures a proper fit and comfort for the patient.
Lingual bars are advantageous due to their minimal tissue coverage and increased patient comfort.
A common contraindication for lingual bars is the presence of a high ridge or insufficient space.

Disadvantages and Modifications

A long lingual bar may cause discomfort and risk irritation to the tongue.
Splinting of periodontally affected teeth is required to provide stabilization and support for weakened structures.
Lingual bars can be unhygienic as they may collect plaque and debris.

Enhancing Lingual Bar Design

Modifying lingual bars with reinforcements can enhance their rigidity and strength while maintaining comfort.
Relief under mandibular major connectors is essential to avoid excessive pressure on the soft tissues.

Recommendations for Relief

Recommended relief for tooth-supported partial dentures should conform to the contour of the underlying tissues.
When lingual tissue slopes toward the tongue, the connector should have relief to accommodate this anatomical variation.
If there is an undercut on the lingual side of the alveolar ridge, adjusting the connector design is necessary to prevent impingement.

Complete Palatal Plate Considerations

The minimum distance required between the complete palatal plate and gingival margin is critical for comfort and oral health.
Complete palatal plates can be fabricated from various materials, including acrylic and metal.
The primary advantage of a complete palatal plate is its ability to provide maximum support and stability.

Maxillary Major Connector Design

Beading along the borders of maxillary major connectors helps to improve fit and minimize tissue irritation.
Relief should be considered under maxillary major connectors in the presence of significant tissue contours or when accommodating specific tissue conditions.
Both anterior and posterior borders of maxillary major connectors should cross the midline at right angles for optimal strength and stability.

Smoothness of Metal Surfaces

The metal on the tissue side of maxillary major connectors must be smooth to reduce irritation but not highly polished, which could affect retention and comfort.

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Description

Learn about the special structural requirements for maxillary major connectors in dental prosthetics, including the need for intimate contact with palatal soft tissue and specially prepared seals. Understand when relief is allowed under maxillary major connectors.

Maxillary Major Connectors Structural Requirements

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