Connectors and attachments in oral rehabilitation

Abstract

Connectors, the term itself indicates connection or something that connects one thing to the other. In fixed Prosthodontics, connector refers to the portion of a fixed partial denture that unites the retainer and pontic. For two things to be joined together there should be a medium for it. In other words, something that will connect them together to make them look as one. In removable Prosthodontics, connectors are the one which unite the components: Major connector - that connects the components from one side of the arch to the other side of the arch. Minor connectors - the connecting link between the major connector or base of removable partial denture and other units of the prosthesis such as clasps, indirect retainer and occlusal rest. Precision attachments are special type of direct retainers used in partial denture construction. By definition, the term precision denotes 'the quality or state of being precise'. They are sometimes said to be a connecting link between the fixed and removable type of partial dentures as it incorporates features common to both types of construction. This article brings a case report of using the connectors and attachment for oral rehabilitation.