Types of Maxillary Major Connectors

TYPE	IMPORTANT FEATURES
Single palatal bar	• Palatal connector component of less than 8mm in width is referred to as a bar • It is the least logical of all palatal connectors • To maintain rigidity it has to be made bulky • Derives least support from the palate .
Palatal strap	• It has suitable rigidity without excessive bulk • Its width should be increased as the edentulous span increases in length . • It is best suited for short span, tooth supported edentulous areas .
Anteroposterior Palatal Bar (double palatal bar)	• In comparison to the amount of soft tissue coverage, it is by far the most rigid palatal major connector • It is indicated in the presence of a torus that is not to be removed . • Anterior bar is narrower than the width of palatal strap. • Posterior bar is half oval; its width is equal to single palatal bar but less. bulky . • Derives least support from the bony palate • Not indicated in high narrow palatal vault and if the remaining teeth are periodontally weak
Anteroposterior Palatal Strap (Closed horse shoe)	• It is indicated in almost any maxillary partial denture design . • Structurally it is the rigid palatal major connector . • The anterior border should be located posteriorly in the valleys between the rugae crests . • Posterior border located at junction of hard and soft palates . • It is the best designed palatal major connector.
U shaped or Horse Shoe shaped	• Least desirable palatal major connector . • Poorest designed palatal major connector because it lacks rigidity • This is indicated only in cases of inoperable tori extending to the posterior limit of t he hard palate . • It lacks rigidity • This design leads to increased flexibility and movement at the open ends . • The wider the coverage, the more it resemble a complete palate (palatal plate)
Complete Palate (Palatal plate)	• It is the major connector that provides greatest retention . • Due to accuracy and stability of the cast metal, posterior palatal seal is not necessary. • The posterior border extends to the junction of the soft and hard palate . • It is indicated when anterior or posterior teeth are to be replaced bilaterally .