September 19th, 2009 by admin

All definitive RPDs will have the
following components: (1) a major
connector, (2) several minor connectors, (3)
two or more direct retainers, (4) one or more
denture bases, and (5) one or more
prosthetic teeth (Fig. 3-1). Each component
or part one or more functions necessary for
the operation of the RPD. Each type of
component part has several possible designs.
In this chapter the various component parts
of a RPD will be defined and their functions
and desirable characteristics described. In
subsequent chapters the various possible
designs of each component part will be
discussed, and the criteria for selecting the
specific design of each component part
when designing a RPD will be described EIGHT FUNCTIONS OF RPD
COMPONENTS
Each component part of an RPD will
provide one or more of the following
functions:
Support: Resistance to movement
of the prosthesis toward the edentulous
ridge. Support is the means by which
occlusal forces are transferred to the teeth
and denture bearing tissues for dissipation
(Fig. 3-2).
Fig. 3-2.  SUPPORT-resistance to
movement of a prosthesis toward the tissues
Retention: Resistance to movement
of the prosthesis away from the edentulous
ridge along the path of placement (Fig. 3-3).
Fig. 3-3.  RETENTION-resistance to
movement of a prosthesis away from the
tissues along its path of placement and
removal
Reciprocation: The means by
which forces acting on one part of a RPD
are counterbalanced, counteracted or
negated by another part of the RPD.