Direct Retainers

Presented by
Dr. Nermeen Rady
Associate Professor of Prosthodontics
 Retention
• Is the resistance to displacement away from the teeth
and soft tissue of the dental arch.
 Retention
• Is the resistance to displacement away from the teeth
and soft tissue of the dental arch.
• A partial denture is retained in place by:
1- Direct retainers which include clasps and attachments.
2- Indirect retainers.
3- Frictional fit between the natural and artificial teeth.
4- The use of undercut areas on the teeth or soft tissue.
5- Physical factors of retention.
Direct Retainers
The components of a RPD that engage abutments
and resist dislodging forces.
 Direct Retainer

Intracoronal Extracoronal

Precision Semi- Precision Clasps Attachments

Attachment Attachment

Suprabulge Infrabulge
 Direct Retainer

Attachments Clasps
 Direct Retainer

Attachments Clasps

• They consists of two components:

a- Matrix, is a metal receptacle within the normal

clinical crowns of a fixed restoration.

b- Patrix, is attached to the associated RPD.

N.B:
When 2 or more attachments are used in a single RPD, the precise
parallelism of all matrix and patrix components is ESSENTIAL ????
 Direct Retainer

Attachments Clasps

• Classification:
According to the location of attachment in
relation to the crown of the abutments:

1- Intracoronal attachment
2- Extracoronal attachment
 Direct Retainer

Attachments Clasps

• Classification:
According to the method of fabrication and
degree of fit between the attachment components:

1- Precision attachment
2- Semi-precision attachment
 Attachment

Intracoronal attachment

• They reside within the contours of the abutment.

• The matrix is contained within the contour of a fixed
restoration and the patrix is attached to the RPD.
Matrix Patrix
Attachment
- They consist of components that reside
outside the normal clinical contours of
abutment teeth.
- The matrix is attached to the crown of the
tooth and the patrix is attached to the RPD.
- This type is indicated when the crown of the
tooth is too small or the pulp of the tooth is
large.

Extracoronal attachment
Attachment
* This mechanical accommodation is intended to
minimize the transfer of potentially damaging
forces to the abutments.

* This concept has led to “stress breaking

or stress directing” theories of RPD
design.

Extracoronal attachment
 Direct Retainer

Attachments Clasps

• Classification:
According to the method of fabrication and
degree of fit between the attachment components:

1- Precision attachment
2- Semi-precision attachment
 Direct Retainer

Attachments Clasps

1- Precision attachment
Fabricated in metal (ready made) using high-precision
manufacturing techniques.
- Usually exhibits long, parallel walls & and exceptional
surface adaptation.
 Direct Retainer

Attachments Clasps

2- Semi-precision attachments
- They are usually supplied as wax or plastic patterns which
subsequently cast in metal.
- They display a less intimate fit between matrix & patrix.
- They also exhibit tapering walls.
 Advantages of attachments
1- Provide better esthetics (the labial or buccal clasp arm is eliminated).

2- Provide better force distribution than clasps ( Less stressful to the

abutment teeth).

3- The efficiency of retention is not affected by the abutment teeth.

4- More tolerated by the patient.

5- Hygienic ( It eliminates the possibility of food stagnation).

 Disadvantages of precision
attachments
1- They require complicated clinical & laboratory procedures.
2- They require abutment preparations and casting.
3- Intracoronal attachment is contraindicated with large pulp.
4- They eventually wear resulting in loss of fit.
5- Difficult to repair and replace.

6- Less effective on short crowns.

7- Expensive.
 Direct Retainer

Attachments Clasps
Clasp:
is a metal component of a RPD that fits against
the vertical enamel surface of a standing tooth,
aiding in the retention & bracing of the
appliance.

Is considered as an extracoronal retainer

 Direct Retainer

Intracoronal Extracoronal

Precision Semi- Precision Clasps Attachments

Attachment Attachment

Suprabulge Infrabulge
Functional elements of the clasp

1.
Rest

Clasp 2.
Assembly Retentive
arm

4. 3.
Reciprocal
Minor arm
connector
Functional elements of the clasp
 Functional elements of the clasp
1- The Occlusal Rest

* Is positioned in a prepared recess

or in a natural depression on the
tooth surface

* Function:

1. It provides vertical support for

the prosthesis.

2. It resists the displacement of the

clasp in a gingival direction.
Functional elements of the clasp

1.
Rest

Clasp 2.
Assembly Retentive
arm

4. 3.
Reciprocal
Minor arm
connector
 Functional elements of the clasp
2- The Retentive Arm

* There are two basic forms of retentive arms :-

Suprabulge clasp arm or

Circumferential (Akers clasp).

Infrabulge clasp arm or Vertical

Projection or Bar clasp (Roach clasp)
Suprabulge clasp arm
Infrabulge clasp arm
 Structure of a Clasp Assembly
2- The Retentive Arm

Terminal 1/3
* Function:
1. Only the terminal third (Terminus)
is flexible and located below the
survey line contact a precisely
measured undercut to provide
retention.

2. The rigid portion gives bracing.

* The portion of the clasp arm that arises from the minor connector
is known as the shoulder.
 Structure of a Clasp Assembly
2- The Retentive Arm
* An Infrabulge clasp arm consists of two distinct
segments:
1 - The approach arm
2 - The terminus.

* The approach arm is a minor connector that originates from

the framework travels horizontally along the surface of the mucosa
and then turns vertically to cross the free gingival margin at 90
degrees.
* The terminus arises from the vertical portion of the
approach arm& engages a measured undercut on the
surface of the abutment.
Structure of a Clasp Assembly

1.
Rest

Clasp 2.
Assembly Retentive
arm

4. 3.
Reciprocal
Minor arm
connector
 Structure of a Clasp Assembly
3- The Reciprocal Arm

• It is placed on the surface of the tooth

opposite to the retentive arm.

*Function:
1. counteract any stress generated against the tooth by the
retentive arm.
2. It is rigid throughout its length & rests on the occlusal
side of the survey line and resists lateral movement
( bracing ) .
Structure of a Clasp Assembly

1.
Rest

Clasp 2.
Assembly Retentive
arm

4. 3.
Reciprocal
Minor arm
connector
 Structure of a Clasp Assembly
3- Minor Connector

* Isthe connecting link between the clasp & the remainder of the
framework.

* Hence, minor connectors must be rigid.

Which teeth to clasp?

• 1- Molars
• 2- Premolars
• 3- Canines
• Upper central incisors???
• Upper laterals and all lower incisors ??!!!!!!!!!!!!
 Distribution of clasps

• Bilateral configuration
• Tripodal configuration
• Quadrilateral configuration
 Distribution of clasps

• Bilateral configuration
 Distribution of clasps

• Tripodal configuration
 Distribution of clasps

• Quadrilateral configuration
 Physical form of clasps

• Round wire
• Half round wire
• Cast clasp
 Physical form of clasps

• Round wire
- Minimum friction
- Highly flexible
- Have stress breaking action as it does not transmit
every movement of the denture to the tooth
 Physical form of clasps

• Half-round wire
- Improved frictional grip gives better retention
than round wire.
 Physical form of clasps

• Cast clasp
- Accurately fitting
- Easily varied in thickness, form, and taper
- Can easily include occlusal rest
 Direct Retainers
Presented by
Dr. Nermeen Rady
Associate Professor of Prosthodontics
 The six requirements of
a properly designed Clasp
1- Retention
2- Support
3- Stability
4- Reciprocation
5- Encirclement
6- Passivity
1- Retention
* It is the property which enables the clasp to resists forces
acting to dislodge components away from the supporting
tissues. ( speech, mastication, deglutition, muscle action, sticky
food, or gravity in case of upper denture)
1- Retention
1- The rest must provide support so that the clasp is
maintained in an optimal location.

2- The retentive arm must be designed so that only the

clasp terminus engages the undercut.

3- The reciprocal arm must contact the abutment slightly

before the retentive elements contact the tooth.

4- The minor connector must be rigid to ensure proper

stability & functions of parts of the clasp assembly.
1- Retention
5- Components must provide sufficient encirclement to
prevent movement of the abutment away from the clasp
otherwise retention is lost.
 Factors affecting the retentive
action of the clasp
1- Depth of the undercut engaged. The greater the degree of
undercut engaged, the greater is the retentive action of the
clasp.

2- Angle of approach. A gingivally approaching clasp arm

gives better retentive action than occlusally approaching
clasp arm.

3- Flexibility of the clasp arm. The degree of flexibility is

dependent on:
 2- Flexibility of the Retentive Arm

* Maximum flexibility of a retentive clasp may be defined as

the greatest 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

length, cross-sectional form, cross-sectional diameter,
longitudinal taper, clasp curvature & metallurgical
characteristics of the alloy.
 Flexibility of the retentive clasp arm

1- The length of the clasp:

Clasp flexibility increases as clasp length increases.

Flexibility of the retentive clasp arm
2- Cross-sectional form:

The smaller the diameter of the cross-section, the

greater the flexibility

** A circular (round) cross-sectional form imparts omnidirectional flexure,

while a half- round form allows bidirectional flexure.
Flexibility of the retentive clasp arm
2- Cross-sectional form:

The smaller the diameter of the cross-section, the

greater the flexibility

** A circular (round) cross-sectional form imparts omnidirectional flexure,

while a half- round form allows bidirectional flexure.
 Flexibility of the retentive clasp arm

3- Taper:

A uniformly tapered clasp is more flexible than a non

tapered clasp of the same dimensions.

* The cross-sectional dimensions at the shoulder of the clasp should be

twice the cross-sectional dimensions at the clasp terminus.
 Flexibility of the retentive clasp
arm

4- The metallurgical properties of an alloy (Modulus of elasticity)

* Alloys exhibiting higher elastic modulus exhibit greater stiffness,

while alloys displaying lower elastic modulus exhibit greater
flexibility.

* Cobalt-chromium & Nickel-chromium alloys have higher elastic

modulus than gold alloys, clasps made from chromium containing
alloys are more rigid.

** Wrought wire clasp gives better retention than cast clasp.

 The six requirements of
a properly designed Clasp
1- Retention
2- Support
3- Stability
4- Reciprocation
5- Encirclement
6- Passivity
 2- Support
* Itis the quality of a clasp assembly that resists
displacement of a prosthesis in a gingival direction.

* The occlusal rest is the support unit.

 The six requirements of
a properly designed Clasp
1- Retention
2- Support
3- Stability
4- Reciprocation
5- Encirclement
6- Passivity
 3- Stability (Bracing)

* It is the quality of a clasp assembly that resists displacement

of a prosthesis in a horizontal direction.

• All the clasp components provide stability.

• The bracing action of the occlusally approaching clasps is

greater than that of the gingivally approaching ones.
 The six requirements of
a properly designed Clasp
1- Retention
2- Support
3- Stability
4- Reciprocation
5- Encirclement
6- Passivity
4- Reciprocation
* It is the quality of a clasp assembly that counteracts lateral
displacement of an abutment when the retentive clasp
terminus passes over the height of the contour.
4- Reciprocation
* The reciprocal element may be a cast clasp arm or lingual
or palatal plate.

* The axial surface of an abutment should be parallel to the

path of insertion & removal.
 The six requirements of
a properly designed Clasp
1- Retention
2- Support
3- Stability
4- Reciprocation
5- Encirclement
6- Passivity
 5- Encirclement
* Each clasp assembly must be designed to provide direct
contact over at least 180 degrees of the tooth
circumference (more than half the circumference of the
crown).
* This contact provides encirclement & prevents
movement of the abutment away from the clasp assembly.
5- Encirclement
 The six requirements of
a properly designed Clasp
1- Retention
2- Support
3- Stability
4- Reciprocation
5- Encirclement
6- Passivity
 6- 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 the denture is fully seated, a clasp assembly

should be passive.

* The retentive arm should be active only when dislodging

forces are applied to the RPD.
Kinds of Clasps

1. On the basis of construction

2. On the basis of design

Kinds of Clasps

1. On the basis of construction

a) Cast Clasp
b) Wrought wire clasp
c) Combination clasp
Kinds of Clasps

1. On the basis of construction

Kinds of Clasps

1. On the basis of
construction

a) Cast Clasp
- Casted in Cr-Co alloy.
- It is accurately fitting & easily varied in
thickness, form & taper.
 Kinds of Clasps

1. On the basis of
construction

b) Wrought wire clasp

- It is usually made of stainless steel wire to which
an occlusal rest is added by soldering.
- Simply attached into acrylic denture base.
 Kinds of Clasps

1. On the basis of
construction

c) Combination clasp
- It is a cast clasp in which wrought wire has
been substituted for the usual cast retentive
arm.
 Kinds of Clasps

1. On the basis of
construction

c) Combination clasp
The W.W. retentive arm is attached to the cast
clasp with solder OR the W.W. can be embedded
in the wax pattern of the clasp before casting.
 Advantages of Combination
Clasp
1- It combines the resiliency of the wrought retentive arm
plus the better stabilizing feature of the cast clasp.

2- It has a stress-breaking action.

3- It can be used in the anterior part of the mouth as it is

less showing & can be placed near the gingival margin.
Kinds of Clasps

1. On the basis of construction

2. On the basis of design

Kinds of Clasps

1. On the basis of construction

2. On the basis of design

a) Occlusally approaching clasp
b) Ginigvally approaching clasp
Kinds of Clasps

1. On the basis of construction

2. On the basis of design

a) Occlusally approaching clasp
b) Ginigvally approaching clasp
 A- Occlusally Approaching Clasps
( Suprabulge, Encirclement,
Circumferential )

Double arm clasp Single arm clasp

 A- Occlusally Approaching Clasps
( Suprabulge, Encirclement,
Circumferential )

Double arm clasp Single arm clasp

1. Aker clasp and its modifications 1. Back action clasp

2. Reversed back action clasp

3. Ring clasp
 1- Aker Clasp
- The most universally employed of all clasp designs.
- The clasp of choice for tooth-supported RPD.
- Undercut used 0.01 of an inch.
- Used on molars & premolars when the tooth to be clasped is
adjacent to an edentulous space and the undercut is away from the
saddle.
 1- Aker Clasp
- Its indication:
Unilateral or bilateral tooth-supported RPD (Class III)
 1- Aker Clasp
- Its advantages:
- Good support & bracing
- Does not distort easily
- Easy to adjust
 a) Reversed Aker clasp
* Is used on mandibular premolars when the undercut is
located at the facial or lingual line angle adjacent to an
edentulous space.

* Its advantage is that the occlusal rest is located in the mesial

fossa and exerts a mesially directed force on the abutment
where it is reciprocated by an adjacent tooth
 b) Double Aker clasp (back to back,
Embrasure, compound, butterfly Clasp
design)
* This clasp is two-Aker clasps arising
from a common body situated in the
embrasure between two clasped teeth.

* It is frequently used with class II or

class III RPD’s on the side of the arch
where there is no edentulous space.
c) Half and half clasp

• It
consists of a retentive arm arising from one
direction and a reciprocal arm arising from
another.
• Itis used with isolated premolars and molars
for bounded and fre end RPD.
 A- Occlusally Approaching Clasps
( Suprabulge, Encirclement,
Circumferential )

Double arm clasp Single arm clasp

1. Aker clasp and its modifications
1. Back action clasp
a) Reversed Aker

b) Compound 2. Reversed back action clasp

c) Half and half
3. Ring clasp
d) Recurved arm

e) One arm

f) Multiple

g) Extended arm

h) RPA
 Direct Retainers
Presented by
Dr. Nermeen Rady
Associate Professor of Prosthodontics
 1- Back action clasp
* Undercut used 0.01 or 0.02 of an inch.

* Used with free end base on buccally tilted premolars.

* It has a stress breaking action

* Is a single arm clasp which is attached to the denture at one end

only ( the mesio-lingual ).
1- Back action clasp
Thank you…….
 2- Reverse- Back action clasp
- Attached to the denture at mesiobuccal side.
- Used on lingually tilted premolars to engage mesiolingual undercut of
0.01 or 0.02 of an inch.
 Disadvantages
Back action and reverse back action clasps are
biologically and mechanically unsound for the
following reasons:
1. Easily distorted because of the length and difficult
adjustment.
2. Large tooth area to be covered.
3. Bracing is not sufficient.
4. Food trapping is likely to occur.
 A- Occlusally Approaching Clasps
( Suprabulge, Encirclement,
Circumferential )

Double arm clasp Single arm clasp

1. Aker clasp and its modifications
1. Back action clasp
a) Reversed Aker

b) Compound 2. Reversed back action clasp

c) Half and half
3. Ring clasp
d) Recurved arm

e) One arm

f) Multiple

g) Extended arm

h) RPA
 3- Ring clasp design
– Single arm clasp used on buccally or lingually tilted isolated molars.
– Arises from the mesial surface of the molar and attached to the
denture at the mesial occlusal rest area and then encircles the tooth.
– The rigid shoulder and body lie above the survey line, and the
terminal in the undercut buccally or lingually according to its position
on the tooth.
- Undercut used 0.02.
– A reinforcing arm must be added to contribute
to horizontal stabilization.
3- Ring clasp design
3- Ring clasp design
* Disadvantages

1- May distort and difficult to adjust

2- Contact large area of the tooth
3- Reinforcing arm may cause marginal irritation & act as
a food trap.
Kinds of Clasps

1. On the basis of construction

2. On the basis of design

a) Occlusally approaching clasp
b) Ginigvally approaching clasp
 B- Gingivally Approaching Clasps
( Infrabulge, Roach, Bar, Projection )

• Arise from the denture framework and approach the

undercut from the gingival direction.
• This creates tipping action, and results in a “push” type
retention which is more effective than “pull” retention of
the occlusally approaching clasps.
 B- Gingivally Approaching Clasps
( Infrabulge, Roach, Bar, Projection )

• It is usually more esthetic than suprabulge clasps.

• It is used with bounded & distal extension bases.
• The flexibility of the infrabulge clasp is controlled by the
taper & length of the approach arm.
 B- Gingivally Approaching Clasps
( Infrabulge, Roach, Bar, Projection )

• Among the disadvantages of the Infrabulge

clasps:-
1. Tendency to collect food debris.
2. Less stabilization is provided due to its flexibility.
3. Additional bracing and stabilizing units may be required.
 B- Gingivally Approaching Clasps
( Infrabulge, Roach, Bar, Projection )

• Contraindications:
1. Severe buccal or lingual tilt of the abutment.

2. Severe tissue undercut.

3. Shallow buccal or lingual vestibules

 B- Gingivally Approaching Clasps
( Infrabulge, Roach, Bar, Projection )

• Design rules:
1. The approach arm should cross perpendicular to the free
gingival margin.
2. The approach arm must not impinge on the soft tissues
adjacent to the abutment.
3. The tissue surface of the approach arm should be smooth
and well polished.
 B- Gingivally Approaching Clasps
( Infrabulge, Roach, Bar, Projection )

• 4. The approach arm should never bridge an area of soft tissue

undercut to prevent food trap.
• 5. The approach arm should be uniformly tapered from its
origin to its terminal to increase flexibility.
• 6. Minor connector that attaches the occlusal rest to the major
connector should be rigid and contributes to bracing and
stabilization of the prosthesis.
 B- Gingivally Approaching Clasps
( Infrabulge, Roach, Bar, Projection )
1. T-shape
2. Y-shape
3. U-shape
4. I-shape
5. C shape
6. RPI
7. Ball and socket
B- Gingivally Approaching Clasps
( Infrabulge, Roach, Bar, Projection )

• RPI clasp
– Most commonly used clasp for distal-extension
bases as it provides stress-breaking action.
– Formed of three components:
1. Mesial occlusal rest with a minor connector placed
into the mesiolingual embrasure.
2. Distal Proximal plate placed on the distal surface
of the abutment
3. I-bar retentive arm placed at the center of the
buccal or lingual surface of the abutment.
B- Gingivally Approaching Clasps
( Infrabulge, Roach, Bar, Projection )

• RPI clasp
– Most commonly used clasp for distal-extension
bases as it provides stress-breaking action. (0.01)
– Formed of three components:
B- Gingivally Approaching Clasps
( Infrabulge, Roach, Bar, Projection )

• Limitations:
1- In situations where there is a need for great
amount of horizontal stability.

2- In patients who have shallow vestibules.

3- Soft tissue undercuts and high muscle

attachments.
B- Gingivally Approaching Clasps
( Infrabulge, Roach, Bar, Projection )

• Limitations:
4- Lack of attached gingiva.

5- In situations where the abutment teeth

demonstrate severe buccal or lingual tilting.

6- In patients who have high smile lines.

Kinds of Clasps

1. On the basis of construction

a) Cast Clasp
b) Wrought wire clasp
c) Combination clasp
 Wrought wire clasps
• Round wires can flex in all directions
• Half round flex in one direction only” ➔ more flexible
• Available in 0.7-0.8 mm diameter
• Commonly used with acrylic partial dentures
• Also used to repair a fractured cast clasp by
embedding the WW clasp in the denture base
Embrasure clasp (Half Jackson)
➢ Used on molars and premolars when no edentulous
area is present.
➢ Act as clasp and occlusal rest.
➢ Origin: lingual or palatal side between two teeth
➢ Pathway: lingual embrasure ➔ occlusal embrasure ➔
buccal undercut along the gingival margin of one tooth.
Embrasure clasp (Half Jackson)
➢ Used on molars and premolars when no edentulous
area is present.
➢ Act as clasp and occlusal rest.
➢ Origin: lingual or palatal side between two teeth
➢ Pathway: lingual embrasure ➔ occlusal embrasure ➔
buccal undercut along the gingival margin of one tooth.
 Wrought wire clasps

Embrasure clasp Circumferential clasp

Circumferential clasp
• Used on abutment teeth adjacent to edentulous
space.
• Origin: lingual or palatal side Pathway: passes over
the relieved ridge ➔ 3-4 mm away from proximal
tooth surface ➔ buccal undercut along the gingival
margin of the abutment tooth.
Comparison between Gingivally
and occlusaly approaching clasps
1. Retention
2. Bracing
3. Caries susceptibility
4. Gingival health.
5. Esthetics
6. Tolerance
Thank you…….