Non-Rigid Connector for Managing Pier Abutment in FPD: A Case Report

A frequent clinical situation, either in the maxillary or mandibular arch, is of a missing first premolar and first molar, resulting in fixed partial denture design in which the canine and the second molar act as terminal abutments and second premolar act as a pier abutment. It has been postulated that the tendency of terminal abutments to intrude during function results in a teetering movements, where the pier abutment act as a fulcrum. These movements will eventually result in debonding of the less retentive terminal retainer. In order to overcome this potential risk, utilization of non rigid connectors has been advised. This clinical case report describes incorporation of non rigid connector to rehabilitate pier abutment case.