Entenda os CONECTORES MAIORES DA MAXILA

HELLO!!! In today's video, we'll continue our study of removable partial dentures, discussing another of their components: the major connectors. More specifically, we'll discuss the major connectors of the maxilla. If you haven't yet watched the video about the constituent elements of the RPD, I'll leave the link here for you. CONSTITUENT ELEMENTS OF THE RPD:    • PRÓTESE PARCIAL REMOVÍVEL | ELEMENTOS CONS...   The major connectors function as the prosthesis' chassis and have two main functions: • Bonding – it can directly and indirectly connect the RPD elements to each other. The major connector also has other secondary functions, which are: • Support – this biomechanical function is achieved thanks to the contact of the major connector with the fibromucosa. It's important to remember that prosthesis support is much more effective in the maxilla, where the prosthesis will be in contact with the palatal mucosa. • Direct retention – physical principles such as cohesion and atmospheric pressure • Indirect retention – also preventing tilting of the prosthesis, as with indirect retainers. However, it is important to remember that the presence of the major connector does not replace the presence of specific elements for indirect retention. In this case, the major connector only aids in indirect retention. • Stability – also provides stability to the prosthesis, as it is in contact with the fibromucosa. To fully understand major connectors, it is necessary to understand their biomechanical principles: • Rigidity = the major connector must be rigid to distribute the forces reaching the prosthesis over the abutment teeth and the mucosa supporting the prosthesis. Otherwise, it can overload the mucosa, intruding into the tissue, or it can overload the supporting teeth. Unlike major connectors of the mandible, major connectors of the maxilla do not require relief. On the contrary, the contact of the connector with the fibromucosa of the palate is important to provide support, support, and stability to the prosthesis. It's also important to remember that this contact between the larger connector and the hard palate shouldn't be harmful. There should be a balance of forces generated on the prosthesis so that they are also distributed across the supports. And remember, when the larger connector is rigid, it can better distribute these forces. The larger connectors should be kept 4 to 6 mm away from the free marginal gingiva. Leaving this space improves the patient's adaptation. We tend to rest the tip of the tongue in the region of the incisal papilla; if the larger connector occupies this space, it can cause discomfort for the patient. Palatal bar This type of larger connector can be anterior, middle, or posterior. They are thicker and narrower than overlay connectors. They have a "D"-shaped cross-section, and their thicker construction provides better rigidity, and we know that rigidity helps with force distribution. The palatal bar is a type of larger maxillary connector that is easy to manufacture, hence its widespread use. However, compared to other connectors, it doesn't offer very good rigidity, which is why it's recommended for Class III and IV cases, when there's a small prosthetic space. Partial Coverage These can be located in the anterior, middle, or posterior third of the palate. Compared to the palatal bar, they are wider and thinner. However, in this case, despite being thinner, they offer rigidity due to the increased width. Partial coverage can be indicated for Class I, II, III, and IV cases, with small to medium spaces. However, if the prosthetic space is larger, a combination of two partial coverages can be used. Full Coverage As the name suggests, it covers the entire palate. They can be made of metal or resin. Palatal roughness should be reproduced in the anterior region. Full coverage is indicated for arches with few remaining teeth. In this case, the larger connector can contribute more to the support, stability, and retention of the prosthesis. Double Bar Also known as a "D" bar, it has an anterior and a posterior part, and a free space in the center, forming a ring. The thickness of the double bar regions can vary according to biomechanical needs. It is universally indicated for classes I, II, III, and IV. Split Bar It has two parts: a single bar in the anterior region and a split bar in the posterior region. One part connects to the saddle, and the other connects to the other constituent elements of the RPD. The maxillary split bar, like the mandibular split bar, is indicated in cases where overloading of the remaining teeth is desired. I hope this video helped you in some way and that you understood a little more about larger connectors. If you liked it, don't forget to like and share this video to continue helping more people.