page_title: Removable partial denture
section_title: Components of an RPD
hierarchical_section_title: Removable partial denture / Components of an RPD
caption_attribution_description: English: Removable partial denture made from flexible nylon resin
context_page_description: A removable partial denture is a denture for a partially edentulous patient who desires to have replacement teeth for functional or aesthetic reasons and who cannot have a bridge for any reason, such as a lack of required teeth to serve as support for a bridge or financial limitations.
  This type of prosthesis is referred to as a removable partial denture because patients can remove and reinsert it when required without professional help. Conversely, a "fixed" prosthesis can and should be removed only by a dental professional.
context_section_description: Rather than lying entirely on the edentulous ridge like complete dentures, removable partial dentures possess clasps of cobalt-chrome or titanium metal or plastic that "clip" onto the remaining teeth, making the RPD more stable and retentive.
  The parts of an RPD can be listed as follows (and are exemplified by the picture above):
  Major connector (The thick metal "U" in the RPD image above is a lingual bar, a type of major connector)
  Anterior-posterior palatal strap
  Single palatal strap
  U-shaped palatal connector (Horseshoe)
  Lingual bar
  Lingual plate
  Upper connectors
  There are many options for major connectors for removable upper partial dentures. The type of connector used will vary depending on the specific circumstances and the results of a comprehensive examination and discussion with the patient. Commonly used major connectors are outlined in the table below along with details of factors affecting the choice of using them.
  Plate
  Advantages of plates are that they are useful when several teeth are missing or there are multiple saddle. They also provide more retention, stability and support due to larger palatal coverage. Plates are useful when there are long distal extensions. 
  Disadvantages of plates are that they overs a lot of patients mouth so sometimes not well tolerated and also may affect phonetics. Plates can be problematic if there is a torus palatinus.
  Palatal bar (Strap/ Anterior-Posterior)
  Advantages of these are their rigidity and minimal soft tissue coverage yet still having good resistance to deformation. A-P strap useful for Kennedy class I and II or if there is a torus. A-P strap gives greater distribution of stresses.
  Disadvantages of these are that there is not much support due to less palatal coverage and also that is it bulky and so disliked by some patients.
  U-shaped palatal bar (horseshoe connector)
  Advantages of these are that they are useful in cases where we do not want to cover much of the palate e.g. if patient has a strong gag reflex, a large palatal torus or Kennedy class III.
  Disadvantages of these are that they are flexible due to distal extensions which can have adverse effects on force transmission to abutment teeth. They can traumatic to the residual ridge.
  Spoon denture
  Advantages of these are that they are useful in small  anterior saddles and are cheap to make.
  Disadvantages of these are that they have large palatal coverage for a small saddle.
  Palatal Strap/Bar (Single/ Anterior, mid or Posterior)
  Advantages of these are that single strap is useful for Kennedy class III and IV cases.
  Disadvantage of these are that single strap requires careful  placement  if there is a torus palatinus. They are generally inappropriate for Kennedy Class 1 or 2.
caption: Removable partial denture made from flexible nylon resin
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