The first requirement of a major connector is rigidity.

This allows
stresses that are applied to the partial denture to be distributed
effectively over the entire supporting area, including the teeth,
underlying, bone and soft tissue. Other components of a partial
prosthesis can only be effective if the major connector is rigid.
Flexibility allows forces to be concentrated on individual teeth or
edentulous ridges causing damage to those areas.

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&ajor connectors must avoid impingement of
the free gingival margin. The major connector
must never terminate on gingival tissue.
'n maxillary castings the border of the major
connector should be at least (mm to )mm from
the gingival margin of the teeth and in the mandibular it should be
at least *mm from the gingival margin.
+atient comfort should be a consideration when designing the major
connector and food traps must be avoided where possible.
The selection on a particular type of major connector will depend on
the following,
&axilla -
.a/ The need for support.
.b/ The number and location of teeth to be replaced.
.c/ The number of clasps.
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0 maxillary major connector should have a prepared seal along all
borders that contacts soft tissue .food line/. This seal forms a
beading that will slightly depress the soft tissue. The food line .or
seal/ is scribed into the master cast to a depth of 5mm and width of
approximately 5.6mm. The food line prevents food debris from
collecting under the major connector. The extra thic7ness provided
by the seal enables the metal to be tapered into the tissue surface
without loss of strength. 8sually, an intimate contact between the
palatal soft tissue and the connector is required so there is no
relieving of the tissue.
't also provides a point where the casting should be finished.
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The selection of any particular
connector will depend on the need for
support, the number and location of
teeth to be replaced and the number
of clasps. 0dditional factors to be
considered are,

The presence of palatal tori.

The need for indirect retention.
The need for stabili9ation of
infirm teeth.
+honetic considerations.
The mental attitude of the
patient.
There are six types of maxillary major connectors.
5. !ingle +osterior +alatal :ar.
4arrow, half-oval in shape with its thic7est point at the centre.
The bar is gently curved and should not form a sharp angle at the
junction with the denture base.
'ndication for use.
;ery limited use, usually when one or two teeth are missing on one
side of the arch only. <here there is minimal need for palatal
support and minimal interference with phonetics.
=. +alatal !trap.
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<ide .minimum )mm/, thin band of
metal that crosses the palate in an
unobtrusive manner.
'ndication for use
!uitable for use when only one or two
teeth are being replaced on either or both sides of the arch, and the
denture is to be tooth borne. There is minimal need for palatal
support but more than a palatal bar. 0lso there is minimal
interference with phonetics using this type of major connector.
*. #ouble +alatal :ar .0-+ :ar/.
0nterior portion is narrower than palatal strap. +osterior
portion similar to single posterior palatal bar. This configuration
gives the effect of a circle.
'ndication for use.
8sed when the anterior and posterior abutments are widely
separated and full palatal coverage is not desirable e.g. tori
palatinus. Offers very good rigidity.
>. $orseshoe.
0 thin band of metal running along the palatal surfaces of
teeth and extending onto palate.
'ndication for use.
There are three principle applications. <hen several anterior teeth
are being replaced. <hen a toris palatinus is present and does not
allow for posterior coverage, or when mobile anterior teeth require
stabili9ing.
6. Closed $orseshoe .0nterioposterior +alatal !trap/.

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!imilar to horseshoe with palatal strap
connecting both sides of the arch posteriorly.
'ndication for use
?enerally indicated when numerous teeth are to
be replaced and when a toris palatinus is
present. <hen periodontaly wea7ened teeth
require stabili9ing. This is structurally strong and rigid.
(. Complete +alate.
The posterior border extends to the junction of the soft and
hard palate. 't is similar to a full denture, the difference being that
it is made of an alloy instead of acrylic.
'ndication for use
'ndicated when all posterior teeth are to be replaced bilaterally. 0lso
when anterior teeth require replacement along with bilateral free-
end saddles. <hen flat or mobile ridges are present, the palate can
offer stabili9ation for the prosthesis, if a patient has well
developed muscles of mastication and complete mandibular natural
teeth, heavy occlusal forces can be anticipated. 0 complete palate
will offer support against vertical displacement.