Subjective reactions to major connector designs for removable partial dentures.

Simlated partial denture frameworks were fabricated for 12 dentists (subjects) who had intact dentitions and who had intact dentitions and who had had no previous experience in wearing partial dentures. The outline of the major connectors was modified during a 1 week interval. The data obtained from questionnaires brought about the following conclusions: 1. Preferences in maxillary major connector design were as follows: (1) broad posterior strap, (2) anteroposterior bar, (3) ring-type design, and (4) full palatal coverage. 2. The mandibular lingual bar was chosen over the lingual plate by a 3:1 ratio. 3. The natural palatal metal finish was perferred to the highly polished finish. 4. Metal borders parallel to tongue movement were better tolerated than those lying transverse. 5. Thickening of the posterior strap to permit its narrowing was not clinically feasible. 6. In general, patients adapted best to major connectors that covered the least amount of soft tissues.