In addition to joining denture parts,the minor connectors serves two other purposes.

    To transfer functional stress to the abutment teeth.Occlusal forces are transferred to other abutment teeth supporting auxiliary rests and to the abutment teeth supporting a partial denture that is entirely tooth borne.The minor connectors arising from a rigid major connector make possible this transfer of functional stress throughout the dental arch.This is a prosthesis-to-abutment function of the minor connector.

    To transfer the effect of the retainers,rests and stabilizing components to the rest of the denture.This is an abutment-to-prothesis function of the minor connector.Occlusal rests,clasp arms and other stabilizing components are transferred to the remainder of the denture by the minor connectors and then throughout the dental arch.Thus forces applied on one portion of the denture maybe resisted by other components placed elsewhere in the arch for the purpose.A stabilizing component on one side of the arch maybe placed to resisthorizontal forces originating on the opposite side.

• Form and location of minor connector
• Direct retainers