Mandibular Major Connectors Notes

Mandibular Major Connectors Introduction

Compared to the maxillary arch mandibular arch has a lesser surface area. The designs of mandibular major connectors are different from than maxillary one. This chapter describes in brief about types of mandibular major connectors their indications, advantages, and disadvantages.

Mandibular Major Connectors

Mandibular Lingual Bar Major Connector:

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Indications:

• Indicated for Kennedy’s class I and class II conditions.
• Used only when there is a minimum 8 mm space between the free gingival margin and the floor of the mouth (alveolar lingual sulcus).

Advantages:

• Easy to fabricate.
• Less tissue contact.
• Easy acceptance by the patient.

Disadvantages:

If enough bulk is not provided, it stretches during use (will not be rigid).

Double Lingual Bar (Kennedy Bar) Major Connector:

Indications:

• In class I and class II partial edentulous conditions.
• Presence of open embrasure due to periodontal diseases.
• When indirect retention is required in distal extension cases.

Advantages:

• It provides horizontal stabilization.
• Free flow of saliva due to not covering gingival margins and interproximal areas.
• The gingival margin receives natural stimulation.

Disadvantages:

• Greater bulk
• More tongue interference
• Food entrapment.

Mandibular Lingual Plate Major Connector:

Indications:

• When the space between the free gingival margin and the floor of the mouth is less than 8 mm.
• When remaining teeth are periodontally compromised.
• Indicated for class I cases with ridge resorption.

Advantages:

• Provides greater support and stabilization.
• Provides indirect retention.
• The patient is more comfortable with this major connector than bar type.
• Ease in phonetics.

Disadvantages:

• Irritation to soft tissue.
• Decalcification of enamel.

Mandibular Labial Bar:

Indications:

• When remaining anterior teeth are lingually inclined.
• When mandibular tori is present designing a lingual major connector is not possible.
• In severe lingual undercut condition.
• Sometimes for the replacement of anterior teeth.

Advantages:

Only available simple design to be used when anterior teeth are tilted lingually.

Disadvantages:

The bulk of the labial bar may distort the lower lip.