BASIC PRINCIPLES OF CLASP

DESIGN
 CONTENTS
1. Introduction
2. Direct retainers
3. Clasp designs
4. RPD principles
5. Types of clasps.
6. Recent advances in
RPD
7. Conclusion
8. References.
 INTRODUCTION
The prognosis of the patients treatment depends on a satisfactory
treatment plan, that to be a well constructed RPD which is properly
fitted to the mouth, and adequate maintenance of the teeth, soft and
hard tissues and prostheses by the patient and dentist.
 DEFINITION

DIRECT RETENTION

“Retention obtained in a partial removable dental prosthesis by the use of

clasps or attachments that resist removal from the abutment teeth” –GPT-8

DIRECT RETAINER
“That component of a partial removable dental prosthesis used to retain and

prevent dislodgment, consisting of a clasp assembly or precision attachment”

GPT-8
 CLASSIFICATION OF DIRECT RETAINERS.

INTRACORONAL EXTRACORONAL

Retentive Clasp
Assemblies Attachments
Semi
Precision precision
attachment attachment Suprabulge infrabulge
 INTRACORONAL
• Proposed by Dr Herman E S Chayes in 1906.

• Retention is achieved by - frictional resistance.

• PRECISION ATTACHMENT- manufactured by high precision technique and

instruments

• SEMI PRECISION ATTACHMENT-less intimate contact between matrix and

patrix component. Unlike precision attachment they consist of tapering walls

and are casted from wax or plastic pattern

 EXTRACORONAL ATTACHMENTS

• First proposed by Henry H Boos 1900 later modified by Ewing F Roach in 1908.
• Located outside the teeth.
• Retention from - mechanical resistance.
• Permit vertical movement during vertical loading. Minimize potentially damaging
forces to abutment
 CLASP
• It is the component of the clasp assembly that engages the
portion of tooth surface and either enters an undercut for
retention or remains entirely above the height of contour to act
as a reciprocating element

• Generally it is used to stabilize and retain a removable

prosthesis.
 EXTRACORONAL DIRECT RETAINERS

OCCLUSALLY APPROACHING / GINGIVALLY APPROACHING /

SUPRABULGE / NEY TYPE I INFRABULGE/ BAR/ ROACH /
CLASP / CIRCUMFERENTIAL NEY TYPE II CLASP
 CLASP ASSEMBLY

The part of removable partial denture that acts as a direct retainer or stabilizer
for a prosthesis by partially encompassing or contacting an abutment teeth.
THE BASIC PARTS OF A CLASP ASSEMBLY
INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING
 REST

It is the part of the clasp that lies on the occlusal, lingual or incisal surface of a
tooth and resist (tissue ward) movement of the clasp by ensuring that the
retentive terminals of the clasp remain fixed in the desired or planned depth of
undercut.
 BODY OF CLASP

• It is the part of the clasp that connects the rest and shoulder of the clasp to the
minor connector.
• It must be rigid.
• Above the height of contour.
 SHOULDER

• It is the part of the clasp that connects the body to the clasp terminals.
• The shoulder must lie above the height of contour and provide some
stabilization against horizontal displacement of the prosthesis.
 RETENTIVE ARM

• It is the part of the clasp comprising the shoulder which is not flexible and
is located above the height of the contour. It is the terminal end of the
retentive clasp arm.

• It is the only component of the removable partial denture that lies on the
tooth surface cervical to the height of the contour.
 RECIPROCAL ARM

A rigid clasp arm placed above the height of contour on the side of the tooth,
opposing the retentive clasp arm.
COMPONENT PARTS FUNCTION LOCATION
Rest Support Occlusal, lingual, incisal
Minor connector Stabilization Proximal surfaces extending from
prepared marginal ridge to the
junction of middle and gingival third
of abutment crown

Clasp arms Stabilization Apical portion of middle third of

crown

Reciprocation Apical portion of middle third of

crown

Retention Gingival third of crown in the

measured undercut
The critical areas of an abutment that is responsible
for RETENTION,STABILIZATION,
RECIPROCATION and guide planes can only be
identified with the use of dental surveyors
Analysis of tooth
contour
• Before moving on to principles of clasp design its vitally important to
consider how tooth contour & RPD components must be related to
allow a stable prosthetic function.

WHAT IS ?
PATH OF PATH OF HEIGHT OF
INSERTION REMOVAL CONTOUR
• The retentive element of an individual clasp assembly is a metal clasp arm that
displays a limited amount of flexibility.

• This flexibility allows the tip of the retentive clasp to pass over the greatest
diameter of an abutment and contact the surface of the tooth as it converges
apically
Forces acting to dislodge a removable partial denture typically
occur perpendicular to the occlusal plane (broken line). To
effectively resist dislodgement, the path of prosthesis insertion
and removal (arrows) should also be perpendicular to the occlusal
plane.
• Point of maximum convexity or the term height of contour - Dr Edward
Kennedy in 1985.
• This critical area of an abutment that provide for retention & stabilization
can only be identified with the use of dental cast surveyor.
 PROTHERO’S CONCEPT
• Proposed “cone theory” of clinical crown in 1916. Provided conceptual basis of
mechanical retention. Contours of clinical crown resembles two cones sharing a
common base.
• The line formed at the junction of this base represents the greatest diameter of the
tooth.
• This greatest diameter is called height of contour or point of maximum convexity.
• Devan [1955 ] referred to the surface occlusal to the height of
contour as suprabulge, & the surface inclining cervically as
infrabulge.
A properly constructed suprabulge or infrabulge clasp assembly must incorporate the following
components: a rest (A), a retentive clasp (B), a reciprocal element (C), and one or more minor
connectors (D). Specific design features of the various components include vertical and horizontal
approach arms, clasp termini, clasp bodies, and clasp shoulders.
 ANGLE OF CONVERGENCE

• When the surveyor blade contacts a tooth on the cast at its greatest convexity, a triangle
is formed.
• The apex of this triangle is at the point of contact of surveyor blade with the tooth and
base is towards the gingival tissues. This apical angle is called angle of cervical
convergence.
 BASIC RULES OF CLASP DESIGN:

a-All clasp assemblies must encompass more than 180o of the tooth. At least three areas

of tooth contact must be embracing more than one half of the tooth circumference for

this rule to be satisfied.

b-Generally, the retention on all clasped abutments should be nearly as equal as possible.

c-The rest must prevent cervical movement of the clasp arm.

d-Retention should be minimum to resist reasonable dislodging forces.

e-Generally, retentive clasps should be bilaterally opposed. For example, buccal

retention on one side of the arch should be opposed by buccal retention on the other side,

or lingual opposed by lingual, etc.

f-Reciprocating arms should be located at the junction of the gingival and middle thirds

of the tooth. The retentive arm tip should be placed in the middle of the gingival third,

no closer than 1 mm to the marginal gingiva.

g-The simplest clasp for the given survey line should be used. If the survey line can be

modified to simplify the clasp design, then it should be considered.

DESCRIPTION OF SURVEYING LINES:
Survey lines can be classified as either type I, II or III.

Type I : A type I survey line is "S" shaped with the portion adjacent to the edentulous
space being low on the tooth (cervical). The portion away from the edentulous space is
higher on the tooth (occlusal). The deepest undercut is located on the portion of the tooth
away from the edentulous space.
Type II : A type II survey line is "S" shaped with the portion adjacent to the
edentulous space being high on the tooth (occlusal). The portion away from the
edentulous space is lower on the tooth (cervical). The deepest undercut is located
on the portion of the tooth adjacent to the edentulous space.
Type III : The type III survey line is straight or "U" shaped. It is usually
higher on the mesial and distal of the tooth, with the bottom of the "U"
being more cervical placed. The deepest undercut can be anywhere along
the survey line. This survey line will usually provide minimal retention.
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF
CLASP DESIGN
According to Stewart basic principles are:-

1. Retention.

2. Stability.

3. Support.

4. Reciprocation.

5. Encirclement.

6. Passivity
 RETENTIONI

• “Retention is the inherent quality of the clasp assembly that resists forces

acting to dislodge components away from the tooth structure.”

• The amount of retention designed into a removable partial denture should

always be the minimum necessary to resist reasonable dislodging forces.

• A rigid clasp flexing over the height of contour may transfer harmful

stresses to an abutment during insertion, removal, and functional

1. The retentive arm must be designed so that only the clasp terminus
engages the prescribed undercut.
2. The accompanying rest must provide support so the clasp terminus is
maintained in an optimal location.
3. The minor connector must be sufficiently rigid to ensure proper stability
and function of parts of the clasp assembly.
4. The reciprocal element must contact the abutment slightly before the
retentive element contacts the tooth. Contact of the reciprocal element
should be maintained while the retentive terminus passes over the height
of contour and into the prescribed undercut,and it must maintain contact
until the prosthesis is fully seated to protect the abutment from potentially
destructive lateral forces.
This series illustrates the detrimental force applied to the abutment when the vertical position of the
retentive clasp is incorrectly related to the reciprocal element. (a) The removable partial denture is
in position prior to seating. (b) As the prosthesis is seated, the retentive clasp contacts the abutment
first, causing the tooth to be lingually displaced (light gray arrows). (c) With additional prosthesis
seating, the retentive clasp deforms as it passes over the height of contour, causing further lingual
displacement of the abutment (dark gray arrows). (d) It is only when the removable partial denture
is nearly seated that the reciprocal element finally engages the abutment, counteracting the
displacing stress on the tooth
 AMOUNT OF RETENTION

FACTORS THAT EFFECT RETENTION CAN BE DIVIDED INTO –

1. TOOTH FACTORS
• Size of angle of cervical convergence
• How far clasp is placed in angle of cervical convergence.
2. PROSTHESIS FACTORS
• Clasp length
• Clasp diameter
• Clasp cross-sectional form[ shape]
• Material used for making clasp[ alloy]
Dr K. J. Anusavice defines maximum flexibility as the strain occurring when
a material is stressed to its proportional limit.

• Maximum flexibility is the amount of displacement that can occur without

causing permanent deformation of the clasp arm.
• The flexibility of the retentive clasp arm may be influenced By
a) Length
b) Cross-sectional form
c) Crosssectional
d) Diameter
e) Longitudinal taperclasp curvature,
f) Metallurgical characteristics of the alloy.
 LENGTH OF CLASP ARM
• Longer the clasp arm the more flexible it will be.

• Circumferential clasps more retentive than bar clasp for a given clasp length.

• The clasp arm should taper from the point of origin to provide its flexibility
 DIAMETER OF THE CLASP

• The greater the diameter of a clasp arm the less flexible it will be.(only in uniform
taper)
• If its taper is absolutely uniform ,the avg diameter will be at a point midway between
its origin & its terminal end.
• But if taper is not uniform a point of flexure –therefore a point of weakness will exist
 CROSS-SECTIONAL FORM

• Clasp flexibility increases as cross-sectional dimensions Decrease

• Review of the cantilever beam equation reveals that deflection is inversely

proportional to the cube of the beam's thickness.

• Therefore, as the thickness of a beam is increased, deflection upon loading is

significantly decreased.
As the cross-sectional dimensions of the retentive clasp arm decrease, the flexibility of the clasp increases.
Therefore, a smaller-diameter clasp (a) will be more flexible than a larger-diameter clasp (b).

• Hence, an increase in beam width yields a moderate decrease in deflection. From these
observations, it should be evident that beam thickness has a much greater effect upon
deflection than does beam width.
• CIRCULAR CROSS-SECTIONAL CLASP FORM IMPARTS OMNIDIRECTIONAL
FLEXURE, WHILE A HALF-ROUND FORM ALLOWS ONLY BIDIRECTIONAL FLEXURE.

• Because of its cross-sectional form, a round clasp may flex in all spatial planes. Consequently,
a clasp exhibiting a circular cross-sectional form may permit dissipation of detrimental forces
during functional movement of the prosthesis.
• A half-round clasp typically flexes in a plane that is perpendicular to the flat surface of the
clasp.
• Flexibility may exist in any form, but is limited to only one direction in the case of

the half-round form The only universally flexible form is the round form.

• Clasp arm should only flex away from tooth so half round is used.

• Round shaped clasp arm used only in distal extension denture bases so that it can flex

in all directions during functional movement and minimize stresses.

A UNIFORMLY TAPERED CLASP IS MORE FLEXIBLE THAN A NONTAPERED CLASP
OF THE SAME PROXIMAL DIMENSIONS.
Uniform longitudinal taper is an essential feature of retentive clasps. Evidence
indicates that a tapered clasp arm is approximately twice as flexible as a clasp
arm that does not exhibit a tapered design.

To achieve the ideal uniform taper for

optimal retentive clasp arm
flexibility, the cross-sectional
dimension of the clasp shoulder
should be twice that of the clasp
terminus.
• CURVATURE OF A CLASP IN MORE THAN ONE SPATIAL PLANE REDUCES THE
CLASP'S FLEXIBILITY.
• Deflection of a curved beam is less than that of a straight beam of similar length and
material because curvature makes the beam more rigid.
• When contouring a wrought-wire clasp arm, the operator should ensure that the clasp
arm remains in a single plane of space.
• Multiple bends, especially those placing the clasp arm in multiple planes of space,
may produce permanent deformation of the microstructure and lead to increased
rigidity.
 MATERIAL USED FOR CONSTRUCTION

• Gold alloy
• greater flexibility than chrome alloys

DISADVANTAGE OF CAST GOLD ALLOYS

• Bulk of the prosthesis
• Costly.
• ALLOYS EXHIBITING HIGHER ELASTIC MODULI EXHIBIT GREATER
STIFFNESS, WHILE ALLOYS DISPLAYING LOWER ELASTIC MODULI EXHIBIT
GREATER FLEXIBILITY.

• This is particularly important in removable partial denture construction.

• Because cobalt -chromium and nickel-chromium alloys have higher
elastic moduli than do gold alloys, clasps made from chromium
containing alloys are more rigid.
• High temperatures produce crystallization of the wire and result in a noticeable
decrease in flexibility.
• To avoid clinical difficulties, wrought wire clasps should be attached to metal
frameworks using common soldering procedures.
• Solder joints should be located as far from proximal plates as possible
• If this is not done, crystallization may occur at areas of pronounced displacement and
may result in accelerated clasp failure.

To avoid the detrimental effects of

high temperatures, wrought-wire clasps hould
be soldered (arrows) to the framework following
gcasting. Care should be taken to place thesolder joint
as far from the retentive clasp arm as possible. This
minimizes the adverse effects of crystallization and
prolongs clasp life.
 RELATIVE UNIFORMITY OF RETENTION

• Retention on all principal abutments should be as equal as possible.

• Retentive clasp arms should be located so that they lie in the same approx.

• Degree of undercut on each abutment tooth.

• Retentive clasp positioning should also be same on the contralateral side

of arch.(atleast for one teeth).

Location of each retentive clasp terminus relative to the height of contour may be described
in two distinct dimensions:
(1)a mediolateral or horizontal dimension
(2) an occluso-apical or vertical dimension

With the cast properly oriented on the surveying table, the point
of contact between the analyzing rod and the axial surface of the
abutment defines the height of contour for that tooth.
 The infrabulge or undercut portion of the abutment lies
apical to the height of contour. When the analyzing rod
is positioned in the surveyor and placed against the
tooth surface, an angular space is formed apical to the
height of contour

• The tool used to identify the proper position for each clasp terminus is called an
undercut gauge. Undercut gauges are available in 0.010-, 0.020-, and 0.030-inch
configurations

• Positioning of retentive clasp terminus at greater horizontal undercut will result in

increased retentive force
 SUPPORT

• Support is the quality of a clasp assembly that resists displacement of a

prosthesis in an apical direction.”

PROVIDED BY OCCLUSAL REST.

1. A properly prepared rest seat and corresponding rest serve to resist
displacement of the prosthesis toward the supporting teeth and soft tissues,
thereby ensuring that the clasp assembly maintains its intended relation to the
abutment, and
2. Transmit functional forces parallel to the long axes of the abutments.
OTHER ELEMENTS THAT CONTACT THE ABUTMENT OCCLUSAL TO THE
HEIGHT OF CONTOUR (EG, A RECIPROCAL ELEMENT OR SHOULDER OF
RETENTIVE CLASP) ALSO MAY CONTRIBUTE TO THE SUPPORT FUNCTION.

• Rest seats are primarily located on the occlusal surfaces of premolars

and molars, the cingula of maxillary canines, or the incisal edges of
mandibular canines and incisors.
Properly prepared rest seat and corresponding rest serve to

1) Resist displacement of the prosthesis toward the supporting teeth and soft
tissues, thereby ensuring that the clasp assembly maintains its intended
relation to the abutment,
2) Transmit functional forces parallel to the long axes of the abutments. These
factors are critical to the health and longevity of abutments.
 STABILITY

• Stability is the quality of a clasp assembly that resists displacement of a

prosthesis in a horizontal direction.”
• It helps the denture be steady constant firm and resist displacement due
to function stresses and also prevent change in position of the denture.
It is provided by
1. Reciprocal element.
2. The shoulder(s) of a cast circumferential retentive clasp.
3. Vertically oriented minor connectors.
 IN BILATERAL EXTENSION CASES BRACING IS
ENHANCED BY THE PROXIMAL PLATE ,THE
MINOR CONNECTOR AND I BAR RETAINER

BRACING IS PROVIDED BY DISTAL PROXIMAL

PLATES AND ALSO BY LINGUAL PLATING TO
SOME DEGREE.
 PATIENTS WITH UNILATERAL DENTITION AND LARGE EDENTULOUS
SPACES SUCH AS IN THIS CASE REQUIRES ADDITIONAL BRACING.HERE
IN ADDITION TO THE BRACING EFFECT OF PROXIMAL PLATES ON THE 1ST
AND 3RD MOLARS ADDITIONAL BRACING IS PROVIDED BY PLATING
LINGUAL SURFACES OF REMAINING DENTITION.

Krol A.J. “Clasp design for extension base RPD”. J. Prosthet. Dent
AS THE DEFECT BECOMES LARGER ,WITH THE
REMAINING DENTITION IN A LINEAR FASHION
BRACING WILL BECOME AGGRESSIVE.IN THIS
CASE LINGUAL PLATE EMBRACES ALL
REMAINING DENTITION.
 RECIPROCATION

• “Reciprocation is the quality of a clasp assembly that counteracts lateral

displacement of an abutment when the retentive clasp terminus passes over
the height of contour.”
• As the retentive arm passes over the height of contour it flexes creating
lateral forces - damage to the tooth.
The reciprocal element may be a
1. Retentive arm of clasp
2. Lingual plating,
3. Combination of mesial and distal minor connectors.
• To optimize reciprocation, the axial surface of an abutment should be
prepared parallel to the path of insertion and removal.
• It should be placed above the height of contour.
• To provide true reciprocation, the reciprocal clasp arm must be in contact
during the entire period of retentive clasp deformation.
 • Furthermore, the reciprocal element should contact the abutment at the
junction of the gingival and middle thirds of the crown contours

The ideal location of the reciprocal clasp arm on the lingual surface of the abutment is illustrated. (a) The lingual view
demonstrates the rigid reciprocal clasp arm contacting the abutment occlusal to the height of contour. (b) From a
proximal view, it is apparent that the lingual surface of the abutment was prepared so that the reciprocal clasp could be
located near the junction of the middle and gingival thirds of the tooth. (c) The facial view depicts optima lContour and
position of the retentive clasp arm.
 ENCIRCLEMENT

• Encirclement is the characteristic of a clasp assembly that prevents

movement of an abutment away from the associated clasp assembly”.

• Clasp assembly - 180 degrees contact.

• The engagement can be in the form of continuous contact, such as
circumferential clasp, or discontinuous contact, such as Bar clasp.
• Both provide tooth contact in at least 3 areas encircling the tooth
Both the infrabulge (a) and suprabulge
(b) clasp assemblies have been designed
to provide encirclement.
Direct contact over at least 180 degrees
of the abutment's
circumference prevents movement of the
tooth away from the clasp assembly.
Encirclement may be provided by
discontinuous contact with the abutment
surface. In order for discontinuous
contact to be effective, it must occur at
three widely separated areas (arrows)
encompassing more than half the tooth's
circumference.
• Inadequate encirclement may permit movement or "escape" of the
abutment tooth from the confines of the clasp assembly during functional
movement of the prosthesis.
 PASSIVITY

• “Passivity is the quality of a clasp assembly that prevents the

transmission of adverse forces to the associated abutment when the
prosthesis is completely seated.”
• When fully seated -it should be passive.
• Should be activated only when dislodging forces are applied.
• If the clasp assembly is not fully seated, the retentive terminus will not be positioned in
its intended location. As a result, the clasp assembly will apply non-axial (lateral)
forces to the abutment.
• The sustained application of non-axial forces may result in significant dental
discomfort, the potential for unintended tooth movement, or premature failure of the
retentive arm due to metallurgical fatigue.

The retentive clasp arm may remain active (dark

gray) if the clasp assembly is not fully seated (light
gray) on the abutment. Sustained, non-axial stress
on the abutment may cause discomfort, damage to
the abutment, or premature failure of the
removable partial denture.
The design of a retentive clasp arm should incorporate maximum clasp length for
optimal flexibility. (a) Ideally, a suprabulge retentive clasp should originate from a
proximal minor connector and extend across the abutment’s facial surface, terminating
at the opposite proximofacial line angle. (b) If the clasp is too short, it will lack the
necessary flexibility.
Because of more favorable facial
surface contours and the location of
occlusal rest seats, clasp arms placed
facially are typically longer than
lingual clasp arms. The additional
length resulting from facial clasp
placement permits improved
flexibility of the retentive clasp arm.
• Unlike premolars, most molars provide significantly increased mesiodistal dimensions.
As a result, lingual retentive elements can be used with molar abutments . This is
particularly true of mandibular molar abutments.

• Mandibular molars have relatively large mesiodistal dimensions and commonly exhibit
undercuts on their lingual Surfaces. Therefore, mandibular molars may be clasped using
facial or lingual retention, depending upon the locations of available undercuts.
• It is important to remember that only one retentive clasp should be used on
any abutment and that this retentive clasp must be opposed by a reciprocal
element on the opposite side of the abutment. Therefore, if a retentive arm is
placed on the facial surface of an abutment, a reciprocal element must be
placed on the lingual surface of the abutment.

• Conversely, if a retentive arm is placed on the lingual surface of an abutment,

a reciprocal element must be positioned on the facial surface of the abutment.
Classification of CLASPS(extra-coronal retainers)

⚫ Supra bulge clasps (occlusally approaching, circumferential

clasps,Ackers clasp)

⚫ Infrabulge clasps (gingivally approaching, projection or

bar clasps)
 SUPRABULGE CLASPS

Cast Circumferential Combination clasp

clasp
1. Simple circlet clasp
2. Ring clasp
3. Embrassure clasp
4. Reverse circlet clasp
 CIRCUMFERENTIAL CLASP

⚫ Thecast circumferential clasp design was introduced by

Dr. N B Nesbitt in 1916.
⚫ Simple, easy to construct- excellent support, bracing,
retentive properties.
⚫ Close adaptation to tooth therefore minimises food
entrapment
⚫ Disadvantage- covers large amount of tooth surface
 SIMPLE CIRCLET CLASP

⚫ Toothsupport RPD
⚫ Widely used clasp
⚫ Undercut remote from edentulous area

⚫ Half round
⚫ Disadvantages

- Increase tooth coverage

- compromised esthetics
 RING CLASP

Encircles nearly the entire abutment

tooth
Covers a large area of tooth surface,
therefore requiring meticulous hygiene
Mostly indicated in tipped mandibular
molar
 Embrasure clasp

⚫ Fish hook” or “Hairpin” clasp

⚫ Simple circlet clasp with loop back retentive arm
⚫ Sufficient crown height

⚫ Disadvantages
- Insufficient flexibility
- Tooth coverage
- Esthetics compromised
 Reverse circlet clasp

⚫ Undercut located adjacent to edentulous area

⚫ Kennedy class I ,II

⚫ Disadvantages

- Lack of rest adjacent to

edentulous area

- Poor esthetics
 COMBINATION CLASP
⚫ Cast metal reciprocal arm and wrought wire retentive
arm
⚫ abutment adjacent to Kennedy class I and II area

Advantage
• kinder to the tooth
can engage greater undercut

Disadvantage
• more prone to breakage than cast
• minimal stabilizing
Infrabulge or Bar clasp or Gingivally approaching

I Bar
T Bar
Bar type
Y type
 Gingivally approaching clasps /Bar/Roach type

Approach the undercut gingivally and have a push type of retention.

 APPROACH ARM

• It is a component of the bar clasp.

• It is a minor connector that projects from the framework, runs along the
mucosa and turns to cross the gingival margin of the abutment tooth; to
approach the undercut from a gingival direction.
 I - BAR

⚫ Kennedy class I and II

⚫ RPI
- Mesial rest
- Proximal plate
- I bar
 RPI SYSTEM

Kratochvil in 1963 developed the early clasp assembly which consisted of

three separate units connected to each other only through the framework. They

were the mesial occlusal rest, a distal guide plate and an I-bar retainer

Mesial rest

REST Proximal tooth

PROXIMAL PLATE
I BAR Tooth tissue junction

I Bar
 RPA SYSTEM

Only difference with RPI system is a cast circumferential clasp

arm or Akers arm arises from superior portion of proximal plate

Rest
Proximal Plate,
Akers Clasp

RPA clasp design- Charles Eliason – J prosthet dent:1983:49;25-27

 RPL Clasp

Ben-Ur* in 1988 described the rationale for using

an ‘L’ shaped bar clasp direct retainer for distal

extension removable partial dentures. The ‘L’

shaped bar crosses the gingival margin of the

abutment tooth in the shortest possible line,

ascends to the survey line, and engages the

distobuccal undercut.
 T-CLASP

⚫ Kennedy class I and II

⚫ Undercut locate adjacent edentulous area

⚫ Contraindication
- Severe soft tissue undercut
- Height of contour locate near occlusal
surface
 Modified T-clasp

⚫ No retentive horizontal projection

⚫ Kennedy class I and II
⚫ Undercut locate near adjacent edentulous area
⚫ Canine and premolar
⚫ Advantage - esthetics
 Y -CLASP
⚫ Equivalent to T-clasp
⚫ Approach arm terminates in the cervical third
⚫ Mesial and distal projection terminate near
occlusal surface
 Multiple circlet Clasp

⚫2 simple circlet clasp joined at the terminal aspect of their reciprocal

elements Principle abutment is periodontal compromised and the forces
are distributed between multiple abutment teeth
Flexible clasps
RECENT ADVANCES IN RPD
PROS AND CONS OF SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR
ALTERNATIVES ON THE MARKET:
METALS
 Esthetically undesirable
 Metallic taste
Can slowly torque teeth
 Increase expense, further restorations

FLEXIBLES
.Prone to bacteria buildup
•Low strength and creep resistance

ACRYLIC
Sore spots in the mouth
•Low impact strength, acrylic dentures are made thicker in sections, making
them bulky
 CAD CAM SYSTEMS IN RPD

 DIGITAL MANUFATURING OF RPD

 RAPID PROTOTYPING

 PEEK MATERIAL IN RPD

 IMPLANT ASSISSTED RPD

USE OF A POLYETHERETHERKETONE CLASP
RETAINER FOR REMOVABLE PARTIAL
DENTURE: A CASE REPORT
This case report on the PEEK clasp involved a
follow-up of short duration (two years), but both
patient and practitioner were almost satisfied
with the outcome. Few color and texture changes
were observed, reconfirming the chemical
stability and biocompatibility of PEEK, although
it has been reported that such changes in other
non metal clasp materials are occasionally found
several months after delivery.
 IMPLANT AS DIRECT
RETAINERS
• Eliminates a visible clasp

• Placement of an implant within a modification space to the

advantage of retentive needs requires consideration of anterior, mid,
or distal placement

• Retainers utilizing teeth have always been restricted to tooth

locations at either end of a span
 IMPLANT ASSISSTED RPD

•Improve support, retention, and stability of the prosthesis while

maintaining alveolar height in the region where the implant is placed.

•Improve the oral health quality of life for patients.

•Benefit of is significant in distal extension scenarios (Kennedy class I

and II), as it efficiently serves to improve support, creating a tooth-
supported situation (Kennedy class III).

•Minimizes the potentially damaging class I lever force that is placed on

the distal abutment tooth during function.
 Economical and beneficial rehabilitation that significantly improves
patient satisfaction

 The preferred location of the implants may be different depending on

the purpose they will serve and bone availability.
 •If extensive augmentation procedures were required to allow implant
placement, it is questionable as to the advantage the patient would
receive.
•When used to improve retention, implants can provide the advantage
of eliminating a visible clasp when placed in the anterior region of the
edentulous span

Anteriorly placed implant may improve

esthetics by eliminating a visible retainer clasp.
NONMETALCLASP DENTURES (NMCDS)

•With increased use of digital technology, these NMCDs are more

widely available because they can be directly milled or printed without
the high cost associated with metal frameworks.

•Although the clinical use of NMCDs is increasing, they have never

been advocated to replace metal frameworks as a definite treatment
RPD because of their properties and lack of scientific evidence.

•This may in part be due to their variance from accepted RPD design
components such as rests.
Nonmetal clasp dentures: What is the evidence about their use?
Considering the limited bibliographical references in current literature on
NMCDs, it is suggested that their use to be restricted to Kennedy’s Class III
partially edentulous arch with several remaining teeth, patients after surgical
intervention, and those allergic to PMMA and/or metal. When NMCDs are
combined with metallic framework, the benefits increase, as well as the
possibilities of using them when esthetics is essential for the patient.
However, even when these flexible prostheses are well prescribed, the patient
should always be properly informed about their limitations, such as greater
color change over time compared to the conventional RPDs and impossibility
to be relined, which makes them provisionally indicated. Moreover, patients
need to be warned by professionals

Mendoza‑Carrasco, et al.: The Journal of Indian Prosthodontic Society | Volume 20 | Issue 3 |

July-September 2020
 CAD/CAM Constructed Poly(etheretherketone) (PEEK)
Framework of Kennedy Class I Removable Partial Denture:
A Clinical Report

Islam E. Harbet.al., Journal of Prosthodontics 0 (2018) 1–4 C 2018 by the American

College of Prosthodontists
The use of CAD/CAM technology for constructing an RPD
metal-free framework resulted in a prosthesis with adequate fit, and
good patient satisfaction in terms of function and esthetics.
With proper patient selection and treatment planning, milled
PEEK can be considered a useful alternative framework material
for RPDs restoring Kennedy Class I edentulous patients.
Removable Partial Denture Frameworks in the Age of
Digital Dentistry: A Review of the Literature
 Removable Partial Denture Frameworks in the Age of
Digital Dentistry: A Review of the Literature

Digital technology has revolutionized the removable partial denture fabrication

process. The development of alternative methods, such as SLS and SLM, for the
additive construction of cobalt chromium and titanium frameworks is promising
as they reduce fabrication errors and inaccuracies. The introduction of esthetic
thermoplastic polymers as
potential framework materials has challenged many aspects of the design and
fabrication of removable partial dentures. Within the limitations of this review, the
following conclusions can be drawn:
1. While promising, clinical studies on additively manufactured titanium
frameworks are required to determine their overall fit, function, and impact on
supporting abutment teeth.

Mohammed A et.al.,MPDI,PROSTHESIS,MAY 2022

2. Clasp arms made from thermoplastic polymers require additional
bulk to serve as retainers.
3.The inherent flexibility of novel polymers limits their use as major
connectors, minor connectors, and rest seats.
4. Removable partial dentures made from novel polymers are difficult
to reline and repair.
5. Currently, removable partial dentures made from thermoplastic
polymers are best used as interim prostheses as long-term evidence of
their function is lacking.
6. Future improvements in high performance polymers and digital
manufacturing methods may help to address the need of the growing
partially edentulous population.
 CONCLUSION

• Keep the prosthesis design as simple as possible…

• Make RPD more comfortable, more efficient and affordable to

the patient.
 REFERENCES
• Clinical removable prosthodontics:- STEWART’S 3rd edition.
• Mc Cracken removable partial denture prosthodontics – 12th edition.
• Davenport J.C., Baskar R.M., Heath J.R., Ralph J.P. “A color atlas of RPD”, Wolfe
Medical Publications Ltd., 1988.
• Krol A.J. “Clasp design for extension base RPD”. J. Prosthet. Dent., 1973; 29 : 408-415.
• Mohammed A et.al .Removable Partial Denture Frameworks in the Age of Digital
Dentistry: A Review of the Literature. MPDI,PROSTHESIS,MAY 2022.
 Islam E. Harbet.al., CAD/CAM Constructed Poly(etheretherketone) (PEEK) Framework
of Kennedy Class I Removable Partial Denture: A Clinical Report. ., Journal of
Prosthodontics 0 (2018) 1–4 C 2018 by the American College of Prosthodontists
 Tetsuo Ichikawa et.al.,USE OF A POLYETHERETHERKETONECLASP
RETAINER FOR REMOVABLE PARTIAL DENTURE: A CASE
REPORT.MPDI,20 December 2018.