Connectors in FPD

R.Sunil
2nd MDS
 Contents

• Introduction
• Classification
• Indications
• Contraindications

• Design of connectors
• Rigid and non-rigid connectors
• Soldering technique
• Digital work flow
• Review of literature
• Conclusion
• References
 Introduction

• Connectors in fixed prosthodontics, the portion of the

fixed partial denture that unites the retainers and pontic
(GPT9).
• Rigid connectors are the portion of fixed partial denture
that joins the individual retainer and pontic together as
complete restoration.
• Any connectors that permit limited movements between,
otherwise independent members of the fixed partial
denture.
 Classification

• RIGID CONNECTOR:

• Cast connector –shaped in wax

• Soldered connector-intermediate metal alloy
• Welded connector-joining with heat.
• Loop connectors
• NON RIGID CONNECTOR:
• Dovetail or key-key ways
• Split pontic
• Cross-pin and wing
 Design considerations

• Hygiene considerations.
• Biologic considerations
• Mechanical considerations
• Aesthetic considerations
Design and position of connector
 Ideal width and shape of connectors

• For PFM crowns-4x4mm=16mm2

• For zirconia crowns-3x3mm=9mm2
• Ideal shape should be elliptical.
• A properly shaped connector has a configuration similar
to a meniscus formed between the two parts of the
prosthesis
 Cast connectors
• Connectors are waxed on the master cast before
investing the wax pattern.

• Because of the presence of the connections, the pattern

cannot be gripped on removal.

• Hence, these types of connectors must be restricted to

full veneer retainers that can be gripped bucco-lingually.

• Although the cast connectors are less time consuming

than the soldered type, the accuracy and fit of the
assembly can be affected.
 Soldered connectors

• In this type of connection, the wax patters are fabricated

similar to the cast connectors and then units are
sectioned with a thin ribbon saw or a thin business card
in to individual units before investing.
• By this method, the joint surfaces created will be
parallel, flat and have a controlled distance that allows
accurate soldering with minimum distortion.
 Welding

• Welding is another method of rigidly joining metal parts .

• Here the connection is created by melting adjacent
surfaces with heat or pressure.
• In individual metal working ,a distinction is made
between soldering in which the filler ,metal has a melting
point below 450o C(824 F) and brazing in which the filler
has a melting point above 4500 C( 824 F)
 Loop connector

• In a loop connector fixed partial denture, the connector

consists of a loop on the lingual aspect of the prosthesis
that connects adjacent retainers and/or pontic.
• The loop may be cast from sprue wax that is circular in
cross section or shaped from platinum-gold-palladium
(Pt-Au-Pd) alloy wire.
 Non rigid connectors
• Non rigid connectors are fabricated through incorporation
of prefabricated inserts in the wax pattern or through
custom milling procedures after the first casting have
been obtained.
• The second part is then custom fitted to the milled
retainer and cast. They are often made with prefabricated
plastic patterns. the retainers are then cast separately
and fitted to each other in metal
 Indications of non rigid connector
• The existence of pier abutment.
• The existence of the malaligned abutment.
• The presence of mobile teeth, which need to be splinted
together with fixed prosthesis
• Long‑span FPDs which can be distort due to shrinkage
and pull of porcelain on thin sections of framework and
thus, affect the fitting of the prosthesis on the teeth.
Contraindication for non-rigid connector

• If the abutment presents significant mobility

• If the span between the abutments is longer than one tooth

because the stresses transferred to the abutment tooth under

soldered retainer would be destructive

• If the posterior retainer and pontic are opposed by a removable

partial denture or an edentulous ridge while the two anterior

retainers are opposed by natural dentition.

 Key-key ways Connector

• When a fixed partial denture is fabricated with a non rigid

connector, it is necessary to align the path of insertion of
the key way with that of the distal abutment.
• This technique is best suited for relieving stress at
midspan on long pontics
 Split pontic

• This is an attachment that is placed entirely within the

pontic .
• It is particularly useful in tilted abutment cases where
the use of a conventional dovetail would necessitate the
preparation of a very drastic box in the distal aspect of
the pier abutment
 Cross – pin and wing

• The cross pin and wing are the working elements of a

two piece pontic system that allows the two segments to
be rigidly fixed after the retainers have been cemented
on their respective abutment preparations
 Techniques of fabrication

• Cast connectors:

• Connectors are waxed on the master cast before investing

the wax pattern.

• Because of the presence of the connections, the pattern

cannot be gripped on removal.

• Hence, these types of connectors must be restricted to full

veneer retainers that can be gripped bucco-lingually.

 hh
• Although the cast connectors are less time consuming
than the soldered type, the accuracy and fit of the
assembly can be affected.
• They are then invested and placed in burnout furnace.
• The mould is taken and placed in the centrifugal machine.
• The molten metal flows and the frame work or crowns get
ready.
hhh
Flux and antiflux
 Soldered connectors

• In this type of connection, the wax patters are fabricated

similar to the cast connectors and then units are
sectioned with a thin ribbon saw or a thin business card
in to individual units before investing.
• By this method, the joint surfaces created will be
parallel, flat and have a controlled distance that allows
accurate soldering with minimum distortion
Soldering technique
Occlusal index
Wax removal and pre heating
Then the assembly is placed in the burnout furnace
Low heat-torch soldering
Quenching
Non rigid connector
Digital work flow
 Size of connectors for zirconia

Gargari M Strength of zirconia fixed partial dentures: review of the literature: Oral &

implantology: 2010; 3(4/2010),15-24.
 Strength of connector

Ogino, Y., Nomoto, S., & Sato, T. (2016). Effect of Connector Design on Fracture
Resistance in Zirconia-based Fixed Partial Dentures for Upper Anterior Region. The
Bulletin of Tokyo Dental College, 57(2), 65–74.  
 Conclusion
• Connectors are the most smallest and also the most
carefully designed components in a FPD as their position
and design determine the success of the prosthesis.

• Based on the clinical conditions and prosthetic

requirements, different types of connectors are available
to make a choice.

• A choice between soldered and cast connection is

dependent on the length of the span and operator’s
preference.
 References

• Gargari M Strength of zirconia fixed partial dentures:

review of the literature: Oral &
implantology: 2010; 3(4/2010),15-24.
• Ogino, Y., Nomoto, S., & Sato, T. (2016). Effect of
Connector Design on Fracture Resistance in Zirconia-
based Fixed Partial Dentures for Upper Anterior Region.
The Bulletin of Tokyo Dental College, 57(2), 65–74.  
• Jeyanthikumari T Review article on connectors in fixed

partial dentures: Iosr journals: 2018; 17(11): 60-64.

• Rosenstiel S F Contemporary fixed prosthodontics: 4th.

ed. Missouri: Mosby, Elsevier; 2006: 843-869.