DEFINITION

FUNCTIONS
FULCRUM LINES
MODE OF ACTION OF INDIRECT
RETAINERS
FACTORS AFFECTING
EFFECTIVENESS OF INDIRECT
RETAINER
TYPES OF INDIRECT RETAINERS.
 The component of partial removable
dental prosthesis that assist the direct
retainers in preventing displacement of
the distal extension denture base by
functioning through lever action on the
opposite side of the fulcrum line when
the denture base moves away from the
tissues in pure rotation around the
fulcrum line.
Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms.
 PRIMARY FUNCTIONS
It shifts the fulcrum line away from the
point of application of the force, thereby
counteracting the lifting force and
stabilizing the denture.
 AUXILLARY FUNCTIONS.
Reduces the antero- posterior tilting
leverages on principal abutments.
Helps in stabilization.
Act as an auxillary guide plane.
May provide the first indication to
reline an extension base partial denture.
 An imaginary line around which the
denture tends to rotate . ( GPT )
A fulcrum line passes through terminal
abutments.
TYPES : -
Retentive fulcrum lines : An imaginary
line connecting retentive points of clasp
arm , around which the denture tends
to rotate when subjected to forces such
as pull of sticky foods.

Stabilizing fulcrum line : An imaginary

line connecting occlusal rest , around
which the denture tends to rotate when
subjected to masticatory forces.
 TYPES OF FULCRUM LINES :
Class I :- Fulcrum line passes through
most posterior abutments .

Class II:- Fulcrum line passes through

most posterior teeth on one side and
abutment on distal extension side.
Class III :- Fulcrum line passes through
two principal abutments

Class IV :- Fulcrum line passes through

two abutments adjacent to the edentulous
spaces .
 More than one fulcrum line may be
present.
Indirect retainers must be placed as far
as possible from distal extension base ,
for better leverage advantage.
Most effective location for indirect
retainers is incisor region , but due to
their poor strength canines or
premolars are used .
Whenever possible two indirect
retainers , closer to the fulcrum line are
taken to compensate for the
compromise in distance.
 Effectiveness of direct retainers :-
In order to become indirect retainer
effective proper functioning of direct
retainer should be present i.e., the
retentive arm of direct retainer must
hold .the principal occlusal rest
properly.

.
Distance from the fulcrum line :-
Length of the distal extension base if
increases indirect retainers must be placed
far away from the fulcrum line.
Location of the fulcrum line , ideally
indirect retainers should be located at a
point perpendicular to the midpoint of
fulcrum line.
Distance from the fulcrum line , Indirect
retainer is placed as far as away from the
fulcrum line.
 Rigidity of the connectors
supporting the Indirect retainer.
Effectiveness of the supporting
tooth surface :-
Must be placed on a definitive rest
seat to prevent slippage .
Tooth inclines and weak tooth
never to be used.
 Auxillary occlusal rest
Canine rests
Canine extensions from occlusal
rests.
Modification areas.
Rugae support.
 Most frequently used.
Located on the occlusal surface far
away from distal extension denture
base .
Ideal location is central incisors , which
is weak ,therefore bilateral rests on first
premolar are effective.
Rests on premolars , do not interfere
with tongue movements.
 Also known as cingulum rests or
lingual rests.
Used when mesial marginal ridge of the
1st premolar is too close to the fulcrum
line.
When the teeth is lapped to render the
fulcrum line inaccessible.
The rest can be more effective by
placing the minor connector more
anterior to canine.
 Consist of a finger extension from
premolar rest to lingual slope of
adjacent canine.
Applied when first premolar is the first
abutment.
Should always be used with terminal
rests to prevent tipping leverage as in
single cingulum canine rest.
 The occlusal rests on a secondary
abutment in class II modification 1
serve as an indirect retainer.
If only one tooth is missing in the
modification areas , occlusal rests on
this side should provide support for the
unsupported major connector along
with indirect retainer.
 Rugae area is firm hence used for
indirect retention especially for class I
situation.
It can be used in case of U shaped
designs.
Less effective than a tooth supported
indirect retainer.