Principal Benefits Of

Classification
Opens channels of
communication between
speaker and listener.
It contributes materially to the
systemization of art of partial
denture design.
 More than 12 classification systems are
in use
Most common are
- Cummers classication- 1921
- Kennedys classication- 1923
- Bailyns classification- 1928
- Becketts classification- 1953
Some other systems are Appelgate,
Miller, Skinner, Godfrey, Swenson,
Freidman etc.
Requirements of an
acceptable method of
classification
It should permit immediate
visualization of the type of partially
edentulous arch that is being
considered.
It should permit immediate
differentiation between tooth
supported and the tooth and tissue
supported removable partial denture.
It should be universally acceptable.
Cummers classification

Dr. W.E.Cummer in 1921 proposed this

system.
Cummer calculated that about 65,000
possible combinations of teeth (present
and missing) can occur in each jaw.
It was not widely used.
But it did influence thinking on the
subject of classifications.
Kennedys classification

Originally it was proposed by Dr. Edward

Kennedy in 1925.
It permits immediate visualization of the
partially edentulous arch.
It attempts to classify the partially
edentulous arch in a manner that suggests
certain principles of design for a given
situation.
Kennedy divided all partially edentulous
arches into four basic classes. Edentulous
arches other than those determining the
basic classes were designated as
modification spaces.
 Class I
Bilateral edentulous areas located
posterior to the natural teeth.
Class II
A unilateral edentulous area located
posterior to the remaining natural teeth.
Class III
A unilateral edentulous area with
natural teeth remaining both anterior and
posterior to it.
Class IV
A single, but bilateral (crossing the
midline), edentulous area located anterior to
the remaining, natural teeth.
Class I Class II

Class III Class IV

Applegates rules for
applying the Kennedys
classification
The Kennedy classification would be difficult to
apply to every situation without certain rules for
application.
Applegate provided the following rules governing
the application of Kennedy method.
Rule 1
Classification should follow rather than precede
any extractions of teeth that might alter the
original classification.
Rule 2
If a third molar is missing and not to be replaced,
it is not considered in the classification.
 Rule 3
If a third molar is present and is to be used
as an abutment, it is considered in the classification.
Rule 4
If a second molar is missing and is not to
be replaced, it is not considered in the classification.
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 as
modifications and are designated by their number.
 Rule 7
The extent of the modification is not
considered, only the number of additional
edentulous areas.
Rule 8
There can be no modifications areas in
Class IV arches. (Other edentulous areas lying
posterior to the single bilateral areas crossing the
midline would instead determine the
classification: see rule no. 5)
Bailyns classification

Introduced by Dr. Charles M. Bailyn

in 1928.
It is based on whether the prosthesis
is;
- Tooth borne
- Tissue borne
- Tooth tissue borne
Becketts classification

In 1953 Dr. Leonard S. Beckett of

university of Sydney proposed this
system.
Three classes were introduced by
him;
Class I - Tooth borne
Class II - Mucosa borne
Class III - Inadequate abutments to
support the base
 INTRODUCTION

Any prosthesis that replaces some

teeth in a partially dentate arch and
can be removed from the mouth and
replaced at will (GPT)
Also known as
Removable partial denture
prosthesis
Partial removable dental
prosthesis
Removable Partial
Removable Partial Denture Prosthodontics
An Introduction
An Introduction
An Introduction
An Introduction
THE NEED FOR PARTIAL
DENTURES
To replace the missing teeth
To restore the function
To restore the esthetics
To restore the health of the patient
To maintain/preserve the remaining
oral structures
BENEFITS OF PARTIAL
DENTURES
Improvement in appearance
Improvement in speech
Improvement in mastication
Maintaining health of masticatory
system
Preventing undesirable tooth
movement
Improved distribution of occlusal load
In preparation for complete denture
 BENEFITS OF PARTIAL
DENTURES
Replacement of missing
anterior teeth
Restoration of facial
esthetics
Boost to patient
confidence

Appearance
 BENEFITS OF PARTIAL
DENTURES
Replacement of missing
maxillary lateral incisors
after necessary
orthodontic treatment
Improvement in esthetics
of the existing dentition

Appearance
 BENEFITS OF PARTIAL

DENTURES
If maxillary anterior teeth
are absent:
Difficulty in pronunciation
of F and V
sounds/words
Maxillary anterior RPD:
Restores appearance
Boosts confidence
Improves
pronunciation/speech

Speech
 BENEFITS OF PARTIAL
DENTURES
Gaps and open spaces
between posterior teeth
reduce masticatory efficiency
Bolus of food escapes into the
spaces, avoiding being crushed
between the remaining teeth
Replacement of missing
posterior teeth helps
improve masticatory ability
by improving the crushing
ability of the dentition

Mastication
 BENEFITS OF PARTIAL
DENTURESof missing
Restoration
anterior and posterior
teeth
Improves
esthetics/appearance
Boosts confidence
Improves speech
Improves masticatory
ability and efficiency

Mastication
 BENEFITS OF PARTIAL
DENTURES
When teeth are lost, open spaces
form between the remaining teeth
Adjacent teeth tilt and shift/drift into
the empty space
Drifting of adjacent tooth opens up a
space between it and its adjacent
tooth
Food impaction

Plaque accumulation

Inflammation of soft tissues

Decalcification of proximal tooth

surfaces

Preventing Undesirable Tooth

Movement
 BENEFITS OF PARTIAL
DENTURES
When teeth are lost from
one arch and are not
restored for a long time
Teeth of the opposing arch
over-erupt into the
extraction space
In severe cases of over-
eruption, teeth may come to
contact the opposing ridge
Difficulty in providing RPD

Preventing Undesirable Tooth

Movement
 BENEFITS OF PARTIAL
DENTURES
Over-eruption may bring a tooth
in interference with opposing
teeth
Excessive forces applied on initial
contact of teeth or during jaw
movements
Difficulty in closing the mouth
Difficulty in chewing
Patient adapts by repositioning the
mandible into a comfortable
position
New mandibular position may
cause muscular dysfunction

Preventing Undesirable Tooth

Movement
 BENEFITS OF PARTIAL
DENTURES of missing
Replacement
teeth
Prevents unwanted tooth
movement
Restores proper
masticatory function
Improves masticatory
ability

Preventing Undesirable Tooth

Movement
 BENEFITS OF PARTIAL
DENTURES
Loss of a large number of
teeth puts extra functional
burden on the remaining
dentition
Destruction of tooth structure
e.g. due to attrition
Destruction of periodontal
supporting tissues
Drifting of teeth out of the arch
e.g. labially
Increased mobility teeth

Improved Distribution of
Occlusal Load
 BENEFITS OF PARTIAL
DENTURES
Timely replacement of
teeth
Restores esthetics
Restores mastication
ability
Prevents undesirable
tooth movement
Improves occlusal load
distribution over a wider
area

Improved Distribution of
Occlusal Load
 BENEFITS OF PARTIAL
IfDENTURES
only the anterior 6 teeth remain
and dont have a good prognosis
In due time, they shall be extracted
for provision of complete dentures
Transitional partial dentures

A means for getting used to wearing

dentures
If denture is unstable with all 6
anterior teeth remaining, retaining
only the canines can improve denture
function

In Preparation for Complete

Dentures
 Components of RPD

1. Major Connectors
2. Minor Connectors
3. Rests
4. Direct Retainers
5. Indirect retainers
6. Saddles
 Major Connectors

Component of partial
denture that connects
the parts of the
prosthesis located on
one side of the arch with
those on the opposite
side.

All parts of the partial

denture are directly or
indirectly attached.
 Location of Major
Connector
1. Free of movable tissue.
2. Impingement of gingival tissue
avoided.
3. Bony and soft tissue prominences
avoided.
4. Relief provided beneath a major
connector.
5. Relieved to prevent impingement of
tissues as the distal extension
denture rotates in function.
 Maxillary Major
Connectors
6 basic types:
1. Single palatal strap.
2. Combination anterior and posterior
palatal strap type connector.
3. Palatal plate-type connector.
4. U-shaped palatal connector
5. Single palatal bar
6. Anterior-posterior palatal bars
Single Palatal Strap

Indications:
Bilateral edentulous spaces of short
span in a tooth supported restoration.
Characteristics and Location:
Anatomic replica form.

Strap should be 8mm wide or equal to a

maxillary premolar and molar width.
Single Palatal Strap

Confined within an area

bounded by four
principal rests.

Posterior border at
right angle to medial
suture line.
 Anterior and Posterior
Palatal strap connector
Indications:

Class I and II arches

Long edentulous spans in class II modification I

Inoperable palatal tori that do not extend

posteriorly to the junction of hard and soft

palate.
Anterior and Posterior
Palatal strap connector
Characteristics and Location:
Posterior palatal strap should be flat and
a minimum of 8 mm wide.
Posterior palatal strap located as far
posteriorly as possible.
When maxillary torus extends posteriorly
to the soft palate: a broad U-shaped
major connector is used.
Single broad Palatal Major
Connector
Indications:
Class I partially edentulous arches.
U or V shaped palates.
Strong abutments.
No interfering tori.
Single broad Palatal Major
Connector
Characteristics and Location:
Anatomic replica form.

Anterior border follows the rugae as near

right angle to median suture line.
Posterior border at the junction of hard
and soft palate.
 Advantages of Anatomic
Replica
Anatomic replica palatal castings have
uniform thickness and strength by reason
of their corrugated contours.
Corrugation adds strength. Thinner casting
with adequate rigidity can be made.
Due to close contact, interfacial surface
tension between metal and tissue provides
greater retention.
Complete Palatal Coverage
major connector
Indications:
Some or all anterior teeth remain.
Class II arch with a large posterior
modification space and some missing
anterior teeth.
Class I arch, some or all anterior teeth
remaining, with poor abutment support,
residual ridge resorption.
In the absence of a torus.
 Design specification
1-The superior borders are placed at least 3 mm
from the gingival margins. where 3 mm space
cannot be obtained , the metal should
extend onto the cingula of anterior teeth or
onto the lingual surfaces of posterior teeth.
2-The inferior border should not interfere with the
soft tissue movement of the floor of the mouth.
3-Relief of the tissue surface of the major
connector is required to prevent tissue
impingement at rest or during function.
4-The metal should be highly polished on the
tissue side to minimize plaque accumulation.
Types of mandibular
major connectors

I-lingual bar.
II-sublingual bar.
III-double lingual bar.
IV-lingual plate.
V-labial bar.
I-Lingual bar.
Indication:
It is the first choice major connector, should be
used whenever the functional depth of the
lingual vestibule equal or exceed 8mm.
Design:
1.the bar should be half pear-shaped in cross
section. superior inferior dimension is 5 mm ,and
2 mm in thickness.
2.the superior border of the bar should be located
at least 3 mm from the gingival margins of all
adjacent teeth.
3.the inferior border placed at the functional depth
of the lingual vestibule.
4.relif of the tissue surface of the bar is necessary
Advantages:
1.the simplest mandibular major connector
with highest patient acceptance.
2.it does not cover the teeth or the gingival
tissues

disadvantages:
If it is not properly designed it may not be
rigid.
2.Sublingual bar
Indications:
When the lingual bar cannot be used
because of the lack of functional depth of
the lingual vestibule.

Design:
1.The sublingual bar is essentially a lingual
bar rotated horizontally.
2.The superior border of the bar should be
located at least 3 mm from the gingival
margins of all adjacent teeth.
 Advantages:
1.It does not cover the teeth or tissues.
2.More rigid than a lingual bar in the
horizontal plane.

Disadvantages:
A functional impression of the vestibule is
required to accurately register the position
and contour of the vestibule.
3.The double lingual bar:
Indications:
1.When indirect retention is required.
2.When periodontally affected teeth that require
splinting are present.
Design:
1.It is made of two bars; cingulam bar (Kennedy bar)
and the conventional lingual bar. A rigid minor
connector at the embrasure between the canine
and first premolars joins the two bars. Rests are
placed at each end of the upper bar attached to
the minor connector.
2.The lower bar has the same design as a single lingual
bar.
3.The upper bar is half-oval in cross section (2-3 mm
high, and 1 mm thick at its greatest diameter.
Advantages:

1.Provides indirect retention.

2.Contributes to horizontal stabilization.
3.No gingival margin coverage.

Disadvantages:
1.Tongue annoyance.
2.Food impaction if the upper bar is not in
intimate contact with the teeth.
 4.Lingual plate
Indications:
1.When the functional depth of the lingual
vestibule (less than 5mm) is not
enough for bar placement.
2.When future loss of natural teeth is
anticipated to facilitate addition of
artificial teeth to the partial denture.
3.When splinting of anterior teeth is
required.
4.When lingual tori is present.
 Design:

1.It consists of a pear shaped lingual bar with a

thin metal extending upward from the
superior border of the bar onto the lingual
surfaces of the teeth above the cingula
and survey lines.
2.In extension base partial denture the lingual
plates should have a rest on each side to
prevent labial movement of the teeth.
3.There should be adequate blockout and relief
of the soft tissue undercuts, undercuts in
the proximal areas of the teeth, the free
gingival margins and pear shaped bar.
Advantages
:
1.The most rigid mandibular major connector.
2.It gives indirect retention to the partial
denture.
3.Deflect food from impacting on lingual tissues.
4.Provide resistance against horizontal or lateral
forces.
5.Permits the replacement of lost teeth without
remaking the partial denture.
6.Help in splinting and prevent upper-eruption
of the anterior teeth.
Disadvantages:
Covers more teeth and gingival tissues than
other mandibular major connectors.
5.Labial bar
Indications:
1.When the mandibular teeth are so severely
inclined lingually as to prevent the
use of lingual major connector.
2.When large lingual tori exist and their
removal is contraindicated.
Design:
1.It is a half pear shaped bar, runs across the
mucosa labial to the anterior teeth.
2.Labial vestibule should be adequate to allow
the superior border to be placed at least 3
mm below the free gingival margins.
3.Relief is required beneath the bar.
Advantages:

It solves the problem of severely inclined

teeth and avoids surgical intervention to
remove large torus.

Disadvantages:
1.It tends to lack rigidity since it is
considerably longer than a lingual
bar.
2.The least comfortable mandibular major
connector.
Minor Connectors

Those components that serve as a

connecting link between major
connector or base of a removable
partial denture and the other
components of the prosthesis such as
Clasp assembly, occlusal rests or
cingulum rests.
Functions

To transfer
functional
stresses to the
abutment teeth.

To transfer the
effect of
retainers, rests
and stabilizing
components
throughout the
prosthesis.
Form and Location

Must have sufficient bulk to be rigid.

Bulk should not be objectionable.
A minor connector contacting the
axial surface should be in an
embrasure.
It should conform to the interdental
embarasure.
Should be tapered to the tooth
Minor Connectors

Connects components to the major

connector
Direct retainer
Indirect retainer
Denture base
Functions of Minor
Connectors
Unification and rigidity
Stress distribution
Bracing through contact with guiding
planes
Maintain a path of insertion
Types of Minor
Connectors
Embrasure Minor Connectors
Between two adjacent teeth
Types of Minor
Connectors
Embrasure Minor Connectors
Triangular shaped in cross section
Joins major connector at right angles
Relief placed so connector not directly on
soft tissue
Types of Minor
Connectors
Embrasure Minor Connectors
Contact teeth above height of
contour
Prevents wedging & tooth mobility
Alternatively, difficult to seat
Gridwork Minor
Connectors
Connect the denture base and
teeth to the major connector
Gridwork Minor
Connectors
Adjacent edentulous spaces
Usually connect major
connector to direct retainers
Open lattice work or mesh types
Gridwork Minor
Connectors
Mesh type
Flatter
Potentially more rigid
Less retention for acrylic
if openings are small
 Gridwork Minor
Connectors
Lattice Type
Potentially superior retention
Interferes with setting of teeth,
if struts are too thick
Both types are acceptable if
correctly designed
Gridwork Relief

Mechanical retention of denture

base resin
Allows the acrylic resin to flow
under the gridwork
Gridwork Relief

Relief wax is placed in the

edentulous areas
1 mm of relief
Relief Under the
Gridwork
Should begin 1.5 - 2 mm
from the abutment tooth
Relief Under the
Gridwork
Creates a metal to tissue
contact adjacent tooth
Junction With Major
Connector
Butt joint with slight undercut in metal
Maximum bulk of the acrylic resin
Prevents thin, weak edges fracturing
 Mandibular Gridwork
Design

Extend 2/3 of the

way from abutment
tooth to retromolar
pad
Never on the
ascending portion of
Stewart's, Fig. 2-
the ridge 55
Maxillary Gridwork
Design
Gridwork
2/3 of the length of
from abutment to
the hamular notch
Major connector
extends fully to the
hamular notch
Gridwork Design

Facially just over the crest of the

residual ridge
 Position of Major Connector
Junction
Should be 2 mm medial to lingual
surface of denture teeth
Ensures bulk of resin around teeth
 Mandibular Tissue Stops

Contact of metal
with cast at
posterior of distal
extension gridwork
Prevents distortion
at free end during
hydraulic pressure
of processing
 No Tissue Stops In
Maxilla

Maxillary major
connector acts as
a tissue stop (no
relief)
 Proximal Plates

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 Plates
 Proximal Plates

Shifted slightly lingually

Increases rigidity
Enhances reciprocation
Improves esthetics
Often a triangular space below the
guiding plane (an undercut)
 Proximal Plates

Rigid, cannot be
placed in undercut
Block-out placed in
undercuts prior to
waxing and
casting the
framework
Zero Degree Block-Out

Does not deviate from path of insertion

Instructions to the laboratory should
state Use zero degree blockout
 Rests and similar
Definition
components
Any component of a partial denture on a tooth surface that provides vertical support is
called a rest.
The prepared surface of an abutment to receive the rest is called the rest seat.

Rest seat preparation for posterior teeth

Occlusal rest seats in enamel.
Occlusal rest seats as apart of a new cast-metal restoration.
Occlusal rest seats on the surface of an existing cast-metal restoration.
Occlusal rest seats on an amalgam restoration.
Embrasure rest seats.
Placement of Cingulum rest seats using dental bonding techniques :
 Anterior Rests
Basic general requirements of anterior rests:
1- Center is deeper than the surrounding surface.
2- Rounded in all aspects.
3- There is easy access for impression making and cleaning.
4- Contoured to form half circle (free end saddle).
5- No undercuts.
6- Placed near to gingiva and bone ( decrease leverage).
7- No interference with planned occlusion.
8- Properly contoured so that increasing force applied dont
cause separation of teeth.
9- It is positioned in line with the residual ridge for an
extension prosthesis.
 Methods of providing positive
[ I ]anterior
Lingual rests:occlusal rests
a) Complete& crown:
b) Inlay and Onlay:
c) Composite-light cured:
[ II ] Incisal rests:
* Ideal requirements of Incisal rests:
1- Provides positive seat by extending over the incisal edge
onto the labial surface of the tooth.
2- Restoring anterior guidance& anatomy.
3- Stabilization of mobile teeth.
 Embrasure Hooks
Function:
1. Provide support.
2. Resist lateral forces.
3. Resist antero-posterior forces.
4. Splinting.
5. Indirect retainer.

Disadvantages:
1. Wedging action.
2. Low esthetics.
 Rests

Function:
1. Provide rigid prosthetic support.
2. Restore occlusion.
3. Direct forces along the long axis of the teeth.
4. Provide reciprocation and stabilization.
5. Prevent denture settling.
6. Indirect retainer.
7. Prevent food impaction in inter-dental spaces.
1- Provide support:
2- Restore Occlusion:

A- Tooth has tipped out of proper occlusal alignment.

B- Teeth not erupted to proper occlusal plane:
C- Loss of V.D.O. ( due to wear loss ):
3- Direct forces along the long axis of the tooth:
- Force in proper direction. - Tooth born cases.
- Photo-elastic study of short rest. - Study of extended rest.
4- Provide reciprocation and stabilization:
A- Reciprocation of tooth by a small buccal or lingual extension
of occlusal rest.
B-
Requirements of posterior
rests
1. Should provide a rigid support.
2. Should extend to center of the tooth (tooth-supported
cases).
3. The end of the rest must be slightly deeper and rounded.
4. All aspects should be rounded with no sharp angles.
5. There should be no undercuts in the path of insertion.
6. Should restore the occlusal plane.
7. It should be minimum 1mm thick.
8. It should provide reciprocation.
2. Rest Seats-Anterior rests

Incisal rest

Circular
concave rest Cingulum rest
Cingulum Rests: Flamed Shape & Inverted Cone Shape Burs

2. Use inverted cone shape bur

to create the positive rest seat

1. Use flamed shape bur at 45

to create an outline form
Incisal Rests: Flamed Shape Bur
Incisal Rests: Flamed shape bur
Positive Incisal Rest:
1. Two Planes Preparation:
Incisal Plane
Labial Plane
2. Concave MD, Convex BL
3. 1/3 of MD Incisal Width

Incisal Plane Labial Plane

Anterior Circular Concave Rests:
#2/or #4 round burs
 Rest prep on existing PFM crown:
Diamond bur only
Always inform the patient in advance the potential
risk of perforating the existing crown/or restoration
Tooth Preparation for RPD Posterior Rests #4/or #6/or #8
1. Parallel Guiding Surfaces round bur
2. Rest Seats-Anterior rests
Posterior rests
Rests Areas-must be positive
Spoon shape (thicker in the center of the tooth than
at the marginal ridge)
Minimum thickness: 1.25 mm
Wider at the marginal ridge
Rounded, especially at the junction with
the minor connector
Tooth Preparation for RPD
1. Parallel Guiding Surfaces
2. Rest Seats
3. Adequate Clearance for Interproximal space
Minor Connectors
 Methods of providing
Posterior rests

1. Natural tooth surface.

2. Crowns.
3. Long or continuous rests.
4. Onlays.
1- Natural tooth structure:
The fitting surface of the Rest on the enamel should be
finished, rounded and smoothened to prevent:
1. Slight rotation of rest in free end saddle cases so decrease
stresses.
2. Decrease the food impaction.
Rest should direct the force in long axis
of the tooth.
 Design of rest is determined according to:
1. Opposing occlusion
2. Rest of occlusal plane
3. Support.
4. Control of the direction of movement
5. Bracing
Areas of marginal ridge should have proper
thickness to avoid fracture.
2- Crowns:
3- Long or continuous rest:
Splinting of periodontally weakened teeth:

* Loss of tooth contacts& periodontal diseases Cause:

1. Tooth migrations.
2. Disruption of occlusion.
3. Loss of function.
4. Regression of gingiva&
bone.
 Indications of continuous rests:
1. Single tooth when the tooth fossa is deep and the
opposing cusp is deeply recessed into the fossa (i.e. The
rest will fill deep fossa and the opposing cusp is reduced)
2. When the occlusal plane on posterior teeth is restored,
the width of the rest shouldn't be increased beyond
normal rest width.
 The function of extended occlusal rest:
1. Gain support from both teeth.
2. Restores occlusion.
3. Prevent the posterior molar from elongation.
4) Onlays:
Covers the whole occlusal surface and extended to labial
or buccal surface of the teeth above height of contour (cast
gold Chrome cobalt alloy).
Function:
1. Provide support.
2. Increase V.D.O. to proper level.
3. Splinting of periodontally affected teeth.
Placement of Cingulum rest seats using
dental bonding techniques :
Maxillary canines usually exhibit The placement
of Cingulum rests ,but most mandibular canines
do not exhibit properties that will permit the
placement of properly formed Cingulum rest
seats.
Mandibular canines do not display prominent
cingula , nor do they have appreciable thickness
of enamel on their lingual surfaces.
Attempts to prepare Cingulum rest seats on
mandibular canines often results in exposure of
the underlying dentine and greatly increase the
risk of caries.
.
As a result ,practitioners have devised other methods for
the placement of Cingulum rest seats.
- Among these are the placement of Cingulum rest seats
using conservative castings and composite resin materials.
When abutment contours will not permit the preparation
of a conventional Cingulum rest seat ,the practitioner may
bond a small metal casting to the lingual surface of the
tooth.
- this may be accomplished rather easily using minimal
tooth preparation ,a relatively small cast , and a suitable
bonding agent
Retention:

The quality of the prosthesis to

resist the forces that tend to move it
away from the tissues.

The means by which retention is

achieved are known as RETAINERS.
Means Of Retention:

Mechanical e.g.
Clasps; Internal
attachments &
Guide planes
Physiological i.e. by
harnessing the Pt.s
muscular control
Physical i.e.
Cohesion; Adhesion;
Surface tention etc.
Means Of Retention:
Types Of Retainers:

1. Direct Retainers
- Intra Coronal:
Internal/Precision
attachments
- Extra Coronal: Clasps; Guide
Planes
2. Indirect Retainers
Intra Coronal Retainers:
Precision Attachments:
Consist of:
Keys: attached to
the removable
partial denture
frame work
Keyways:
contained within
abutment crowns.
Intra Coronal Retainers:
Precision Attachments:
TYPES:
Intra coronal ZA
(Zee Anchors);
Magnets
Extra coronal
Dalbo attachment
Intra radicular
Kurer system
Intra Coronal Retainers:
Precision Attachments:
Principal: Advantages:
Frictional Elimination of
resistance to visible retentive &
removal & support
placement components
Limitations of Better vertical
movements loading of
abutment tooth
Intra Coronal Retainers:
Precision Attachments:
Disadvantages:
Especially prepared abutment & castings
Complicated clinical & laboratory
procedures
Progressive loss of frictional resistance
Difficult to repair or replace
Difficut to place completely within the
circumference of abutment tooth.
More costly
Intra Coronal Retainers:
Precision Attachments:
Limitations:
Age of the Pt.
Size of the pulp
Length of the crown
Greater cost
Types Of Retainers:

1. Direct Retainers
- Intra Coronal:
Internal/Precision
attachments
- Extra Coronal: Clasps; Guide
Planes
2. Indirect Retainers
Extra Coronal Retainers:
Clasps:
TYPES:
Occlusally
approaching/
Circumferential
clasp
Gingivally
approaching/ Bar
type clasp
Combination clasp
Factors Influencing
Clasp Flexibility:
Depth of the undercut
(Angle of cervical convergence)
Length of clasp arm
Diameter of clasp arm
Cross-sectional form
Material used
Depth of the undercut:
(Angle of cervical convergence)

Retentive force of a
clasp is directly
proportional to the
depth of the
undercut.
Length of clasp arm:

Retentive force of clasp

is inversely
proportional to the
length of clasp arm.

Length of the cast

retentive clasp arm is
measured along the
center of arm until it
either joins clasp body
or embedded in the
base plate.
Diameter of clasp arm:

Greater the diameter of clasp arm, the less

flexible it will be, all other factors being
equal.

If the thickness is reduced to one half the

flexibility will increase by 8 times.

If the taper is absolutely uniform, the

average diameter will be at a point midway
between its origin and its terminal end.
Cross-sectional form:

Round section & half

round section clasps
flex easily in horizontal
plane but the half
round is more resistant
to movement in
vertical plane.

The round section is

the only universally
flexible form.
Material used:

The most commonly used alloy Co-Cr

has the modulus of elasticity (stiffness)
twice as that of gold.
Thus under identical positions the force
required to deflect a Co-Cr clasp is
double than that of gold.
Comparison b/w
Occlusally & Gingivally
approaching Clasps:
Retention
Bracing
Appearance
Hygiene
1-Retention:
(Occlusally approaching)
Only the terminal third
of the clasp should
enter the undercut
area.
If there is more
undercut coverage?
High force during
insertion & removal
Periodontal problems
Clasp distortion.
1-Retention:
(Gingivally approaching)
Only tip contacts
the tooth surface
remainder of the clasp
is free of contact.

The length of the

clasp is more than
occlusally
approaching clasp -
giving more flexibility.
2-Bracing:

As the occlusally
approaching clasp
is more rigid and is
more in contact
with tooth surface
so transmits more
horizontal forces to
the tooth.
3- 4-Hygiene:
Appearance:
There is no evidence
that one clasp type
Gingivally encourages more
plaque accumulation
approaching clasp
than the other.
has a more
potential for being However it is assumed
hidden than that that gingivally
of occlusally approaching clasp pose
approaching clasp. more threat to
priodontal health.
Factors Governing the
Choice of Clasp:

Position of undercut
Health of periodontal tissues
Shape of the sulcus
Length of clasp
Appearance
Position of undercut:
Health of periodontal
tissues:
Shape of the sulcus:
Combination Clasp:

The combination clasp consists of a

wrought wire retentive clasp arm attached
to the cast reciprocal arm and occlusal
rest.

The retentive arm may be of:

Gold
stainless steel
cobalt chromium etc.
Combination Clasp:
Advantages:
Flexibility
Adjustability
Less fatigue
failures
Esthetic
advantages over
other clasps.
Less tooth
surface coverage
Combination Clasp:
Disadvantages: Uses:
Extra steps in On abutment tooth
adjacent to free
fabrication
end saddle area
Distorted by Periodontally
careless handling compromised tooth
Less accurately Lingual retention in
adapted less conjunction with
stabilization in internal rests.
suprabulge area
Guiding Planes:

Two or more parallel, vertical

surfaces of abutment teeth, that can
determine the path of insertion &
removal of a prosthesis.

Various portions of the P/D contact

the guiding planes but the portion
specifically designed so is called as
Guiding Plane Surface or Guiding Plate.
Functions of Guiding
Planes:
Provide one path of insertion &
removal for the prosthesis.
Prevents clasp deformation
Ensure the intended actions of
various components of partial
denture.
Improved esthetics.
Eliminate gross food traps b/w
abutment teeth & components of
dentures.
Provide one path of insertion
& removal for the prosthesis:
Prevents clasp deformation:

Prevents the clasp

deformation by
allowing the
denture to be
removed along a
planned path.
Ensure the intended actions
of various components of
partial
For example:denture:
it ensures to
maintain a
continuous contact
of reciprocating arm
with tooth surface
while denture is
inserted or removed.
Improved esthetics:

Permits intimate
contact b/w saddle
& abutment
How to Prepare?

Width - about 2/3 (two third) of the

distance b/w tips of adjacent Buccal &
Lingual cusps
OR
about 1/3 (one third) of the buccal lingual
width of the tooth.
Height - should extend cervically from the
marginal ridge about 2/3 (two third)
of the length of enamel crown (3mm).
How to Prepare?

Should be prepared by removing a

uniform & minimum thickness of about
0.5 mm.
Avoid creating buccal & lingual line
angles.
The part of the P/D contacting the
guiding plane should have the same
curvature as the prepared surface.
From occlusal view it tapers buccally
from thicker lingual portion.
The RPI System:
RPI System:

R = Mesial rest
P = Distal located
Guiding Plate
I = I bar (Gingivally
approaching
clasp)
The RPI System:
Retention

Retention is the phenomenon,

by which the forces acting to
displace the prosthesis away
from its seat are counter
acted.
Means of Retention
Structures by which retention
may be obtained.
In partial dentures for example.
Clasps.
Acting by tensile friction.

Undercut areas.
Retainer

Mechanical device used for

the fixation of removable
partial denture.
Types of Retainers

Direct retainers
Indirect retainers
Direct Retainers

Applied directly to the

abutment tooth.
Types of Direct
Retainers
Part of Prosthesis
Clasps
Undercuts
Prosthesis / abutment
component
Precision attachments
Frictional resistance
Clasps
Wrought iron
Simple
Spring
Adams
Ball end
Cast
Circumferential Occlusally approaching
Bar Gingivally approaching
Selection of a Clasp
Depends on
Location of undercuts
Depth of undercuts
Magnitude of stresses
Displacing forces
Fulcrum line
Diameter of retaining arm
Hardness of the metal alloy
Length of retaining arm
Parts of a Clasp

Body
Retaining arm
Reciprocating
arm
Occlusal rest
Body of the Clasp

Rigidly joins
Various parts of the clasp
together
The clasp to the prosthesis
Retaining Arm
Acting on the principle of tensile
friction, provides retention by
engaging the infra bulge area.
The involvement of undercuts should
not exert stresses beyond the
physiologic limits of tolerance of the
Periodontium.
 Retaining Arm tensile
friction
Tensile friction can be controlled by
Selecting a metal alloy of suitable
elasticity
Length of the retaining arm
Diameter of the retaining arm
Depth of the undercuts
Parts of Retaining
Arm
Anchorage
Arm
Shoulder
Crib
Retaining Arm
Anchorage is embedded in the main
frame work
Arm remains away from the infra
bulge area and does not extend onto
the infra bulge area. Its length controls
the stresses exerted upon the
abutment
Shoulder braces the maximum bulge
area
Crib or free end engages the undercut
to provide retention.
Reciprocating Arm

Bracing action
Provides support
Located on the
supra-bulge area
Usually opposite to
the retaining arm
Cast Clasps

Circumferential
- Occlusally
approaching
Bar Clasps
- Gingivally
approaching
Circumferential clasp

Occlusally approaching
Types of Circumferential
Clasps
Conventional
Average
Back action
Reverse back action
Single body mesiodistal
Split body mesiodistal
Embrasure
Split circumferential
Conventional
Circumferential clasp
Average circumferential
clasp
When undercut on the buccal side is
not deep enough and a suitable
under cut is available on the lingual
side we design the clasp in such a
manner that both arms are retentive
as well as reciprocating.
Average circumferential

Buccal Lingual
Back action clasp

Suitable under cut is adjacent

(proximal) to the saddle area on the
buccal side.
Two occlusal rests are essential as
the size of the clasp is large.
Figure 5
 Back action

Buccal

Lingual
Reverse back action

This clasp is
Buccal
given when a
suitable
undercut is
present on the
lingual side
adjacent
(near/proximal)
to the saddle
area Lingual
Single body mesiodistal

Given on the
canines
It has one
cingulum rest
One body
Two arms one
mesial and one
distal arise from
the body.
Split body mesiodistal

Given in unilateral free end saddles in class

II cases.
2 bodies one on mesial side and one on
distal side
The reciprocating arm is on the supra
bulge of the lingual side
2 Retaining arms on each side runs in the
interdental embrasures to the buccal
surface and engages the buccal undercuts.
There are 2 occlusal rests
Split body mesiodistal

Lingual side with

the reciprocating
arm

Buccal side with

the mesial and
distal retaining
arms
Embrasure clasp

These clasps are

used when there are
no edentulous spaces
on the opposite side
of the arch to aid in
clasping. In class II or
class III cases.
Double occlusal rests
2 retentive arms
2 reciprocating arms
Split circumferential
Clasp
When under cut spaces are on mesial
and distal surfaces.
2 bodies one on mesial and one on
distal side
From one body arise an arm that goes to the
buccal
From the other body the arm goes to the
lingual
2 arms
2 occlusal rests
Split circumferential
Clasp
 Types of Bar clasp/
gingivally approaching
clasps
I-Shape
T- Shape
U- Shape
C- Shape
Ball & Socket
I Shape Bar clasp

I-Shape
Small undercut
area near
gingival line
T- Shape Bar clasp

No room to
approach undercut
area occlusally
No place for rigid
arm
U- Shape Bar clasp

A dip in survey
line
C- Shape Bar clasp

This is given in
cases where the
length of clasp
has to be
increased to
increase flexibility
of the retaining
arm.
Ball & Socket

Given when no
suitable undercut
exists.
A socket is
prepared on the
tooth surface and a
ball end type bar
clasp is made
which engages the
prepared socket
Combination Clasp:

The combination
clasp
consists of a
wrought
wire retentive
clasp arm
and the cast
reciprocal arm