Restoring orthodontically mistreated anterior quadrant using non rigid connector

Abstract

The excessive flexing of the long-span fixed dental prosthesis, which varies with the cube of the length of span, can lead to material failure of fixed dental prosthesis or to an unfavorable response.  Tooth movements in divergent directions create stresses that are transferred to the abutments and cause failure of the weaker retainer. Non rigid connectors transfer shear stresses to supporting bone and permits abutments to move independently. This clinical report describes the prosthodontic management of an earlier orthodontically mistreated patient with edentulous span on both sides of a pier abutment, with a fixed partial denture having a non-rigid connector.