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VTAL TECHNOLOGY

Analysis of facial surface undercuts to determine

use of RPI or RPA clasps
Arthur M. LaVere, D.D.S.*
I:nixrv: it> c f the Pacific; School of Dentistry, San Francisco, Calif.

W hen using the rest-proximal plate-l-bar clasp arm

(RPI) clasp for a distal-extension base removable partial
(Fig. l), and select a clasp according to the following
criteria.
denture, there should be at least 3 mm clearance between 1. When tissue undercuts begin 3 mm or more away
the horizontal approach arm minor connector of bar from the gingival margin, ati RPI clasp is used no matter
clasps and the gingival margin.’ When the approach arm how deep the faeia1 surface tissue undercut (Fig. 2).
is placed less than 3 mm from the gingival margin, 2. When tissue undercuts begin less than 3 mm from
periodontal disease will likely occur as a result of
impingement of the gingival tissues with the develop-
ment of plaque under the approach arm. A primary
concern when making a removable partial denture
should be to avoid a design that might enhance periodon-
tal pathosis by impinging on the gingivae or disrupting
normal stimulation from the tongue, cheeks, and lips.’
Specific criteria should be used to decide when to use an
RPI or rest-proximal plate-Akers clasp arm (RPA).

INDICATIONS FOR USE OF THE RPI OR

RPA CLASP
Facial surface undercuts may prevent the proper
placement of the approach arm.’ Determine the
depth and location of the soft tissue undercut by
using a surveyor, analyzing rod, and millimeter ruler

Fig. 1. A surveyor, analyzing rod, and millimeter ruler

*Professor and Chairman, Department of Removable Prosthodon- are used to determine the depth of the facial undercut
tics. on the mandibular right canine.

Fig. 2. A and B, RPI clasps are used when tissue undercuts begin 3 mm or more from
gingival margins.

THE JOURNAL OF PROSTHETIC DENTISTRY 741

 Fig. 3. A and B, RPA clasps are used when tissue undercuts begin less than 3 mm from
gingival margins.

Fig. 4. A and B, RPI clasps are used when tissue undercuts are less than 3 mm from
gingival margins and less than 1 mm in depth.

Fig. 5. RPI clasps are used when facial surfaces of teeth Fig. 6. RPA clasps are used when facial surfaces of
are equal to tissue surfaces. teeth are facial to tissue surfaces.

742 DECEMB@R 1986 VOLUME 56 NUMBER 6

ANALYSIS OF FACIAL SURFACE UNDERCUTS

the gingival margin and are more than 1 mm in depth, REFERENCES

an RPA clasp may be used (Fig. 3). 1. Krol AJ: Removable Partial Denture Design--Outline Syllabus,
3. When tissue undercuts are less than 3 mm away ed 3. San ;Francisco, Bookstore, Universrty of Pacific, School of
from the gingival margin but are 1 mm or lessin depth, Dentistry.
an RPI dasp may be used (Fig. 4). Reprint requests to:
4. When facial surfacesof teeth are equal to the tissue DR. ARTHUR M LAVERE
surface, an RPI clasp may be used (Fig. 5). UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC
SCHOLL OF DENXSTRY
5. When facial surfacesof teeth are facial to the tissue
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115
surface, the RPA clasp may be used (Fig. 6).

Quick bxipLg of impres&ons with irreversible

hpdmcoliloid
Michael 0. HU, D.D.S.’
Veterans Administration Wadsworth Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif.

V arious methods, materials, and techniques to box

impressions have been dcsaibed to (1) preserve flange
contours, (2) regulate size and thickness of casts, (3)
facili&ate pouring of cast materials, (4) preserve tissue
contours of casts by minimixing exposure of casts to
water by avoid& excessivetrimming, and (6) protect
the borders of the impression with a land area.‘” The
ideal ,boxing technique and materials should (1) provide
support $o tIltam! . * borders without distor-
tion, (2) be quick and easywith consistentresults, (3) be
compatible with castmaterials and impression materials,
and (4) be inexpensive.
Stiphor” describeda boxing technique and found that
irreversible hydrocolloid was a compatible boxing medi-
um with various impression materials. This article
describesan irreversible hydrocolloid boxing technique
using a boxing form tbat redueestbe amount of time and
material necessaryto box an impression while maintain-
ing accurate borders.
A thin, vacummed mix of irreversible hydrocolloid
usesless material and permits pouring material around
thin, unsupported impression borderswithout distortion.
When the hydrocolloid sets, it adds support and mini-
mizes potential distortion that may occur in adapting
boxing materials of thicker consistency. In addition,
becausethe boxing material can be easily and cleanly Fig. 1. Pouring boxing form.
peeled away without damaging the impression, this
boxing technique is especially suitable for impressions that have occlusal rims with maxillomandibular relation
records attached, as might be used for the severely
medically compromised patient to decreasethe number
Presented as a table clinic at the American Prosthodontic Society
meeting, San Francisco, Calif. of appointments necessary to fabricate complete den-
*Resident, Advanced Prosthodontic Program. tures.

THE JOURNAL OF PROSTHETIC DENTISTRY 743