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What Is a Mandibular Lingual Bar?

When talking about a mandibular lingual bar, "mandibular" refers to the mandible, or the jawbone and "lingual" refers to the lingual area of the mouth, the tongue. A mandibular lingual bar is actually a prosthetic device that connects the bilateral parts of a removable partial denture. This bar can aid in the treatment of damaged teeth. It can also help with missing or drifting teeth and overall bite alignment.

  1. Purpose

    • Spaces in the mouth that cause drifting of existing teeth can result in the patient's bite becoming askew. The mandibular lingual bar, with its replacement teeth, can hold the spaces while giving the patient a more functional bite, not to mention a nicer smile and better facial contours. Removable partial denture (RPD) components provide guide surfaces and indirect retention without compromising the soft tissue of the lower part of the mouth and without causing further tooth loss or extraction. Since the mandibular bar is attached to a more solid foundation than a full denture it stays in place better.

    Construction

    • Simplicity is a factor to be maintained during construction of the mandibular lingual bar. A prefabricated wax pattern is used by the dentist or technician as a guide to shape the bar's metal framework. Rests and clasps are installed on both ends of the bar that attach to existing teeth. Saddles are attached to the rests and clasps forming the rigid bar that supports and distributes load to the teeth. Replacement teeth are attached to a gum-colored plastic base, which is secured to the metal framework.

    Care

    • It is imperative that the person wearing the mandibular lingual bar maintain superior oral hygiene. Brushing with a soft brush at least twice daily can reduce susceptibility to plaque and inflammation. Plaque removal must be performed routinely to protect existing teeth and gums. The mandibular bar can last up to 10 years with proper care, although over time gums shrink and the fit may have to be adjusted or the bar remanufactured.

    Complications

    • Patient tolerance complicates the use of the mandibular lingual bar. Discomfort in the mouth from the foreign prosthetic can cause the patient some anguish. But the mandibular bar, in its simplicity, gives less of an invasive feeling than other types of dentures. The larger the prosthetic device, the more the patient is prone to mouth irritation, sores, gum disease and other types of oral inflammation.

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