INDIRECT RETAINERS

An indirect retainer is that portion of the RPD that prevent

rotation of the saddle away from the tissues by creating
resistance on the opposite side of the fulcrum line.

Indications
1- Class I & II RPD’S require anterior indirect retainers
as the saddle lying posteriorly.
The movement of the RPD towards or away from the
residual ridge occurs around an imaginary line passing
between the most posterior abutments.
2- Class IV (long anterior edentulous span) requires
posterior indirect retainers as the saddle lying
anteriorly).
N B: - When the denture tends to rotate towards the tissues,
the fulcrum line is between the two principal occlusal rests,
while rotation away from the tissues occurs around an axis
between the retentive tips of the direct retainer. This
movement is controlled by the indirect retention.

Functions of the indirect retainers

1- Primary function is to prevent the rotation of the base away
from the tissues by creating a resistance on the opposite side
of the fulcrum line.
2- Auxiliary functions
a- Reduces the antero-posterior tilting leverage on the
principal abutments as the base lifts away from the
tissues.
b- Aids in stabilization against the horizontal movement
through the contact of its minor connector with the axial
tooth surfaces
c- May act as auxiliary supporting units to support a portion
of the major connector
 e.g. A lingual bar may be supported against settling
into the tissues by the indirect retainer acting as an
auxiliary rest

Factors affecting the effectiveness of indirect

retainers:-
1- Effectiveness of direct retainers
Unless the principal occlusal rest are held in their seats by the
retentive arms of the direct retainers, total displacement will
occur instead of rotation of the RPD & thus the indirect retainer
can resist rotational rather than displacement.

2- Distance from the fulcrum line

By increasing the distance between the fulcrum line & indirect
retainers~
N.B: Increases the effectiveness of indirect retainers:
A line perpendicular to the fulcrum line & ending in a tooth
that is capable of supporting a suitable rest preparation will
indicate the most effective location for indirect retention. The
longer this line, the more favorable will be the result, but
however, the distance depends on:-
a- Location of the fulcrum line.
b- Length of the distal extension base & number of
standing teeth.
c- How far beyond the fulcrum line the indirect retainer is
placed.
3- Rigidity of connectors that support the indirect retainers:-
If the arm is able to flex, forces would
be multiplied ( increase forces on the
abutment) instead of dissipated .
4- Effectiveness of the supporting tooth surface
Tooth inclines & weak teeth should
never be used for the support of indirect
retainers:-
 Forms of Indirect Retainers:
1- Auxiliary occlusal rest on the mesial fossa of the first
premolar:-
 It is frequent to find the most effective location of indirect
retainers in the vicinity of an incisor tooth, but however
that tooth may not be strong enough to support an
indirect retainers, or it may have steep inclines that
cannot favorably altered to support a rest without
damaging the tooth structure. In such cases we have two
choices:-
a- canine rests
b- mesio-occlusal surface of the first premolar, more
favorable than canine rests, because the surface is
horizontal not inclined.
 In Class I RPD a bilateral occlusal rest is used but with
Class II RPD usually unilateral occlusal rest is enough
except when the occlusal rest is needed to support a
major connector.
2- Canine extension from occlusal rest
 It is a finger like extension from a premolar rest placed
on the canine.
 It is indicated when the first
premolar serve as a primary
abutment, so the occlusal rest on the
mesial fossa is not effective as
indirect retainers.
3- Continuous bar retainer & lingual plate
 Technically, they are not retainers since they rest on an
unprepared lingually inclines of anterior teeth.
 The indirect retention is actually derived from the
terminal rests at either end in form of auxiliary occlusal
rest or canine rests.
  The continuous bar & the superior edge of the lingual
plate should never be placed above the middle third of the
tooth, so that orthodontic movement of the teeth during
rotation of the distal extension base is avoided.

4- Rugae Support
Rugae covering can act as indirect retainers for the maxillary
denture but with poor patient tolerance.

5- Direct-Indirect Retention
In the maxillary arch where only anterior teeth remain, full
palatal coverage is usually necessary, the added retention &
lesser bulk of the cast metal is usually adequate to prevent
lifting of the base away from the tissues & provide direct-
indirect retention.

6- Posterior palatal bar & posterior extension of palatal

strap.
Both lie posteriorly so can provide indirect retention for class
IV RPD.

N.B. In the upper arch, the teeth & hard palate may be used
to support the indirect retainer while in the lower jaw the teeth
only can be used for this purpose.

G D LUCK
Dr. M. El.SAMAHY's Lecture