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A palatal plate is advised in the context of removable partial dentures particularly when the last abutment on either side is a canine or premolar. This design choice helps in several crucial ways.

When a removable partial denture is supported by canines or premolars, these teeth do not provide the same level of stability and support as molars, which can bear greater forces due to their broader occlusal surfaces. The palatal plate adds structural integrity and distributes occlusal forces more evenly across the dental arch, helping to reduce potential movement of the denture during function.

The use of a palatal plate is especially beneficial in cases where there is limited residual ridge support or atrophy of the ridge, common when the last abutments are not of sufficient size to adequately stabilize a denture on their own.

In addition, the palatal plate can enhance retention and provide a larger area for support, which is advantageous when extending the prosthesis across multiple teeth or supporting edentulous spans in the dental arch. Therefore, this approach helps optimize the function and comfort of the partial denture, particularly when relying on the support of canines or premolars.