Partial dentures – basic design of maxilla dentures, Part 5

Partial dentures – Basic design of maxilla dentures, Part 5
Partial dentures – Basic design of maxilla dentures, Part 5

The designation minor connector comes from American usage. Originally designated as clasp tail, it acts as a connecting element between the clasp and the base. It performs its primary task, transmission of forces and shear distribution, only if given an appropriate solid design. This frequently leads to a situation in which the patient feels the minor connector to be annoying. There is often insufficient space available for the dentures. Ideally minor connectors, such as that of a G clasp, run directly from the saddle to the clasp shoulder. The basal contact area is given a convex design for hygienic reasons. As a result, there is no broad contact of the minor connector to the natural tooth. An exception is the structurally desired function as a guide surface or embracement for insertion and removal of the denture. Normally the contact area of the minor connector to the clasp tooth corresponds to the approximal contact point between natural teeth.

Source: Partial dentures – basic design of maxilla dentures, Part 5, Henning Wulfes, BEGO