RPD REVIEW LECTURE

DR. WRSUAREZ, MPH

TOOTHFIXER24

REMOVABLE PARTIAL
DENTURE
REMOVABLE PROSTHESIS DESIGNED TO
REPLACE MISSING TEETH AND TO RESTORE
CONTOURS IN A PARTIALLY EDENTULOUS
ARCHES

Goals of RPD service

Elimination of oral disease
Preservation of health and health of oral/ paraoral

structures
Restoration of oral functions that are comfortable,
esthetically pleasing and do not interfere with
patients oral functions

Indications of RPD service

Long edentulous span
Need to contour tissue contours
Absence of adequate periodontal support
Anatomically compromised abutments
Need for cross arch stabilization
Distal extension
Anterior esthetics
Age
Ease of plaque removal

CLASSIFICATION OF
PARTIALLY EDENTULOUS
ARCHES

Class I
Bilateral edentulous areas located posterior to the

remaining natural teeth

Class II
Unilateral edentulous area located posterior to the

remaining natural teeth

Class III
Unilateral edentulous area w/ natural teeth

remaining both anterior & posterior to it

Class IV
A single, but bilateral (crossing the midline),

edentulous area located anterior to the remaining

natural teeth

Applegates rules for applying

Kennedys clasification

Rule 1
Classification should follow rather than precede any

extraction of teeth that might alter the original

classification

Rule 2
If third molar is missing & not to be replaced,

not considered in the classification

It is

Rule 3
If the third molar is present & is to be used as an

abutment, it is considered in the classification

Rule 4
If second molar is missing and is not to be replaced,

it is NOT considered in the classification (in cases of

missing opposing 2nd molar & is not to be replaced)

Rule 5
The most posterior edentulous area (or areas)

always determines the classification

Rule 6
Edentulous areas other than those determining the

classification are referred to as modifications and

are designated by their number or count

Rule 7
The extent of modification is not considered, only

the number of additional areas

Rule 8
There can be no modification areas in class IV

arches (other edentulous areas lying posterior to the

single bilateral areas crossing the midline would
instead determine the classification)

Surveying
19

in REMOVABLE PARTIAL PROSTHODONTICS

Dr. Walter R. Suarez,MPH

A dental cast
surveyor has been
defined as an
instrument used to
determine the
relative parallelism
of two or more
surfaces of the
teeth or other parts
of the cast of a
dental arch.
20

Aims & objectives of surveying?

1.

Locate proximal tooth surfaces that are or can be made

parallel to act as guiding plane surfaces.

2.

Locate and measure undercuts for mechanical retention.

3.

Identify areas
interferences.

4.

Determine the most advantageous path of insertion/

dislodgement consistent with esthetic requirements.

21

of

potential

hard

or

soft

tissue

Aims & objectives

6. Delineate the height of contour of the abutment
teeth
and identify the areas of undercut that must
be avoided,
reduced, blocked out or preserved.

7. Help in planning restorative procedures .

8. Record the most ideal cast position for future
reference.
9. Establish a formal plan for RPD design and the
required mouth preparation.

22

Undercut:
An undercut is
formed when the
base of an object
is smaller than its
top

Undercut Area
23

Types of undercuts
Tooth Undercuts
(Proximal undercuts)

Soft Tissues or bony

Undercuts(on lingual
side of ridge)
24

Types of undercuts

1-Desirable Und ercu ts :

those u sed for retention
2-Und esirable Und ercu ts:
A lmost all u nd ercu ts in or
other way shld be blocked
25

Prof. Dr.
S.Venugo
pal.

Path of Insertion(P.I)
P.I Is The Direction in Which a
Restoration/Prosthesis Moves From the
Point of Initial Contact With the Supporting
Teeth to the Terminal Resting Position Where
the Occlusal Rests Are Seated and the
Denture Base Is in Contact With the Tissue
Path of Removal(P.R): Reverse of the Path of Insertion
The Direction of Movement of the
Restoration/Prosthesis From Its Resting
Position to the Last Contact With the
Supporting Teeth".
26

Post Is
More
Readily
Removed
by
Application
of Force
Near Its Top
Than by
Applying
Same Force
Nearer
Ground
Level
27

Dental Surveyor

28

Ney Surveyor

Prof. Dr.
S.Venugo
pal.

Jelenko Surveyor

Surveying Tools
1- Analyzing Rods

2- Carbon Marker
3- Undercut Gauge
4- Wax Trimmer
29

Prof. Dr.
S.Venugo
pal.

Analyzing Rod

30

Carbon Marker

31

Undercut Gauges

32

Undercut Gauge

33

Undercut Gauge

34

Prof. Dr.
S.Venugo
pal.

Wax Trimmer

35

Principles of Surveying

The Prosthesis Goes

Smoothly Into Place
Without Interference After
Analyzing the Proximal
Tooth Surfaces and
Making the Necessary
Alteration
36

Principles of Surveying

The Location of the Undercut Area Can Be

Changed by Changing the Tilt

37

Principles of Surveying

The location of the undercut area can be

changed by tilting the cast anteriorly or lateral
38

Prof. Dr.
S.Venug
opal.

Principles of Surveying
A Cast in a Tilted
Relationship
Represents a
Path of
Placement
Toward the Side
of the Cast That
Is Tilted Upward
39

Selection of the Path of Insertion

Tilting the Cast to:
Create Suitable Undercuts
Equalize Undercuts on both Sides of the Arch
Place the Clasp Tips in a Better Esthetic
Position.
Undercut Areas Should Be Present at Both
Zero Tilt and the New Tilt
Gross Inclination of the Cast to Create
Apparent Undercuts Should Be Avoided
40

Considerations when surveying cast

Determine the RELATIVE PARALLELISM of tooth

surface to act as GUIDING PLANES

Determine INTERFERENCES
Determine desirable / undesirable UNDERCUTS
Determine path of insertion which would permit
placement of components with the best ESTHETIC
advantage

Path of displacement
Direction along which the RPD dislodges
Always perpendicular to occlusal plane
Transferred to surveyor, it is neutral or zero degree tilt (Krol)
Desirable undercuts should be present when at zero degree tilt

Tripoding the Cast

43

Scoring the Cast

MAJOR CONNECTORS

Components of a typical RPD

1. Major connector
2. Minor connector
3. Rests
4. Direct retainers
5. Indirect retainers (for distal extensions)
6. Denture base

MAJOR CONNECTORS
Unit of the partial denture that connects the parts of

the prosthesis located on one side of the arch w/

those of the opposite side
Unit of partial denture to w/c all other parts are
directly or indirectly attached
Chief functions includes (1)unification of prosthesis
parts, (2)distribution of applied force throughout the
arch to selected teeth and tissue & (3)minimize
torque to teeth

 Major connectors must be RIGID, to enable

transfer of functional forces of occlusion from

artificial teeth, to denture base, to supporting teeth
and tissues within the arch for optimum stability
(cross arch stabilization)
Flexible major connectors will jeopardize
supporting oral structures, manifested by traumatic
damage to periodontal support of abutment teeth,
injury to residual ridges, impingement of underlying
tissue

Location & design of major connectors

Should not impinge on movable tissues
Avoid impingement of gingival tissues
Bony & soft tissue prominences should be avoided

during placement & removal

Relief provided beneath major connector to avoid
impingement of tissues (elevated median palatal
suture, inoperable tori)
Relieved & Located to prevent impingement of

tissues as distal extension denture rotates in

function

Margins of major connector adjacent to gingival

tissues should be located far enough to avoid
impingement
In mandible, atleast 4mm below gingival margins

In maxilla, atleast 6mm away from gingival margins

and parallel to the mean curve of free gingival

margins

Intimate contact between connector and supporting

tissues adds to the support, stability & retention of
denture
Avoid rugae crest if possible
Posterior limitation of maxillary major connector
should be just anterior to the vibrating line

RULE:
Try to avoid adding any part of denture framework to
an already convex surface. Rather try to use existing
contours & embrasures. All components should be
tapered where they join convex surface

Mandibular major connectors

LINGUAL BAR
Preferred mandibular major connector design

except in cases where (1)floor of mouth is high,

(2)extreme lingual tilt of anterior teeth,
(3)inoperable tori
Indicated if there is sufficient

space between the elevated lingual sulcus &

lingual gingival tissue

Lingual Bar
Half pear shape with greatest bulk at inferior

border while superior border is tapered toward

gingival tissue

Located above moving tissue but as far below the

gingival tissue as possible (min 4mm)

Made of reinforced 6-gauge

LINGUOPLATE
INDICATIONS:
When the space available for lingual bar is limited
(high lingual frenum)
In class I cases w/ excessive resorption of residual
ridge
For stabilizing periodontally weakened teeth
Future replacement of one or more incisor

Rule
No component should be added arbitrarily or
conventionally. Each component should be added
for a good reason & to serve a definite purpose

Reason for adding component

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Support
Stabilization against horizontal rotation
Retention
Preservation of health of tissues
Esthetics
Patients comfort
the dentist alone is responsible for the choice
of design & must have good reasons

 Upper border follow the natural curvature of

supracingular surfaces of teeth and not be located

above the middle third of lingual surface, except to
cover the interproximal spaces to contact points

Linguoplate
Half pear shape forms the inferior border and

provides rigidity
Ideally should have a terminal rest at each end
All gingival crevices and deep embrasures must be
blocked out parallel to path of placement to avoid
gingival irritation and wedging effect on teeth

SUBLINGUAL BAR

Indicated if height of floor of the mouth is less than

6mm & does not allow placement of bar 4mm

below gingival margins
Can be used if lingual frenum does not interfere
CONTRAINDICATIONS: (1)lingual tori, (2)high
frenum attachment, (3)high elevation of floor of the
mouth during functional movements, (4)severe
lingual tilt of anterior teeth

CINGULUM (continuous) BAR

RETAINER
INDICATION:
When linguoplate is indicated but the axial
alignment of anterior teeth would require excessive
blockout of interproximal undercuts

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Severe lingual teeth of lower anteriors
Wide diastema between lower anteriors
CHARACTERISTICS & LOCATION
Thin, narrow(3mm) metal strap on cingula of
anteriors,
Scalloped to follow interproximal embrassures;
Superior border tapered to tooth surface
Should have rests on terminal end

LABIAL BAR

INDICATIONS:
When lingual inclinations of remaining premolar &
incisors cannot be corrected, preventing the
placement of lingual bar
Severe lingual tori cannot be removed
Severe or abrupt lingual tissue undercut

MAXILLARY MAJOR CONNECTORS

SINGLE PALATAL STRAP

INDICATIONS:
Short span, bilateral edentulous spaces on posterior
area in tooth supported cases

 Can be rigid w/out objectionable bulk and

interference with tongue

DO NOT connect anterior replacement to distal
extension with single palatal strap for reason of
torque and leverage (needs bulk to resist torque and
provide adequate vertical support and horizontal
stabilization)

CHARACTERISTICS & LOCATION

Anatomic replica form
Anterior border follows the valleys between rugae
as nearly as possible at right angles to median
suture line
Posterior border at right angle w/ median suture
line
Strap should be atleast 8mm wide
Confined w/in an area bounded by 4 principal rest

FINISHING LINES:
No farther than 2mm medial from imaginary line
contacting lingual surfaces of principal abutment and
teeth to be replaced
Follow curvature of arch

ANTERIOR-POSTERIOR STRAP
MAJOR CONNECTOR
INDICATIONS
Class I & II arches w/ adequate abutment & ridge
support
Long edentulous span in class II mod 1
Class IV arches
Presence of inoperable tori that do not extend
posteriorly to hard-soft tissue junction

CHARACTERISTIC & LOCATION

Parallelogram shaped & open in center
8-10mm anterior & posterior straps
Lateral palatal straps (7-9mm) broad & parallel to
curve of arch minimum of 6mm from gingival
crevice of remaining teeth

 Anterior strap: anterior border NOT placed farther

anteriorly than anterior rests & never closer than

6mm from lingual gingival crevice; follows the
valleys of rugae at right angle to median palatal
suture

 Anterior connector maybe extended anteriorly to

support anterior tooth replacement

Posterior strap placed as far posteriorly as
possible (to avoid interference to tongue) but
anterior to the line of flexure formed by junction
of hard and soft palate
Anatomic replica or matte surface

PALATAL PLATE TYPE

Are thin, broad, contoured palatal coverage
covering or more of hard palate
Use anatomic replica for uniform thickness &
strength

Indications of single broad palatal major

connector
Class 1 arches w/ little vertical ridge resorption
V or U shaped arches
Strong abutments
More teeth in arch than 6 anterior teeth
Direct retention not a problem
No interfering tori

CHARACTERISTIC & LOCATION

Anatomic replica form
Anterior border follow valleys of rugae at right
angle to median suture line as possible & not
extending anterior to occlusal rest or indirect
retainers
Posterior border located at junction of hard & soft
palate, not extending onto soft palate, at right
angle to median suture line; extended to
pterygomaxillary notches

INDICATIONS OF COMPLETE PALATAL

COVERAGE

In most instances where only some or all anterior

teeth remain
Class 2 w/ large posterior modification & some
anterior missing
Class 1 w/ 1-4 premolars & some anterior
remaining w/ poor abutment support, excessive
vertical resorption of residual ridge, direct
retention difficult to obtain
No torus

SINGLE PALATAL BAR

Most widely used yet the least logical
NOT RIGID ENOUGH
To have rigidity for cross arch stabilization, it

must have bulk

Choice would depend on the size of denture
bearing areas that are connected

U-SHAPED PALATAL CONNECTOR

Least desirable from patients & mechanical
standpoint (lacks rigidity)
Should never be used arbitrarily
Used only in situation where anterior teeth are to
be replaced & inoperable tori extend to the
posterior limit of the hard palate
Any portion of connector extending anteriorly from
principal occlusal rest must be supported by indirect
retainer

 Anterior border must be kept atleast 6mm from

adjacent teeth
If in any case, it contact teeth, it must be supported
by rest in a properly prepared rest seat

PRINCIPAL OBJECTIONS TO USE OF U-SHAPE

It lacks rigidity; may induce torque to abutment
Designs will not provide good support & may
permit impingement of underlying tissue when
subjected to loading
Bulk to enhance rigidity results in increase
thickness in areas most frequented by tongue

Antero-posterior palatal bar

Not rigid enough
Should be bulky to be rigid and provide support

and stability but will interfere with tongue function

Beading of maxillary cast

Term used to denote the scribing of a shallow groove

on cast outlining the palatal major connector

Accomplished using a cleoid carver
Groove not exceed 0.5mm width/depth
Slightly rounded preferred than v-shaped

Purpose of beading
To transfer the major connector design to

investment/ duplicate cast

To provide a visible finish line for the casting
Ensure intimate contact of major connector w/
selected palatal tissues

MINOR CONNECTORS

Minor connectors
Unites major connectors with other parts of the

denture
Arises from the major connector
May be continuous with some parts of the
denture

Functions
To transfer functional stress to abutment
(prosthesis to abutment)
2. To transfer the effects of retainers, rests &
stabilizing components to the rest of the denture
(abutment to prosthesis)
1.

Form & location

Must have sufficient bulk to be rigid &

effective
Located in embrasures, not on convex surface
Pass vertically from major connector
Thickest toward lingual surface tapering
toward contact area

 Minor connector should form a right angle w/

major connector
Gingival crossing be abrupt
2. Cover as little gingival tissue as possible
1.

 Sharp angles should be avoided

Spaces should not exist (avoid food entrapment)

Minor connector that contacts guiding plane of

abutment: PROXIMAL PLATE)

Must be wide enough to use guiding plane to the

fullest (2/3 of distance between cusp tips of

abutment
2/3 of length of enamel crown

Minor connector:
Portion of framework where acrylic denture

base will be attached

Designed to be completely imbedded into the
denture base

Finishing lines
Junction of minor connector (denture base

attachment) with the major connector should be

a butt type joint but w/out appreciable bulk
Angles formed should not be greater than
90degrees to ensure the strongest mechanical
connection
(undercut)

 Mandibular minor connector for distal

extension base should extend posteriorly about

2/3 of the length of edentulous ridge & have
elements both on buccal & lingual

Tissue stops
Integral part of minor connector designed for

retention of acrylic denture base

Provide stability to framework during transfer
and processing
Prevent distortion of denture during acrylic
processing
Should engage buccal & lingual slopes of
residual ridge for stability

FINISHING LINES
Junction of major and minor connector
Not greater than 90 degrees
For the thickness of denture base resin

Finishing lines
Located 2mm medial from an imaginary line

that would contact the lingual surface of

missing posterior teeth

 Direct retainer arm tapers from tip to

finishing line
Finish line at junction of I bar direct retainer
arm & minor connector for denture base
attachment (if w/out finish lines flexing of
clasp arm could create cracks in denture
base)

Finishing lines location

1. Minimizes bulk of resin
2. Restores palatal contours
3. Enhance speech
4. contribute to natural feeling for patient

RESTS & REST SEATS

PROSTHODONTICS 2

REST
Any unit of partial denture that rest on a tooth

surface that serves to provide vertical support

Rests should always be located on tooth surfaces
(abutments) that are properly prepared (rest seat)
Designated by the tooth surface prepared to
receive them
Rest should restore the surface of the tooth before
rest seat preparation

Always remember that the most effective

resistance can be provided if the tooth is stressed along
its long axis. Therefore, prosthesis framework should
engage the tooth in a manner that encourages axial
loading

Functions of rests
PRIMARY PURPOSE: Provide vertical support for

RPD
Maintain components in their planned position
Maintains established occlusal relationships by

preventing settling of denture

Prevents impingement of soft tissues
Directs & distributes occlusal load to abutment
teeth

Functions of rests
Assist in distributing load over several teeth
Prevent extrusion of unopposed abutment
Direct food away from tooth contacts & embrasure
Provide lingual bracing on anterior teeth

Requirements/ design consideration

Sufficient thickness of metal to prevent fracture

especially at the junction of rest and minor connector

(1.5mm for chrome cobalt, 2mm for gold)
Placed on surfaces which would direct forces along the
long axis of teeth (should not be placed on inclined
planes)
Should be extended to as close to the center as feasible
to promote axial direction of forces
Placed in rest seats with smooth and rounded line
angles
Rest seats should be on enamel or on restoration which
will resist fracture and distortion when subjected to
occlusal forces

Form of occlusal rest & rest seat

Outline form should be rounded triangular in shape

w/ the apex
toward the center of
occlusal surface

Form of occlusal rest

Should be as long as it is wide. Base of triangular

shape at
marginal ridge should
be atleast 2.5mm for
both molars & premolars

Form of occlusal rest

Marginal ridge of abutment must be lowered to

permit
sufficient bulk of metal
for strength & rigidity.
Reduction of about
1.5mm is usually
necessary

Form of occlusal rest

Floor of occlusal rest should be apical to the

marginal ridge &

should be concave or
spoon shaped. Caution
not to create sharp
edges or line angles

Form of occlusal rest

Angle formed by occlusal rest & vertical minor

connector where
it originates should be
less than 90degrees to
direct forces along long
axis

Floor of rest more than 90degrees

Extended occlusal rest

In mesially tipped abutment to:

(1) minimize further tipping

(2) ensure that forces are directed along the long axis
of tooth

 Rest should extend more than half of the

mesiodistal width of tooth, 1/3 buccolingual width,

and minimum 1mm thickness of metal, rounded
with no undercuts or sharp angles

Interproximal/ embrassure occlusal rest

Rest seat are prepared as individual rest seats but

preparation are extended farther lingually

Reason???
(1)avoid interproximal wedging by framework
(2) shunt food away from contact area

Lingual rests on canines & incisors

Sufficient space must be present or created to avoid

interference
Root form, root length, crown inclination, crown root
ratio must be considered
Lingual rest more preferred than incisal rest for it is
nearer the horizontal axis of rotationless tendency
to tip tooth more esthetically acceptable

 Lingual rest are usually indicted for maxillary

canines (sometimes mx central) for they have a

gradual lingual incline & prominent cingulum
Lingual rest seat in enamel of mandibular anteriors
are unsatisfactory for they lack enamel thickness

Lingual rest seat

prepared on enamel

Slightly rounded v shaped on junction of middle &

gingival 3rd
Apex of V directed incisally

Lingual rest seat

Prepared using inverted cone then progressing to

round end
Eliminate all line angles
Rest seat should be prepared only on enamel &
highly polished
Always consider the predetermined path of
insertion
Floor of rest should be toward the cervical not on
axial
Care not to produce undercuts

Lingual rest seat on cast restoration

The most satisfactory from standpoint of support
Done by preparing in wax pattern before casting

Incisal rests & rest seats

Placed at incisal angles of anterior tooth & on

prepared rest seat

Least desirable
Predominantly used as auxiliary rest or as indirect
retainers
More applicable for mandibular canines
May produce some orthodontic movement due to
leverage

Incisal rests & rest seats

Rounded notch in incisal angle or on incisal edge

w/ deepest portion apical to incisal edge

Notch should be beveled both labially & lingually
Approximately 2.5mm wide
& 1.5mm deep

Full incisal rest

Used when other suitable placements of incisal rests

and rests seat are not available

 Patient should be well aware of location, form &

esthetic impact
topography of any rest should be such that
it restores the topography of the tooth existing
before rest seat is prepared

 Rest seat preparation always must follow proximal

preparation. Never precede it

DIRECT RETAINERS
PROSTHODONTICS 2

Forces acting to displace prosthesis from tissue

Force of gravity acting on maxillary prosthesis
Action of adherent foods when mouth opens during

chewing
Functional forces acting acting across the fulcrum
line

Retention of denture bases

ADHESION: attraction of saliva to denture &

tissues
COHESION: attraction of molecules of saliva for
each other
ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE: dependent on
border seal & result in partial vacuum beneath
denture base
Physiologic molding of tissues around the polished
surface of denture
Effect of gravity on mandibular denture

Direct retainer
Any unit of removable partial denture that engages

an abutment in such a manner as to resist

displacement of prosthesis away from basal seat
tissues
Can be accomplished by
(1)frictional means
(2)by engaging a tooth in undercut lying
cervically to its height of contour

Removable partial denture retention

PRIMARY RETENTION: accomplished

mechanically by placing retaining elements on

abutment teeth
SECONDARY RETENTION: provided by intimate
relationship of denture base & major connector
(maxillary) w/ underlying tissues
Engagement of an attachment mechanism on
dental implant

Basic principles of clasp design

ENCIRCLEMENT

More than180 degrees in the greatest circumference of

tooth should be engaged

Basic principles of clasp design

Occlusal rest designed to prevent cervical movement

of clasps
Retentive arm should be opposed by
reciprocal/stabilizing arm (Stabilizing and reciprocating
components must be rigidly connected bilaterally for
reciprocation of retentive elements)

Basic principles of clasp design

Amount of retention should be the minimum

necessary to resist reasonable dislodging force

Clasp on abutments adjacent to distal extension
must be designed so as to avoid direct transmission
of tipping & rotational forces to abutment (act like
stressbreakers)
location of retentive end in relation to rest
Use of more flexible clasp arm
Proper

Basic principles of clasp design

Unless guiding plane will positively control the path

of removal, retentive clasps should be bilaterally

opposed

The path of escapement for each retentive arm

must be other than parallel to the path of removal

Basic principles of clasp design

Reciprocal elements of clasp should be located at

the junction of gingival and middle 3rd of crown (the

terminal end of retentive arm placed at gingival 3rd)

Functions of reciprocal arm

Provide stabilization & reciprocation against action of

retentive arm

Located so that denture is stabilized against

horizontal movement (only if rigid reciprocal arm, rigid minor

connector, rigid major connector)

May act as an indirect retainer (if it rests in suprabulge

of abutment anterior to fulcrum line

Extracoronal direct retainers

Uses mechanical resistance to displacement by
components placed on external surfaces of
abutments
Clasp type retainer

Extracoronal direct retainers

Function & position of clasp assembly parts

Component Function
part

Location

Rest

Vertical support

Occlusal, lingual, incisal

Minor
connector

Stabilization

Clasp
arms

Stabilization
Retention

Proximal surface from

marginal ridge to junction
of middle & gingival 3rd
Occlusal 1/3 of crown
Gingival 1/3 of crown in
measured undercut

Basic categories of clasp design

Circumferential clasp arm: approaches retentive

undercut from occlusal surface

Bar clasp arm: approaches retentive undercut from

cervical

Clasp designed to accommodate

functional movement
RPI
RPA
Bar Clasp
Designed

to address concern of lever in distal extension cases

Class I RPD
A distal extension acts as a long effort arm across
the distal rest (fulcrum) to cause the clasp tip to
(resistance arm) to engage tooth undercut::::
RESULTING TO TIPPING AND TORQUING OF
ABUTMENTS which is greater with stiff clasp and
increased denture base movement
STRATEGIES to minimize effect on abutments:
Mesial rest concept: change fulcrum & resistance
arm location
Use flexible arm: minimize effect of lever

Bar clasp (roach clasp)

Arise from denture base or metal framework &

approaches the retentive undercut from gingival

direction
Classified base on shape of retentive terminal (I, A,
T, modified T, or Y)
Form has little significance as long as it is:
(1)mechanically & functionally effective, (2)covers as
little surface as possible, (3)displays as little metal as
possible

RPI (rest, proximal plate, i-bar)

Mesiocclusal rest w/ minor connector placed on

mesiolingual embrassure but not contacting adjacent

tooth

RPI
Proximal plate: a distal guiding plane is prepared

extending from marginal ridge to junction of middle

& gingival 3rd to receive proximal plate

RPI
Proximal plate: buccolingual width of guiding plane

is determined by proximal contour of tooth

Proximal plate plus the minor connector supporting the

mesial rest will provide reciprocation

RPI
I-bar: located on gingival 3rd of facial surface in

0.01inch undercut
Tapered to its terminus, w/ no more than 2mm of
tip contacting abutment
Approach arm located
atleast 4mm from
gingival margin

RPA
Modification of RPI when abutment demonstrate

contraindication to RPI (severe lingual/ buccal tilt,

severe tissue undercut, shallow vestibule) &
desirable undercut is
located in gingival 3rd of
tooth away from extension
base area

Indications of bar clasp

Small degree of cervical undercut (0.01in) which can

be approached in from gingival

Abutment for tooth supported partial denture or tooth
supported modification areas 7-17
Distal extensions
In cases where esthetics must be considered

contraindications
Deep cervical undercut or severe tooth &/or tissue

undercut
Shallow vestibule
Excessive buccal or lingual tilt of abutment

Combination clasp
Can be used to reduce the effect of Class I lever in

distal extension through the use of flexible

component resistance arm
Consist of wrought wire retentive clasp arm & cast
reciprocal cast arm

Advantages
Flexibility
Adjustability
Esthetic retentive arm than c-clasp
Minimum tooth surface covered
Less service fatigue failure than casted
Can be used on weak abutments adjacent to distal

extension

Uses of combination clasp:

Abutment tooth adjacent to distal extension base

with only mesiogingival undercut

Large tissue undercut
Weak abutments

Parts of a CIRCUMFERENTIAL clasp assembly

Minor connector
Principal rest
Retentive arm
Reciprocal arm

Circumferential clasp
Most logical to use on tooth supported cases except

in cases when undercut can be approached better w/

bar clasp or esthetics

Disadvantages of c-clasps
More tooth surface covered than with bar clasp
Occlusal approach may increase the width of

occlusal surface
More metal display than bar clasp especially in
mandibular arch
Half round form prevent edgewise adjustment to
increase or decrease retention
Disadvantages

can be minimized by proper mouth preparation

Basic form of c-clasp

Consist of buccal and lingual arm originating from a

common body

CORRECT FORM: one retentive arm opposed by a

non-retentive reciprocal arm

Ring clasp
Modification of circumferential wherein it encircle

nearly all tooth from its point of origin

Used only when proximal undercut cannot be
approached by other means (ex.distobuccal or
distolingual undercut cannot be approached directly from
the occlusal rest area or with tissue undercut preventing
the use of bar clasp)
NEVER be used as an unsupported ring (always

have supporting strut on nonretentive side)

Ring clasp

Back action clasp

Modification of ring clasp w/ same disadvantages

and no advantages
Difficult to justify its use

Embrassure clasp
In class II or class III partial denture w/ no

edentulous spaces on opposite side

Sufficient space must be provided in occlusal 3rd to
make room for a common body, yet contact area is
not eliminated
Historically has high degree of fracture if abutment
not properly prepared
Usually need to protect abutment (crown)

Embrasure clasp

 Should always be used w/ double occlusal rest to

avoid interproximal wedging (can cause separation of
teeth resulting to food impaction and casp displacement)
Should have 2 retentive & 2 reciprocal arms either

bilaterally or diagonally opposed

Multiple clasp
2 opposing circumferential clasp joined at the

terminal end of 2 reciprocal arms

Used when additional retention is needed usually in
tooth supported
Maybe used for multiple clasping when entire half of
arch are to be replaced
Used when retentive areas are adjacent to each
other
Disadvantage: 2 embrassure approach

Angle of cervical convergence

A triangle of light visible between tooth & surveyor

blade

Height of contour: a line encircling the tooth at its

greatest diameter in respect to path of placement

Undercut: portion of tooth that lies between ht of contour
& gingiva

Factors that determine the amount of retention of

clasp
Tooth factors

Size of angle of cervical convergence (depth of undercut)

How far into the angle of cervical convergence the clasp is
placed

Prosthesis factors

Flexibility of clasp arm

Clasp length
Clasp relative diameter
Clasp cross-sectional form or shape
Material used

 Retentive clasp arm must be located so that they

lie in the same approximate degree of undercut on

each abutment tooth

INDIRECT RETAINERS

Tooth supported partial denture (Class III)

Movement of partial denture toward ridge prevented

primarily by rests placed on abutments at each end

of space
Movement of base away from tissues is prevented
by activation of passive direct retainers (clasp)
Horizontal & longitudinal rotational prevented by
stabilizing component on primary abutment

Distal extension (Class I & II), Class IV &

Extensive class III
Movement toward ridge will be proportionate to

(1)quality of tissue, (2)accuracy & extent of denture

base, (3)total functional load applied
Movement away from ridge occur (1)rotational
movement about an axis, (2)displacement of entire
denture

Indirect retainer

Denture movement/ rotation

FULCRUM LINE: is an imaginary line passing

through teeth & component parts of denture, around

w/c the denture slightly rotates when subjected to
forces directed toward or away from residual ridge

Fulcrum line in Class I

One passing through the most posterior abutments

Fulcrum line in class II

Is diagonal passing through the abutment

on distal extension side & the most

posterior abutment on the other side

Fulcrum line in class IV

One that passes through the two abutment adjacent

to the single edentulous space

Fulcrum line in cLass III

Fulcrum line is determined by considering

the weaker abutment (with poor prognosis and will

eventually be lost)as nonexistent and consider
though if posterior is not present

 In Class III with nonsupporting anterior

teeth, the adjacent edentulous area is

considered to be tissue supported end

Indirect retainer
Rigid part of partial denture located on definite rest

seat on opposite side of fulcrum line that resist

denture rotation
Placed as far as possible from distal extension base
(to provide the best leverage possible against lifting
of distal extension base) on a prepared rest seat on
a tooth capable of supporting it

Indirect retainer principle

Example Class I case

Factors influencing effectiveness of indirect

retainers
Principal occlusal rest on primary abutment teeth

must be held in their seat by retentive arm of direct

retainer
Distance from fulcrum line
length

of distal extension base

location of fulcrum line
how far beyond fulcrum line the indirect retainer is placed

Factors influencing the effectiveness of indirect

retainers

Rigidity of the connectors supporting

indirect retainer. (all connectors must be

rigid if indirect retainer is to function)
Effectiveness of supporting tooth surface
(IR must rest on properly prepared rest
seat and no slippage)

Indirect retainer placement

Function of Indirect retainer

To effectively activate the direct retainers to prevent

movement of distal extension base away from the

tissues

Auxiliary functions of indirect retainers

May act as an auxiliary rest to support portions of

major connector facilitating stress distribution

May provide the first visual indication for the need to
reline extension base

Forms of indirect retainers

(all are effective in proportion to their support and distance from the
fulcrum line)

Auxiliary occlusal rest

Canine rest
Canine extensions from occlusal rest
Continuous bar retainers & linguoplates
Modification areas
Rugae support

DENTURE BASE
CONSIDERATIONS

Functions of denture base

Support artificial teeth
Transfer of occlusal forces to supporting

structures
Add to the cosmetic effect of denture
Stimulation by massage of underlying tissues
of residual ridge

Denture base in tooth supported RPD that replaces

an anterior teeth
Provide desirable esthetics
Support and retain artificial teeth to provide

masticatory efficiency and assist in

transferring occlusal forces directly to
abutment through rests
Prevents vertical and horizontal migration of
remaining natural eeth
Eliminate undesirable food traps
Stimulates underlying tissues

Distal extension denture base

Must contribute to denture support (minimize
functional movements & improve stability)

Maximum support from ridge can be obtained

by broad, accurate denture base that evenly

spread load over area available for support

Ways to accomplish maximum support

Knowledge of limiting anatomic structures
Knowledge of histologic nature of basal seat

areas
Accuracy of impression
Accuracy of denture base fit
highly

variable for every patient;

the ability to control functional displacement of distal
extension base is a determination that is unique for each
individual

Snowshoe principle

broad coverage furnishes the best

support with the least load per unit
area
Support is the primary consideration when designing
denture base with esthetics, stimulation, &
cleanliness secondary

Acrylic vs Metal denture base

if there is need for future relining, use acrylic denture

base material
RPD fabricated after extraction, use acrylic denture
base material
In tooth supported RPD (class III), metal denture
base can be used

Characteristic of an ideal denture base

material
Accuracy & adaptation to tissues w/ minimal volume

change
Dense non irritating surface capable of receiving &
maintaining good finish
Thermal conductivity
Low specific gravity; lightweight
Sufficient strength; resistance to fracture & distortion

Ideal denture base material

Can be easily kept clean
Acceptable esthetic
Potential for future relining
Low cost

at this time, ideal denture material does not

exist

Metal bases

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Can be used for tooth supported cases

DISADVANTAGE: Difficult to adjust and reline
ADVANTAGES:
Gingival stimulation
Accuracy & permanence of form
Good tissue response
Thermal conductivity
Weight & bulk

Nail heads

Need to reline?
Loss of occlusion

Have the patient bite on a gauge 28 wax and

tapping in centric occlusion

Evidence of rotation on a fulcrum line w/

indirect retainers lifting from their seats as

distal extension base is pressed against the
ridge
If occlusal contact is lost without evidence of denture rotation
with stability of denture base satisfactory reestablishing
occlusion is the remedy rather than relining

Stressbreakers
Device that allow some movement between denture

base or its supporting framework & direct retainers

Process of separating the action of retaining
elements from the movement of denture base
AKA stress equalizer

Split type stressbreaker

Stressbreakers
Whatever the design, the purpose is to dissipate

vertical stresses
Eliminate horizontal stability
Consideration on health of abutment at the expense

of health of residual ridge

Advantages of stressbreakers
Minimized forces transmitted to abutment, alveolar

support is preserved
Possible to obtain stress balance between
abutment & residual ridge
Intermittent pressure from denture massage
mucosa
If relining is needed, but not done, abutments are
not damaged quickly
Splinting of weak tooth posible

Disadvantages of stressbreakers
More difficult to fabricate & is more costly
Vertical & horizontal forces are concentrated on

ridge, increasing possible ridge resorption

Reduce / eliminate effect of indirect retainers
More complicated design, not very well tolerated
by patients & spaces act as food trap

 Flexible connectors if not properly handled are prone

to distortion, slight distortion bring more stress to

abutment
Repair & maintenance are difficult, costly &
frequently required

Advantages of rigid design

Framework is easier & less costly to make
Possible equal distribution of stress to abutment &

ridge
Less frequent need for relining
Indirect retainers & other rigid components could
provide rotational & horizontal stabilization
Less danger of distortion

Disadvantages of rigid design

If direct retainers are not properly designed, torque

will be applied to abutment

If relining is needed but not done, abutment may
be loosened & suffer periodontal damage

Factors influencing support of a distal

extension base
(ridge support will depend on the following factors)

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Contour & quality of residual ridge

Extent of denture base coverage
Type & accuracy of impression
Accuracy of fit of denture base
Design of partial denture framework
Total occlusal load applied

Some Tips on RPD design

No component of partial denture should be added

arbitrarily or conventionally. Each component

should be added for a good reason and to serve a
definite purpose
Try to avoid adding any part of partial denture
framework to an already convex surface, Ratehr, try
to use existing contours and embrasures for the
location of components parts of the framework. All
components should be tapered where they join
convex surface

 From the analysis of the facts derived from the

patient work up, diagnostic cast and other diagnostic

aids, determine the location of the abutment teeth
which could help share the load
Always be aware of the fulcrum lines (axis of
rotation)

These would determine the position of the direct and indirect

retaines

Observe rules on placing the components

yOu mAy nOw wAKe up !!!