Type Clasp Akers' Clasp

Indications I. Tooth born partial denture (removable bridge). II. On free-end ex

tensions where undercut is so small that longer clasp arms will not be retentive
.
Contraindications
Advantages I. Good support and bracing . II. Simple design . III. Dose not disto
rt easily . IV. Easy to adjust . V. Contacts minimal area of the tooth . VI. Goo
d esthetics.
Disadvantages May traumatize abutments when used incorrectly on free-end extensi
on.
Ring Clasp
Use on isolated lower molar with undercut located meso-lingually due to linguall
y tilted tooth. I. Premolar and canine abutments on free-end extension . II. On
short teeth with small mesiofacial and distal undercut. Not used on molars becau
se of length of clasp arm.
Back Action Clasp Circumferential Clasps
(modification of ring clasp)
Reverse Back Action Clasps
(joining of a bar & back action clasps with all their disadvantages)
Premolar abutment with lingual inclination on free-end extension partial denture
.
I. Maxillary partial denture for esthetic reasons. II. When there is a severe so
fttissue undercut inferior to marginal gingiva
Half & Half Clasp "Split Clasp"
I. Premolar and molar abutment for free-end extension P.D. and removable bridges
. II. Isolated teeth.
It covers large area of the tooth making it unaesthetic, so it used only in post
erior teeth. I. Can use small undercut I. Easily distorted because of areas leng
th. II. Length of clasp II. Difficult to adjust. produces resiliency and III. La
rge tooth area covered. "stress-breaking" effect on IV. Design produces "food ab
utments for free-end trap" between lingual arm extension partial denture. and ma
jor connector. Has "stress-breaking" I. Crosses soft tissue. action similar to "
back II. Excessively long clasp, action clasp". easily distorted, difficult to a
djust. III. Poor esthetics. IV. Contacts large areas of tooth. I. Good support a
nd Food trap may be introduced bracing . between lingual arm and II. Easy to adj
ust . major connector if not III. Contacts minimal area constructed properly. of
the tooth . IV. Good esthetics.
Type Clasp Reverse Action Clasp (Hairpin, CClasp, & Fishhook)
Embrasure Clasp (Butterfly Clasp or Double Akers' Clasp)
Multiple Clasps
Indications I. When a proximal undercut must be used to a posterior teeth and hi
gh tissue undercut prevents the use of a bar clasp. II. Distofacial undercut on
canines and premolars when a sharp tissue undercut prevent use of bar-type clasp
. III. Undercut near minor connector on molars. I. To utilize multiple abutments
and distribute occlusal support and retention to several teeth . II. When insuf
ficient undercuts are present on a single abutment . III. Specially used for the
purpose of a bilateral bracing in a unilateral edentulous arch, to utilize a re
tentive undercut. Two opposing circumferential clasps joined at the terminal end
of the two reciprocal arms, used when multiple clasping is needed. On maxillary
lateral incisors which are abutments for a removable bridge (tooth born partial
denture) or tooth borne side of a unilateral free-end extension. I. Small shall
ow undercut present in the cervical of anterior teeth. II. Approaches the undercut
is an inconspicuous (hidden) way; serve esthetically.
Contraindications On maxillary teeth where the metal is objectionable.
I. Not to be used where clasp would traumatize abutment teeth. II. Cannot be use
d where there is insufficient space for the minor connector to cross the occlusa
l surface.
Advantages I. Undercut adjacent to edentulous area may be utilized without havin
g minor connector cross soft tissue . II. Good bracing and support . III. May be
used on freeend extension P.D. or removable bridges. I. Good support and bracin
g. II. Distributes support, bracing and retention to several teeth.
Disadvantages I. Poor esthetics . II. Large area of the tooth surface is covered
. III. Possible food trap.
I. Minor connector usually too thin on occlusal surface resulting in excessive b
reakage. II. Retention may be excessive.
Mesiodistal Clasp
I. Good esthetic. II. Good support and bracing.
Tooth must be prepared by dentist so that proximal surfaces of the tooth are par
allel or have slight convergence incisally.
T Clasp I Clasp U -Y Clasp L Clasp R Clasp
Bar Clasp
Type Clasp Round Wrought Wire Clasp
Indications Canine & premolar abutments for free-end extension partial dentures.
Contraindications Removable bridges.
Combination Clasp (Wrought wire retentive clasp arm + Cast reciprocal arm)
Advantages I. More flexible than cast arm. II. Easy to adjust. III. Good estheti
cs. IV. Minimal tooth surface contacted (line contact). I. Flexibility II. Adjus
tability III. Esthetics
Disadvantages I. Easily distorted by careless handling by patient. II. Fabricati
on more time consuming.
I. Fabrication . II. Distorted with careless handling.