connector

connector /con·nec·tor/ (-ter) anything serving as a link between two separate objects or units, as between the bilateral parts of a removable partial denture.

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connector,

n the part of a partial denture that unites its components.

connector, anterior palatal major,

n a major connector uniting bilateral units of a maxillary removable partial denture. It is a thin metal plate that is located in the anterior palatal region.

connector bar,

n See bar, connector.

connector, cross-arch bar splint,

n a removable cross-arch connector used to stabilize weakened abutments that support a fixed prosthesis by attachment to teeth on the opposite side of the dental arch. It can be removed by the dental professional but not by the patient.

connector, lingual bar major,

n a type of connector used to unite the right and left components of a mandibular removable partial denture and occupy a position lingual to the alveolar ridge.

connector, linguoplate major

n a major connector formed by the extension of a metal plate from the superior border of the regular lingual bar, across gingivae, and onto the cingulum of each anterior tooth.

connector, major,

n a metal plate or bar (e.g., lingual bar, linguoplate, palatal bar) used to join the units of one side of a removable partial denture to those located on the opposite side of the dental arch.

connector, minor,

n the connecting link between the major connector or base of a removable partial denture and other units of the restoration, such as direct and indirect retainers and rests.

connector, nonrigid,

n a connector used where retainers or pontics are united by a joint permitting limited movement. It may be a precision or a nonprecision type of connector.

connector, posterior palatal major,

n (posterior palatal bar), a major transpalatal connector located in the posterior palatal region. It is used when the anterior palatal bar alone is insufficient to provide the necessary rigidity.

connector, rigid,

n a connector used where retainers or pontics are united by a soldered, cast, or welded joint.

connector, saddle,

n See connector, major.

connector, secondary lingual bar major (Kennedy bar),

n often called a
continuous clasp or
Kennedy bar. It rests on the cingulum area of the lower anterior teeth and serves principally as an indirect retainer and/or stabilizer for weakened anterior lower teeth.

connector, subocclusal,

n a nonrigid connector positioned gingival to the occlusal plane.