Enhancing Longevity of Fixed Partial Dentures: A Case report of Non-Rigid Connectors in Pier Abutments

A pier abutment is a stable abutment tooth positioned between two edentulous spaces.A common clinical scenario involves the loss of the first premolar and first molar in either the maxillary or mandibular arch, necessitating a fixed partial denture design where the canine and second molar serve as terminal abutments, while the second premolar acts as the pier abutment.It has been suggested that during function, terminal abutments may experience intrusion, resulting in a tilting motion with the pier abutment acting as a fulcrum.These movements can ultimately lead to the debonding of the less retentive terminal retainer.To address this issue, the use of non-rigid connectors has been advocated.This clinical case report presents the application of a non-rigid connector in the rehabilitation of a pier abutment case.