Lec.11 ‫ياسر علي‬.

‫د‬

Prosthodontics
Stress Breaker
We know that the soft tissues are more compressible than the abutment
teeth. In a tooth-tissue supported partial denture, when an occlusal load is
applied, the denture tends to rock due to the difference in the
compressibility of the abutment teeth and the soft tissues.

Harmful Tissue-ward movements of distal extension under occlusal load

are transmitted to the abutment teeth resulting in loosening of these teeth.
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In distal extension restoration The strain on abutment teeth is

minimized through the use of:

1. Functional basing: the denture base will obtain adequate support

from the edentulous ridge when it is supporting functional load
without loss of occlusal contact this is achieved by functional
impression technique.

2. Broad coverage: broad, accurate denture bases can spread the

occlusal load equally over the entire supporting structures.

3. Use of narrow teeth and Harmonious occlusion: contact of

opposing teeth in centric or any eccentric positions within the functional
range will lead to reduction of the forces transmitted to abutments.
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4. Correct choice of direct retainers: the more flexible the clasp the
less force will be applied on the abutments, the retentive clasp must be
opposed by reciprocating elements that encircle at least 180 degrees of
the tooth.
5. rigidity of the major and minor connectors.): broad distribution of
force is accomplished through the rigidity of the major and minor
connectors.

6. Stress breakers: these components allow sufficient saddle movement

to prevent excessive strain upon abutment teeth.
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Stress breakers It is a device , which allows movement between the

denture base and the retainer to reduce tipping forces on abutment teeth.
this device separate the action of the direct retainers from the base
movement, so it was used to minimize strain on the abutment teeth to which
the partial denture is attached particularly if the abutment show loss of bone
support. It is indicated in a distal extension restoration.

Indications for the use of stress breakers:

1- In long distal extension RPD when a suitable clasp design for free end
extension RPD cannot be used.

2- Well formed residual ridges and weak abutment teeth. In this case, rigid
fabrication of major connector causes harm to the abutment teeth.

3- If internal retainers are used to retain a distal-extension base. otherwise

tipping forces will be transmitted directly to the abutment teeth and
subsequent leverages will result.
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Types of the Stress Breakers

1. Hinge joints

movable joint between the direct retainer and the denture base. Include hinges,
sleeves and cylinders, ball and socket device. These types have a movable joint
between the direct retainer and the denture base and permit the distal extension
denture base to move vertically independently of the retainers, so eliminate
tipping and torque on the abutment teeth.

2. Divided major connectors (split bar)

the major connector is split by incomplete cut parallel to the occlusal surface of
the teeth into two units,the denture base is connected to the lower unit while the
direct retainers are connected to the upper unit, by using this type of stress
breakers, the vertical forces applied on distal extension base must pass
anteriorly along the lower bar and then back along more rigid upper bar to reach
abutment tooth therefore the tipping forces that would otherwise be transmitted
directly to abutment tooth are dissipated by flexibility of lower bar and distance
traveled.
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3. wrought wire connectors

the direct retainers (clasps) are connected by heavy wrought wire (16-
gauge) and inferiorly placed cast major connector joins the denture base, the
heavy wrought wire and the cast major connector are joined together at
midline only by soldering.

4. Clasps designs used movable joint

Advantages of Stress breakers

1. Preservation of alveolar supports of abutment teeth by reducing the
horizontal forces acting on the abutment teeth.

2.The flexible type of stress breaker creates a balance of stress between the
abutment teeth and the residual ridge.

3.If relining is needed but not done, the abutment teeth are not damaged
quickly.
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4. Physiologic stimulation of the mucosa helps to minimize bone resorption

due to the intermittent pressure caused by movement of the denture base.

Disadvantages of Stress breakers

1. The denture is usually more difficult to fabricate and therefore more costly.

2. Vertical and horizontal forces are concentrated on the residual ridge

resulting in excessive soreness and increased ridge resorption,

3. If relining is not done when needed, excessive resorption of the residual

ridge may result.

4. The effectiveness of indirect retainers is reduced or eliminated because

their flexibility and movement may affect the horizontal stability of the
distal extension base which will affect the action of RPD components.

5. Flexible connectors may be bent and fractured by careless handling and

by repeated flexing, more stress will be applied on the abutment.

6. Easily distorted and difficult to repair.