[Studies on the elastic deformation of skeleton palatal plates]

The elastic behavior of various types of Kennedy Class II/1 skeleton palatal plates with transversal connectors of varying widths has been the subject of this study. During function a permanent deformation is not to be expected. Theoretical considerations give rise to the assumption that the support axis is not the border between load-carrying and unloaded maxillary areas. This border is rather shifted towards a bounded saddle situation due to the deformation of the major and minor connectors depending on the forces of mastication and the shape of the plate. Relieving the denture base is not necessary to avoid rocking. Increasing the rigidity of the denture base results in a reduction of the loads placed on the saddle on the one hand, and in an increase in the forces of draw at the counterlateral bounded saddle on the other, which may cause dislodging of the entire denture.