Rehabilitation of a Pier Abutment Using a Custom Stress-Breaking Non-Rigid Connector in a Long-Span Fixed Partial Denture: A Clinical Case Report

Authors

  • Hrishikesh Ramkrishna Kadam Postgraduate Student, Dept of Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge, Vinayaka Mission’s Sankarachariyar Dental College, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation-Du Salem, 636308 Tamilnadu, India. , Orcid ID: 0009-0002-0768-2254 Author
  • G. Rajkumar Professor, Dept of Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge Vinayaka Mission’s Sankarachariyar Dental College, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation-Du Salem, 636308 Tamil Nadu, India., Orcid ID: 0000-0002-1670-1106 Author
  • Sunantha Selvaraj Professor, Dept of Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge Vinayaka Mission’s Sankarachariyar Dental College, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation-Du Salem, 636308 Tamil Nadu, India. Orcid ID: 0000-0001-6373-0084 Author
  • Bhuvanesh Kumar D. V Associate Professor, Dept of Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge Vinayaka Mission’s Sankarachariyar Dental College, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation-Du Salem, 636308 Tamil Nadu, India., Orcid ID: 0000-0003-1733-3066 Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55995/8xgf2d58

Keywords:

DMLS framework; pier abutment; non-rigid connector; stress breaker; fixed partial denture; key– keyway attachment.

Abstract

Background: Rehabilitating long-span partially edentulous arches with pier abutments in fixed prosthodontics is biomechanically difficult. Rigid connectors can concentrate stresses, causing retainer debonding, porcelain fracture, and prosthesis failure due to abutment teeth mobility. Limiting prosthesis component mobility and stress transmission with a non-rigid connector reduces stress. This paper describes clinical rehabilitation of a maxillary pier abutment using a custom key-keyway non-rigid connector in a metal-ceramic fixed partial denture. Case presentation: A 63-year-old woman came with missing teeth and had problems with mastication. Missing teeth 14, 16, 25, 26, and 27 and pier abutment tooth 15 were clinically present. A custom key–keyway non-rigid connector on the mesial pier abutment was planned for a five-unit porcelain-fused-to-metal fixed partial denture from teeth 13 to 17. A six-unit fixed partial denture from teeth 23–28 followed. Both prostheses used DMLS and Type I glass ionomer luting cement. Outcome: Prostheses had good marginal adaptation, passive adjustment, functional occlusion, and esthetics. At 1 week, 1 month, and 4 months, we found stable occlusion, healthy periodontal tissues, no retainer loosening, connector failure, or ceramic fracture. Patient mastication and satisfaction improved. Clinical Importance: A custom non-rigid connector on the mesial side of a pier abutment reduces biomechanical stress. Clinical performance of long-span fixed partial dentures improves.

References

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Published

2026-03-15

Issue

J-CPI: Volume 8, Issue 1, 2026

Section

Case Reports

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Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s)

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How to Cite

Rehabilitation of a Pier Abutment Using a Custom Stress-Breaking Non-Rigid Connector in a Long-Span Fixed Partial Denture: A Clinical Case Report. (2026). Journal of Clinical Prosthodontics and Implantology, 8(1), 23-27. https://doi.org/10.55995/8xgf2d58