09/09/2026
| Balancing Retention & Stability in a III Case
A Kennedy Class III maxillary case with five consecutive missing teeth from #12 to #16, extending into the anterior region. The design needed to balance retention, support, stability, and aesthetics.
1. Retention | Balancing retention and aesthetics
Design
• #17: Ring clasp with a mesial occlusal rest
• #25: Embrasure clasp
Why
→ To avoid a visible retainer on #11 while maintaining retention, the main clasping was shifted to the posterior abutments. The retentive arm is directed mesially toward the edentulous space, with a mesial occlusal rest on #17 for support.
→ With five consecutive missing teeth, #17 alone could not provide sufficient retention. For additional retention while maintaining esthetics, an embrasure clasp with a mesial retentive terminal is placed on #25
2. Support & Stability | Strategic occlusal rests
Design
• #24: Occlusal rests
Why
→ Due to the anatomy and occlusion of the anterior region, reliable occlusal rests could not be placed from #11 to #22.
→ An additional mesial occlusal rest on #24 was therefore used to improve support across the extensive edentulous span.
3. Major Connector | Palatal plate
Design
• Palatal plate
Why
→ When designing the framework, we should not only optimize the occlusal rest design but also make full use of palatal tissue support. With an extensive anterior edentulous span, the palatal plate provides additional tissue support while connecting the framework components, improving oral hygiene and patient comfort.
→ Its broad palatal coverage also enhances support and helps reduce the load transmitted to the abutment teeth.
Every framework starts with a design decision.
Built through our complete digital workflow, from design to 3D-printed framework — ready for the dental lab to complete the final restoration.
