Dr. Jyothsna S.

Reddy
II Yr P.G
Ragas Dental College
CONTENTS
Introduction
Classification of direct retainers
Extracoronal direct retainers
The basic parts of a clasp assembly
Principles of clasp design
Criteria for clasp selection
Factors affecting retention of a clasp
CONTENTS
Types of clasp retainers
Intracoronal retainers
Classification of intracoronal retainers
Selection of intracoronal retainers
Summary & conclusions
Bibliography
Retention is that quality inherent in the
removable partial denture that resists the vertical
forces of dislodgement for e.g., the force of
gravity, the adhesiveness of foods or the forces
associated with the opening of the jaws.
TERMINOLOGIES :
A retainer is defined as any type of clasp,
attachment, device etc used for the fixation,
stabilization or retention of a prosthesis.
Direct retention is the retention obtained in a
removable partial denture by the use of
attachments or direct retainers to resist the
displacement or removal of the partial denture
from the abutment teeth in a direction opposite
to that of their insertion.
Direct retainer is any unit of removable partial
denture that engages an abutment tooth in such
a manner as to resist displacement of the
prosthesis away from basal seat tissues by
1. Functional means by engaging a tooth
undercut lying cervically to the height of the
contour.
2. Mechanical means
DEFINITION

According to the GPT 8, a direct retainer is that component
of a removable partial denture used to retain and prevent
dislodgement and consisting of a clasp assembly or
precision attachment.
Mechanical Retention
Mechanical retention is obtained by placing portions of
the partial denture into tooth or soft tissue undercuts.
Maximizing the other retentive factors can minimize
the need for mechanical retention.
Most mechanical retention is derived from the use of
direct retainers (clasp assemblies) utilizing tooth
undercuts. There are two classes of mechanical
retainers: intracoronal and extracoronal
NEED FOR THE RETENTION
WEIGHT AND GRAVITY OF THE PROSTHESIS
MUSCULAR MOVEMEMTS
ACCIDENTAL DISLOADING FORCES
FOR STABILITY
STICKY FOOD
PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFIT
Factors affecting the retention in Removable
Partial Dentures:
I. Primary retention : This is mechanical in action.
II. Secondary Retention: Achieved by intimate relationship
of the denture base and the rigid major connector to
the underlying soft tissues.
a. Adhesion
b. Cohesion
c. Atmosphere pressure
d. Molding of tissues
e. Effect of gravity

1. Clasps which engage undercuts.
2. polished surfaces.
3. Coverage of mucosa by the denture.
REMOVABLE PARTIAL DENTURE


TISSUE
SUPPORTED
TOOTH
SUPPORTED

TOOTH & TISSUE
SUPPORTED
RETENTION IN RPD
Primary Secondary
By mechanical means By denture base
Friction
Engaging depression
On abutment
Engaging cervical
undercut
MODES OF MECHANICAL RETENTION
Direct retainer
Indirect retainer
Intra coronal Extra coronal Rests
Some major
connectors
Classification of Retainers
Intracoronal Extracoronal
Precision
attachment
Prefabricated
attachment
Internal
attachment
Manufactured Clasps
Occlusally
approaching
Gingivally
approaching
Flexible clips &
rings
EXTRACORONAL DIRECT RETAINERS

Occlusally
approaching /
Suprabulge /Akers/
Ney Type I clasp /
Circumferential

Gingivally
approaching /
Infrabulge/ Bar/
Roach / Ney Type II
Clasp

Extracoronal direct retainers
(Clasps)
most commonly used retainer.
Prothero (1916) - Cone theory to explain
the basis for clasp retention. He
described the shape of crowns of
premolar and molar teeth as that of two
cones sharing a common base. One cone
approximates the occlusal portion of the
tooth, and the other the cervical portion.
A clasp arm or tip that ends on a cervical
cone would resist movement in the
occlusal direction because the clasp arm
would have to undergo deformation to
move in the occlusal direction.

Extracoronal direct retainers
(Clasps)
The line at which the two converging cones meet is
called the height of contour, a term first used by
Kennedy.
Cummer called it as the guideline that helps in the
placement of the components of the clasp

Height of contour (GPT 8)
A line encircling a tooth and designating
its greatest circumference at a selected
axial position determined by a dental
surveyor; a line encircling a body
designating its greatest circumference in a
specified plane.

De Van (1955) referred to the surface of
a tooth that is occlusal to the height of
contour as suprabulge, and the surface
inclining cervically as infrabulge.

The basic parts of a clasp assembly :
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.

Body of the clasp : It is
the part of the clasp that
connects the rest and
shoulder of the clasp to
the minor connector.
Shoulder : It is the part of
the clasp that connects the
body to the clasp terminals.
It must lie above the height
of contour and provide
some stabilization against
horizontal displacement of
the prosthesis.

Reciprocal arm : A rigid
clasp arm placed above the
height of contour on the side
of the tooth, opposing the
retentive clasp arm.
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.
Retentive terminal : 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. It
possesses a certain degree
of flexibility and offers the
property of direct retention.
Minor connector : It is
the part of the clasp that
joins the body of the clasp
to the remainder of the
framework and must be
rigid.
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.
PRINCIPLES OF CLASP DESIGN
Encirclement:
More than 180
0
of greatest circumference of the
tooth must be included passing from diverging axial
surface to converging axial surface.
This may be in the form of continuous contact when
circumferential clasp arms are used.


Support:
Property of the clasp that resist the displacement of the clasp
in gingival direction.
Primary support units of a clasp are occlusal, lingual or
incisal rest.
The occlusal rest must be designed so that cervical
movement of the clasp arm is prevented.
Secondary support is obtained by the rigid components i.e.
body and shoulder of the clasp which are placed above the
greatest diameter of the tooth
Reciprocation:
Each retentive terminal should be opposed by a
reciprocal arm capable of resisting any
orthodontic pressures exerted by the retentive
arm. Reciprocal and stabilizing elements must be
rigidly connected bilaterally.

This arm is positioned on the opposite side of
the tooth from the retentive arm.
In addition to reciprocating stress generated
against the tooth by the retentive clasp, it also
play an important role in stabilizing the denture
against horizontal movement.
Reciprocal clasp must be rigid, it is not tapered as
the retentive clasp. Reciprocal arm should be
positioned on the surface of a tooth is
reasonably parallel to the dentures path of
insertion and removal.



It must be positioned above the height of contour at
the junction of the gingival and middle 3
rd
.

To reciprocate the forms properly, it should contact
the tooth at the same time or before the retentive
arm does.
Retention:
The path of escapement of each retentive clasp terminal should be other than
parallel to the path of removal of the prosthesis.
The amount of retention always should be the minimum necessary to resist
reasonable dislodging forces.

Only the terminal third of an
occlusally approaching clasp
should engage the undercut.
A gingivally approaching clasp
contacts the tooth surface only at
its tip.
The retentive clasp is divided into 3 parts; each with its
arm functional requirement. The terminal third is flexible
and engages the undercut.
The middle third has a limit degree of flexibility and
may engage a minimal amount of undercut.
Proximal third or shoulder is rigid and must be
positioned above the height of contour.
Stability / Bracing:
All clasp have reciprocal or bracing arm, which provides
equal amount of stability.
All clasp terminal except the retentive clasp terminals
contribute to this property in varying degree.
Eg: Cast circumferential clasp great amount of stability,
because its shoulder is rigid and it aids in stabilization.
The wrought wire clasp has flexible shoulder
Bar clasp does not have a shoulder so both provide less
stability.
Passivity:
A clasp in place should be completely passive and
the retentive function is activated only when
dislodging forces are applied to the partial denture.
Criteria for Clasp Retention
1. Surveyline location and degree of undercut.
2. Requirement of retention and stability depending on
whether upper or lower arch and configuration of
edentulous area, axis of rotation and selection of
retainers.
SURVEY LINE
Blatterfein in 1951 put forth a simple
and comprehensive classification of
surveyline with suggestion on clasp
selection.
He divided the buccal and lingual
tooth surface into two halves using a
vertical imaginary line through the
long axis of the tooth. These halves
were described as the nearzone and
farzone depending on its closeness to
the edentulous space.
He described four kinds of surveyline:
1. Typical surveyline or medium
2. Atypical A or Diagonal
3. Atypical B or High
4. Atypical C or Low
Typical or medium:
Extends from the occlusogingival midpoint in the
near zone to the junction between the occlusal two
third and cervical one third in the far zone.





Clasps suggested for use where such a survey line
exists include the occlusally approaching and
gingivally approaching clasps.
Atypical A or diagonal:
This runs diagonally across the tooth surface from
a high position in the nearzone to a low position in
the farzone.
- A reverse action or hairpin clasp is
recommended.
- Gingivally approaching clasp may also be used.

Atypical B or High Surveyline:
This type of surveyline is parallel to the occlusal surface and lies
close to it.
A wrought occlusally approaching clasp arm may be used.
If accompanied by a low surveyline on the opposite side of the
tooth, a ring clasp or back action or reverse back action have
been recommended.

Atypical C or Low Surveyline:
The low surveyline is parallel to occlusal surface but has
just above the level of the gingival margin.
In this type of survey line, the extended clasp arm is
recommended. Undercut may be developed by
recontouring the tooth.

Ney: Recommended 3 basic surveyline with an
appropriate clasp form.
Class I :
Surveyline runs diagonally across the tooth surface
from a low position on the side of the rest to a
high position on the other proximal side.
A cast occlusally approaching arm or its variants,
back action, reverse back action and ring clasps are
recommended.
Class II:
Similar to Blatterfein atypical A or Diagonal
surveyline. Here gingivally approaching is
recommended .

Class III:
It is the same as the Blatterfein Atypical B or High
surveyline. The wrought wire arm is used.
Factors affecting retention of a clasp
Size of the angle of cervical convergence
When the surveyor blade contacts a tooth on the
cast at its greatest convexity, a triangle is formed, the
apex of which is at the point of contact of the
surveyor blade with the tooth, and the base is the
area of the cast representing the gingival tissues. The
apical angle is called the angle of cervical
convergence.
To be retentive a tooth must have an angle of
convergence cervical to the height of contour.
Guiding planes determine the path of placement and
removal of a partial denture. Therefore without the use of
guide planes, clasp retention will either be detrimental or
practically non existent.
The guide plane moves down the proximal surface which is
prepared on the distal aspect of the tooth. When the
denture is fully seated, the plane contacts the lower parts of
that surface.
DEGREE OF UNDERCUT

Relative uniformity of retention will depend on the
location of the retentive part of the clasp arm which is not
in relation to the height of contour but in relation to the
angle of cervical convergence.
Retentive clasp arms must be located so that they lie in the
same approximate degree of undercut on each abutment
tooth, despite the variation in the distance below the
height of contour.
The measurement of the degree of undercut by mechanical
means is achieved by the help of an undercut gauge
attached to a dental surveyor.
The retentive force is dictated by tooth shape and by clasp design.
Though clasps 1 and 2 are in an undercut of 0.25mm, 1 offers
more retention than 2.
Flexibility of clasp arms
Length of the clasp arm : The longer
the clasp arm, the more flexible it is,
all other factors being equal. The
length of a clasp arm is measured from
the point at which a uniform taper
begins.
A Co-Cr clasp arm engaging
the same degree of undercut will have
different flexibility and resistance to
distortion on the molar and the
premolar because of the difference in
length.
Diameter of clasp arm
The diameter of a clasp arm is inversely
proportional to its flexibility.
The average diameter to be considered is at a
point midway between its origin and its terminal
end.
The thickness of the clasp arm in the
buccolingual direction is to be considered rather
than the width in the occluso-gingival direction.
Cross-sectional form
Round cross-sectional form enables the clasp to be
flexible in all directions whereas the half-round form
limits the flexibility to only one direction.
Cast clasps are half round in form and they flex away
from the tooth, but edgewise flexing is limited.
If the cross-sectional area of clasp is doubled,
the stiffness will be increased 4 times and the
flexibility reduced 4 times.
Material used for the clasp arm
Chrome alloys - higher modulus of elasticity than do gold alloys
and are therefore less flexible. Therefore, a small cross-sectional
form of the clasp and less depth of retentive undercut must be
used.
Because of the internal structure of wrought wire, it has greater
ability to flex than is permitted by the crystalline structure of cast
alloy. To obtain equal retention, therefore, a greater depth of
undercut is required for a wrought wire clasp than for a cast
clasp.

Structure of the alloy
The alloy may be cast or wrought in nature. Wrought
wires have greater flexibility than a cast structure due to
its grain structure being fibrous.
The tensile strength of a wrought structure is at least
29% greater than that of the cast alloy from which it was
made.
Wrought forms can be used in smaller diameters to
enhance the flexibility and they offer minimum friction
and can have a stress breaking effect.
Indirect Retention

The reciprocal arm may act as an indirect
retainer when it rests occlusal to the height of
contour on the abutment tooth, lying anterior
to the fulcrum line.
Lifting of a distal extension base away from
the tissues is resisted by a rigid arm, which is
not displaced cervically
TYPES OF CLASP RETAINERS
Circumferential clasps/ Occlusally
approaching/Aker Clasp
Circumferential clasp
Embrasure clasp.
Ring clasp.
Back action clasp.
Reverse action / hair pin clasp.
Multiple clasps.
Half-and-half clasp.
Combination clasp.
Onlay clasp.
Bar/Roach clasps / Gingivally
approaching clasps.
T-clasp
Modified T-clasp
Y-clasp
I-clasp
RPI concept.
Other clasp designs
RPA clasp.
VRHR clasp (vertical reciprocal
horizontal retentive)
Clasps utilizing proximal undercuts
-Mesiodistal clasp
-Devan clasp.
Movable arm clasp.
Cingulum clasp
CIRCUMFERENTIAL CLASP

The clasp is usually the most logical to use with all tooth
borne partial denture. Because of its better retentive and
stabilizing ability.
Basic design of the clasp is a buccal and lingual arm
originating from a common body.
Circumferential clasp on a molar
Advantages:
1) The clasp fulfills the requirement of support,
stability reciprocation, encirclement & passivity
better than any other type of clasp.
2) It is easy to construct.
3) It is simple to repair.
Disadvantages:
1. It tends to increase the circumference of the crown.

2. It is not acceptable in the anterior region.

3. It covers more tooth surface then the bar clasp and prone to
caries.

4. Retentive undercuts on some teeth are difficult to reach with
retentive terminal of the clasp
EMBRASSURE CLASP
Bonwill clasp
Rib clasp
Back to back clasp

This clasp is essentially two single circlet clasps
joined at the body.
Embrasure clasp on a maxillary premolar and
molar
Kennedy class II, III, IV cases where no
edentulous space on opposite side of the arch.
Sufficient space must be provided between the
abutment teeth in their occlusal third to make
room for the body of embrasure clasp.
Contact area should not be eliminated
completely.
Abutment tooth should be protected with crowns or inlays
if necessary. This depends upon the age of the patient caries
index and oral hygiene.
This clasp should be used with double occlusal rest.
Proximal shoulder be established. To avoid interproximal
wedging by the prosthesis.
This clasp should have two retentive clasp arms and two
reciprocal arms either bilaterally or diagonally opposed.
Contra indication:
1. Short and bulboss crown.
2. Not preferred in teeth with more undercuts.
Disadvantages:
Needs adequate cleaness in occlusal surface.
Breakage of inadequate preparation and clearance
Wedging action.
RING CLASP
Indication:
1. In tilted molar
2. Single standing abutment
Unsupported mandibular molar tend to drift and tip in a
mesiolingual direction.
Maxillary molar tip is a mesio buccal direction. So available
retentive undercut will be located on the mesiolingual line
angles of a mandibular molar and the mesiobuccal line angle
of maxillary molar.
This ring clasp permits engagement of this undercut by
encircling almost the entire tooth from its point of origin.
Mandibular molar, clasp encircles the tooth beginning on
the mesiobuccal surface and terminating in an infra bulge
area on the mesiolingual surface.
Because of the length of the clasp, it must be designed with
additional support, usually in the form of an auxillary bracing
arm.

This can provide reciprocation and some amount of
stability for the denture.
The entire clasp except the retentive terminal shall be
placed above the height of the contour.
An additional occlusal rest can be placed may provide
additional support and prevent mesial migration of tooth.
Contra indication:
1. In mandibular molar, where the attachment of
buccinator muscle is so close to the tooth, that
the auxillary bracing arm encroaches on it.
2. The bracing arm must cross the soft tissue
undercut.
Advantages:
1. Excellent bracing
2. Decreased leverage
3. Less stress to abutment teeth.

Disadvantages:
1. Needs long crown and enough occlusal clearance.
2. Difficult to repair.
REVERSE ACTION CLASP OR HAIR PIN
This clasp is essentially a simple circlet clasp in which the
retentive arm after crossing the facial surface of the tooth
from its point of origin loops back in a hairpin turn to
engage a proximal undercut below its point of origin.
The upper part of the retentive arm must be considered to
be minor connector and should be rigid.
The lower part of the clasp arm should be tapered. It is the
only flexible part of the clasp arm.
The crown of the abutment tooth must have
sufficient occlusogingival height to accommodate
this double width of the clasp arm.
The upper and lower arms of the retentive clasp
must also be shaped in such a way that food debris
will not be retained between them.
There must be enough space between the arms so
that the metal may be adequately finished and
polished.
Indication:
1. Distal extension partial denture.
2. Mesially inclined posterior.
3. Undercut addition to the edentulous area.
4. If proximal undercut must be used on a posterior
abutment and when the tissue undercut or high tissue
attachment prevent the use of bar clasp arm.
5. If lingual undercut is present which prevent the
placement of a supporting minor connecter without
tongue interference hairpin clasp is indicated.
Contra Indication:
1. Tight occlusal contact, increase posterior overbite and
short crown.
2. Clasp cover considerable tooth surface and may trap
debris.
Advantages:
Easier to construct
Adjustibility
Disadvantages:
Food trapment
Esthetics
Caries
Multiple clasp is two opposing simple circlet clasp joined
at the terminal end of the two reciprocal arms.
MULTIPLE CLASP
MULTIPLE CLASP
Indication:
1. When additional retention is needed.
2. Tooth borne partial denture
3. Multiple clasping required, when the partial
denture replaces an entire half of the dental arch.
4. When the principal abutment tooth it periodontal
support can be used in the form of splinting
tooth.
Advantages:
1. Less metal display
2. Less tooth coverage
3. Leaves room for the mesial portion of the denture base
to a larger extent than it would be otherwise.
4. It braces the abutment on the mesial even if the tooth is
tipped distally.
5. Marginal gingiva can be left uncovered of the abutment
teeth for better tissue health.
Half-and-half clasp
This clasp consists of a circumferential retention arm
arising from one direction and a reciprocal arm arising
from another minor connector.
This principle of Half and half clasp should be
applied only to a unilateral denture design.
The buccal arm provides for bracing only.
The lingual arm utilizes an undercut adjacent to the
edentulous space for retention.
Indication:
Lingually inclined premolars where lingual undercut are
close to the edentulous space.
Contra indication:
Buccally inclined premolars
If it is used for distal extension RPD a distal rest
should be placed. Mesial rest also can be used in
conjunction with the distal rest.
BACK ACTION CLASP
It is a modification of the ring clasp.
It has a rest which is connected to a rigid minor connector.
Indication:
For unilateral and bilateral distal extension partial denture.
Combination clasp
This type of clasp consists of a wrought wire retentive clasp
arm and a cast reciprocal clasp arm.
The retentive arm is usually occlusally approaching, but it may
also be used from a gingivally approaching direction.
Uses:
It is used on abutment tooth adjacent to a distal
extension base where only a mesiogingival undercut
exists on the abutment or where a large tissue
undercut contraindicates a bar type retainer.
The tapered wrought wire retentive arm offers
greater flexibility than does the cast clasp arm and
therefore better dissipates functional stresses.
Advantages
Flexibility on account of fibrous grain structure of the
wrought wire retentive arm.
Adjustability : It can be adjusted later to increase or decrease
the retention without danger of breakage.
Esthetic appearance since it is used in smaller diameters of
round cross-section.
A minimum of tooth surface is covered because of its
line
contact with the tooth, rather than a surface contact of a
cast clasp arm.
Fatigue failures in service are less likely to occur with the
tapered wrought wire retentive arm.
Disadvantages
It involves extra steps in fabrication, particularly
when high fusing chromium alloys are used.
It may be distorted by careless handling on the part
of the patient.
Since it is bent by hand, it may be less accurately
adapted and therefore provide less stabilization
above the height of contour.
EXTENDED CLASP ARM
It is similar to the circumferential arm but it covers two
teeth. It remains above the surveyline of the 1
st
tooth;
crosses the undercut of the adjacent tooth. It is rarely
used direct retainer.
Indications:

Tooth supported RPD.
Tooth next to edentulous space has no buccal and lingual
undercut.
The occlusion in the embrasure area will not allow passage
of the clasp arm to an undercut on the second abutment
from the edentulous space.
The second abutment from edentulous space has a buccal
undercut available.
Contra Indication:
1. Distal extension dentures because the retentive
lies forward of the axis rotation. Functional
forces will cause rotation around the rest and
upward movement of clasp tip.
Advantages:
1. It has splinting and stabilization action.
2. Distribution of lateral loads over two teeth.
Disadvantages:
1. Tooth structure covered.
2. Easily distorts.
3. Breakage of the arm.
4. If made in gold limited 2 premolar
in Cr. Ch longer arm can be used.

MESIODISTAL CLASP
Used to clasp canine and central only if little undercut on
buccal surface.
Disadvantage:
Metal displaces alloy made of gold.

If diastema between the lateral incisor and canine, then
the space provides a accommodation for the mesial part
of the clasp otherwise space reaction with safe side disc,
contact point with L.I. is returned when clasp an
position. It is similar to inlay.
ONLAY CLASP
1. Extends from an occlusal onlay into an undercut
located mesio distally.
2. This clasp is an extended occlusal rest with buccal and
lingual clasp arms.
3. This clasp may originate from any point on the onlay
that will not create any occlusal interference.
4. If the onlay is prepared with chrome cobalt alloy and is
opposed by natural teeth the occlusal surface should
be constructed of acrylic resin or gold, if chrome alloy
used, because of its extreme hardness will cause rapid
wear of enamel
Indications:
1. When the occlusal surface of the abutment tooth is
below the occlusal plane.
2. Only in caries resistant mouth unless it is covered by
gold crown.
Advantages:
1. Mesially tilted molars to be used to provide retention.
2. 3
rd
molar occlusion may be improved.

Disadvantages:
1. Difficult to clasp to tooth.
2. Increased contact area, accurate impression and the
resultant cast is difficult to achieve.
DEVAN CLASP
Uses proximal undercut and has a small head that bears
on tooth entirely below survey line.
Clasp arises and lies closely against at the periphery of
the denture base.
Denture base is under extended to provide room for
the approaching arm.
It is reciprocated with lingual and palatal minor
connecter.
It gives little bracing effect.
Devan clasp
Advantages:
1. Esthetically acceptable, because of interproximal
location or it is hidden behind the buccal concavity.
2. The distribution of stress during insertion and
removal is minimal.
3. Increased retention without tipping action on the
abutment.
4. Less chance of accidental deformation because it
doesnt project very far away from the denture base.
GINGIVALLY APPROACHING CLASPS
Infra Bulge
Push Clasp
Roach Clasp
This bar clasp approaches the retentive undercut in a
gingival direction resulting in a push type of retention.
This push type of retention is more effective than pull
type retention characteristic of circumferential clasp.-
tripping action.
This clasp is termed by F.E.
Roach in 1930 and hence
the name Roach clasp.
The bar clasp is classified by
shape of the retentive
terminal T, modified T, I, Y
forms, all of which originate
from the denture base frame
work and approaches the
undercut from gingival
direction.
Advantages:
1. Minimal tooth contact and minimal distortion of
normal tooth contours leading to improved tissue
stimulation, oral hygiene, caries and periodontal
problems.
2. Improved esthetics if the approach portion of the arm
is not visible as it crosses the gingiva.
3. Increased retention because of tipping action.
4. Decreased torquing forces applied to terminal
abutments in extension RPD.
5. Large undercut can be engaged.
Disadvantages:
1. Cannot be used in the presence of soft tissue undercuts
shallow vestibule and high frenum attachments.
2. Bracing action provided by bar clasp is considerable less
than that provided by cast circumferential clasps.
3. The bar clasp will not totally disengage in certain distal
extension cases.
4. Food trapment.
5. Difficult to fabricate and adjust.
Indication:
1. Class I and Class II distal extension partial dentures to
engage the distobuccal undercut on abutment. It can be
employed on canines and sometimes even on molars.
2. Where the anterior retention is needed: It is often used
on distobuccal surface of maxillary canines and
mandibular premolar as the retentive arm can be hidden
from the vision. Esthetically this clasp is superior to
circumferential clasp and inferior in providing stability
because of greater flexibility of the retentive arm.
TYPES OF BAR CLASP
T Clasp
Modified T Clasp
Y clasp
I clasp
T-Clasp:
Used in combination with cast circumferential reciprocal arm.
The retentive terminal and its opposing encircling finger
projects laterally from the approach arm to form T.
The retentive terminal must cross under the heoght of
contour to engage the retentive undercut, while the other
finger of the T stays on the suprabulge of the tooth.
The approach arm should taper gradually and uniformly
from its origin to the retentive terminal.
The approach arm contacts the tooth only at the height
of contour.
Indication:
- Most frequently used is distal extension ridge where the
usable undercuts is on the distobuccal surface of the
terminal abutment tooth.
- It can also be used for tooth supported partial denture
when the retentive undercut is located on the abutment
tooth adjacent to the edentulous space.
Contra Indication:
- Should not be used on a terminal abutment adjacent to a
distal extension base if the usable undercut is located on
the side of the tooth away from the edentulous space.
- The T clasp can never be used if the approach arm is in
the soft tissue undercut.
- This clasp cannot be used when the height contour is a
large space will be created between the approach arm of
the clasp and the tooth, which would result in irritation of
the lips or cheeks and in trapping food debris.
MODIFIED T-CLASP
It is a T clasp with the non retentive (mesial) finger of
the cross bar of the T terminal is eliminated

Indication:
- Used on canines or premolar for esthetic reasons.
- When used this type of a clasp the encirclement of the
abutment tooth is sacrificed.
Y-CLASP
It is basically a T-clasp, its configuration occurs when the
height of contour on the facial surface of the abutment
tooth is high on mesial and distal line angles but low on
the center of the facial surface.

I-CLASP
Used on distobuccal surface of maxillary canine for
esthetic reason.
Disadvantage:
- The contact of the retentive clasp with the abutment tooth
is the tip of the clasp an area of 2-3 mm. Encirclement
horizontal stabilization may be compromised.

RPI System (Rest, Proximal plate, I-bar)
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. He preferred a
full length guide plane that is subsequently relieved in the
mouth to prevent torque or binding.
His purposes were:
Elimination of the V-shaped food trap distal to
the tooth.
A highly polished metal contact with the marginal
gingiva, rather than resin .
Intimate metal-to-tooth contact to minimize
food impaction.
This design had certain basic disadvantages:
Physiologic relief was required to prevent
impingement of gingival tissues during function.
Since the proximal plate covers a greater surface
area of the tooth, the functional forces are
directed in the horizontal direction.
Krol in 1973 made certain modifications in the design of
the proximal plate and named it the RPI bar clasp
design.
He had a 2-3mm of contact of the tooth with the guide
plane, the section below this point being relieved and he
felt that the V shaped space that is left underneath was
not as detrimental as the possible restriction of rotation.
This design however, leaves a region occlusal to the
proximal plate where contact between the abutment and
denture must be made by the replacement tooth.
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF RPI CONCEPT
The mesiobuccal rest with the minor connector is placed
into the mesiolingual embrasure, but not contacting the
adjacent tooth.
A distal guiding plane, extending from the marginal ridge
to the junction of the middle and gingival thirds of the
abutment tooth, is prepared to receive a proximal plate.
The buccolingual width of the guiding plane is
determined by the proximal contour of the tooth.

The proximal plate in conjunction with the mesial
occlusal rest and minor connector provides the stabilizing
and reciprocal aspects of the clasp assembly.
The I-bar contributes to the retentive aspect and
should be located in the gingival third of the buccal
or labial surface of the abutment in 0.01 inch
undercut.
The whole arm of the I-bar should be tapered to its
terminus, with no more than 2mm of its tip
contacting the abutment.
The approach arm must be located at least 4mm from
the gingival margin and even more if possible.
OTHER CLASP DESIGNS

RPA clasps
The rest, proximal plate, Akers clasp was
developed and described by Eliason in 1983. It
consists of a mesial occlusal rest, proximal plate
and a circumferential clasp arm, which arises
from the superior portion of the proximal plate
and extends around the tooth to engage the
mesial undercut.
VRHR Clasp
The vertical reciprocal horizontal retentive arm concept
was developed by Grasso in 1980 and is characterized by:
A distal occlusal rest supported by a minor connector.
A lingual vertical reciprocal component originating
from the major connector.
A horizontal retentive arm attached to either the
major connector or the retention latticework for the
denture base.
Cingulum clasp
Miller in 1972 designed a clasp to satisfy both the
mechanical and esthetic requirements without the
shortcomings of the internal attachment.
The cingulum clasp has 2 lingual clasp arms. The use
of this clasp requires that the lingual surface of the
abutment tooth be covered with a gold casting.
A guiding plane is incorporated into the distal surface
of the crown and the clasp is designed as an integral
part of the rigid metal framework.
Advantages
Esthetic
A tooth of short clinical crown can be used.
The young pulp is not imperiled by close proximity
to metal which shows thermal conduction.
Less expensive.

Disadvantages
The clasp arms are vulnerable to breakage.

Use
The cingulum clasp can be used as a retainer on cuspid
teeth when other extracoronal retainers are esthetically
unacceptable
Occlusally and gingivally approaching clasps:
Relative merits and demerits
Retention : The bar clasp approaches the undercut
from below the height of contour and to resist
dislodgement, the clasp pushes towards the occlusal
surface of the abutment tooth. The circumferential
clasp engages the retentive undercut from above the
height of contour and pulls towards the occlusal
surface from the undercut to resist dislodgement.
Bracing : The circumferential clasp is rigid in the
upper two-thirds of the retentive arm and offers
some bracing or stabilization against lateral stresses.
On the other hand, the bar clasp is flexible
throughout its length and does not contribute to
stability.
Stress breaking effect : The gingivally approaching
clasp allows a certain degree of functional movement
of the distal extension base which helps to dissipate
the stresses and lessen the load on the abutment.
Occlusally approaching clasps have the potential to
torque abutment teeth in distal extension based partial
denture situations.
Contact with tooth structure : The gingivally
approaching clasp contacts minimum tooth structure
and has a minimum interference with natural tooth
contour permitting maximum natural cleansing action,
whereas the occlusally approaching clasps covers more
of tooth structure. This occlusal approach may increase
the width of the occlusal table.
Damage to oral tissues : The area of food
lodgement is at the neck of the tooth, with the cementum
in this area being more likely to be affected by caries than
enamel. Trauma to the gingiva can also occur with bar
claps unless sufficiently relieved. Mishandling of the
clasps by the patients during removal of the prosthesis
can result in deformation of the clasp and damage to soft
tissues.
Esthetics : Gingivally approaching clasps are more
esthetic than occlusally approaching clasps except in
instances where large amounts of gingiva is visible
on smiling.
INTRACORONAL RETAINERS
The intracoronal retainer is usually regarded as an internal
attachment or precision attachment.
The Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms defines precision
attachment as:
A retainer consisting of a metal receptacle
(matrix) and a closely fitting part (patrix); the matrix is
usually contained within the normal or expanded
contours of the crown on the abutment tooth and the
patrix is attached to a pontic or the removable partial
denture framework.

As a direct retainer it must provide :
Support
Retention
Reciprocation
Stabilization
Fixation
The precision attachment is the only type of intracoronal
attachment that provides
Lateral force transmission or bracing from the parallel
proximal walls of the rest against the rest seat.
Occlusal force transmission or support from the flat
gingival floor of the result on the rest seat.
Primary retention from the frictional fit between the rest
and rest seat.
Advantages of intra coronal retainers:
1. Esthetically acceptable, because not much of metal display
like extracoronal retainers.
2. It is preferred in many of the situation because of its
vertical support through a rest seat located more
favourable to the horizontal axis of the abutment tooth.
3. Horizontal stabilization to some extent. Similar
to internal rest but extracoronal stabilization is
needed.
4. Stimulation to the underlying tissues greater
when internal attachment are used because of
the intermittent vertical massage.
Disadvantages of intra coronal retainers:
1. They require preparation of abutment tooth and
casting.
2. Difficult clinical and laboratory procedure.
3. They eventually wear, result in loss of frictional
resistance to denture removal.
4. Difficult to repair and replace.
5. They are effective in longer teeth and least
effective in shorter teeth.
6. Difficult to place completely in the abutment
teeth.

Limitations of intra coronal retainers:
1. Large pulp size which is usually related to the age of
patient.
2. Length of the clinical crown, not used in short or abraded
teeth.
3. Expensive.
4. Distal extension denture bases.
Classification
Classification by Good Kind and Baker in 1976 :
1)Intra coronal
a. resilient
b. non resilient
2) Extra coronal
a. resilient
b. non resilient

Gerardo Becerra et al in 1987 classified precision attachments
as :
1) Intra coronal attachments
a. Frictional
- tapered and parallel walled boxes and tubes
- adjustable metal plates
- springs
- studs
- locks
b. Magnets
2) Extra coronal attachments
a. Cantilever attachments
- rigid attachments
- movable attachments
b. Bar attachments

Tapered And Parallel Walled Boxes And Tubes
Designed to be used in FPD.
Plastic pre fabricated patterns.
Provides vertical support and lateral stabilization.
Simple pin and tube or rectangular block and boxes.
E.g. : Mc Collum attachments.
McCOLLUM ATTACHMENTS
Adjustable Metal Plates
Similar to block and box variety .
Provided with a narrow slit in the metal block or
male portion of the attachment to increase the
friction.
Provides a simple and effective form of direct
retention.
Atleast 2.5 mm of tooth height is required.
E.g.: Crismani attachment.
Mc Collum attachment.
Stern attachment
Chayes or Rley attachment.
CHAYES
ATTACHMENT
CRISMANI
ATTACHMENT
Springs
Incorporated in the male part to control the friction.
Spring activates a plunger rod which protrudes from
male part to engage a depression in the female part.
Approximately 4 5 mm of vertical height is required.
E.g.: Schatzmann attachment.
SCHATZMANN ATTACHMENT
Studs
A metallic stud can be soldered to post and core and
cemented into an abutment.
Direct retention can be obtained by using a stud which
clips into an flexible ring.
Sufficient clearance is required to arrange the artificial
teeth.
E.g.: Ceka attachment
Rotherman attachment

Ceka attachment
Locks
These lock rigidly into the attachments .
The vertical height required for this attachment is
atleast 6 mm.
Retained with pins or incorporated in post and core .
E.g.: T - block attachment
T- BLOCK ATTACHMENT
Magnets
Small metal keeper is attached to the tooth surface,
usually into the root canal and magnet is incorporated
into the resin.
Alloy in the magnet produces a magnetic force that is
strong .
Magnets are brittle and corrode unless protected in a
stainless steel shelf.
Cantilever attachments
Rigid attachments
They are pin and tube joints that use a slit in the pin or
multiple pin tubes and slots to enhance retentive
friction between the parts with the natural teeth on the
either side of the edentulous space.
These attachments offer excellent stability and
retention in tooth supported partial dentures.
e.g.: Scott attachment
Thompson dowel rest system.
Movable attachments.
These allow the prosthesis to rotate around a horizontal
axis and transmit occlusal forces to the residual alveolar
ridge .
E.g.: Dolbo attachments
Bar attachments
These can be connected to
the cast metal crowns or
copings .
Custom made bars can be
cast with a flat upper surface
to support the prosthesis
and parallel sides that help to
stabilize it.
E.g.: Dolder bar.
Precision attachment selection
Kennedys class III partially edentulous arch.
Rigid internal attachments are recommended .
Provides good retention, support and bracing because of
its rigid interlocking components.
If the posterior abutment prognosis is questionable then a
resilient type of attachments are recommended with
anterior abutment.
Kennedys class I and class II partially
edentulous arches
The most difficult type of treatment plan.
Some practitioners advocate non rigid and resilient
attachments and some advocate resilient attachment in
distal extension to minimize rotation and torquing of
the abutment tooth when the components of an
attachment are rigidly connected.
Another philosophy , known as the stable base precison
attachment RPD concept or floating denture base
concept recommends incorporation of rigid internal
attachments and a cast metal base made from
mucostatic impression of the residual ridge. The male
portion of the attachment is connected to the denture
base , allowing the complete seating within the
abutment.
The hinged or directionally oriented attachment such as
the Dolbo attachments are recommended to provide
additional bearing or resistance to lateral movement
when the residual ridge is severely resorbed.
The Ceka attachments can be used successfully where
the ridges are not parallel to one another .
Kennedys class IV partially edentulous arch
The ideal RPD design for such situation involves the
use of a tissue bar placed close to the edentulous ridge
and connected as a fixed unit to the abutment teeth on
either side of the space using crowns.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Applegate O.C. : Text book of Removable Partial
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Clayton J.A., Kotowicz W.E. : Precision attachments.
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Harold W.P. : Precision attachment in prosthdontics.
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nd
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