Lec: prosthodontics ‫حكمت جميل‬.

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Direct retainer
Definition - A direct retainer is a unit of a removable partial denture that
engages an abutment tooth in such a manner as to resist displacement
of the prosthesis away from basal seat tissues. It is usually composed of
a retentive arm, a reciprocal (bracing) element or arm, a rest and a
minor connector.

Retention is derived by placing a clasp arm into an undercut area so that

it is forced to deform upon vertical dislodgment. Resistance of the clasp
to deformation generates retention. Resistance is proportionate to the
flexibility of the clasp arm. Non-flexible portions of clasp arms must be
placed occlusal to the height of contour (suprabulge area).
Requirements of Direct Retainers
All clasp assemblies should meet the following requirements:
1. Support - resistance to gingival displacement (occlusal rests).
2. Reciprocity - resistance to orthodontic movement of teeth using
reciprocal arms or elements placed against guiding planes. During
placement and removal of the partial denture the retentive arm flexes
over the height of contour and generates energy. At this point the rigid
reciprocal arm should contact the guiding plane and prevent orthodontic
movement from taking place.
3. Stability - resistance to lateral movement (reciprocal arms, minor
connectors).
4. Retention - retentive arms located in undercuts on the abutments.
5. Encirclement of greater than 180° of the tooth - prevents the
prosthesis from moving away from the tooth.

6. Passivity - at rest, a direct retainer should not exert force against a tooth.
Factors affecting the magnitude of retention
1. Size of the angle of convergence and How far into the angle of convergence the
clasp terminal is placed.

When the angle of convergence between two abutments differs

uniformity of retention can be obtained by placing the clasp arms into
the same degree of undercut (i.e. both .01"). A guiding principle of
partial denture design is that retention should be uniform in magnitude
and bilaterally opposed amongst abutments.

2. Flexibility of the clasp arm. This is influenced by the following factors:

i. Length
 increased length increases flexibility (increasing clasp curvature
increases length
 length is measured from the point where the taper begins
 length may be increased by using curving rather than straight
retentive arms.

ii. Diameter
" diameter is inversely proportional to flexibility
" in a uniform taper the average diameter lies midway
" if the taper is not uniform a point of flexure will exist at the narrowed
" area, weakening the clasp arm (possible fracture area)
" the point of flexure determines flexibility regardless of average
diameter
A narrowing of the clasp arm creates a point of flexure which weakens,
and affects the flexibility of the clasp, since flexure begins at this point.

iii. Cross-sectional form

a. round forms are usually more flexible (wrought or cast).
b. l/2 round shape is limited to flexure in only two directions (cast).
iv. Clasp material
a) with cast alloys flexibility is inversely proportional to bulk.
b) gold clasps are not as flexible or adjustable as wrought wire.
c) wrought wire clasps have greater tensile strength than cast clasps and
hence can be used in smaller diameters to provide greater flexibility
without fatigue or fracture.

Clasps Designed Without Movement Accommodation

it's also named suprabulge clasp or occlusally approach clasp since the
clasp approaches the retentive undercut from occlusal direction.
Clasps for tooth-borne partial dentures (Class III, IV) have one function –
to prevent dislodgment of the prosthesis without damage to the
abutment teeth. Since there is little or no rotation caused by tissue ward
movement of the edentulous area (as happens in distal extension cases)
stress releasing properties are usually not required. These clasps can
also be used in modification spaces for tooth and tissue supported
removable partial dentures (Class I, II).

1. Circumferential (Circle or Akers) clasp

a. the most simple and versatile clasp(clasp of choice in tooth-borne
cases).

b. clasp assembly has one retentive arm opposed by a reciprocal arm

originating from the rest.

c. the retentive arm begins above the height of contour, and curves and
tapers to its terminal tip, in the gingival 1/3 of the tooth, well away from
the gingival.
d. the bracing arm is in the middle 1/3 of the tooth, and is broader
occluso-gingivally, does not taper and is either entirely above the height
of contour or completely on a prepared guiding plane – it should never
be designed into an
undercut, as it is a rigid element.

Advantages:
a. Excellent bracing qualities.
b. Easy to design and construct.
c. Less potential for food accumulation below the clasp compared to bar
clasps.

Disadvantages:
a. More tooth coverage than bar clasps.
b. More metal is displayed than with bar or combination clasps.
c. Adjustments are difficult or impossible due to the half round nature of
the clasp.
A direct retainer should be designed with its elements in the proper
positions and in the correct proportions. If the height of contour is
incorrect for placement of the arms of the direct retainer, the heights of
contour and NOT the direct retainer should be altered (i.e. perform
abutment modifications – don’t distort the design of the direct retainer)

2. Ring clasp
a. Encircles nearly the entire abutment tooth
b. Usually used with mesially and lingually tilted mandibular isolated
molars
c. The undercut is on the same side as the rest seat (i.e. adjacent to
edentulous span)
d. Should always be used with a supporting strut on the non-retentive
side with an auxiliary occlusal rest on the opposite side. Omission of the
supporting strut will allow the clasp arm to open and close with
minimum or no reciprocation.
e. Use a cast circumferential clasp with lingual retention and buccal
bracing, in preference to a ring clasp whenever possible, unless a severe
tilt of the tooth will not permit.

Advantages:
a. Excellent bracing (with supporting strut).
b. Allows use of an available undercut adjacent to edentulous area.
Disadvantages:
a. Covers a large area of tooth surface, therefore requiring meticulous
hygiene.
b. Very difficult to adjust due to the extreme rigidity of the reciprocal
arms.
c. The lower bracing arm should be at least 1 mm from the free gingival
margin and relieved to prevent impingement of the gingival tissues.

Contraindications: excessive tissue undercuts prevent the use of a

supporting strut.
3. Embrasure (Double Akers) Clasp
 Used in a quadrant where no edentulous area exists, in cases of
unilateral edentulous span of an unmodified Class II or Class III
partial denture, no edentulous spaces are available on the
opposite side of the arch to aid in clasping.(bilateral bracing of
unilateral edentulous span)
 Two rests, two retentive arms, and two bracing arms
 Double rests with definite shoulders to prevent weakening of
clasp arms, separation of teeth and food impaction.
 Buccal and lingual proximal areas must be opened (i.e. Blend with
axial contours, reduce height of contours, round occluso-axial line
angles).

Advantages:
a. Allows placement of direct retainer where none could otherwise be
placed (especially contralateral to the edentulous span on a Class II case)
Disadvantages:
a. Extensive interproximal reduction is usually required
b. Covers large area of tooth surface - hygiene considerations.

4. Hair-pin or Reverse action clasp

When a proximal undercut must be used on a posterior abutment, and
when tissue undercuts, tilted teeth, or high tissue attachments prevent
the use of a bar clasp arm, the reverse-action clasp may be used
successfully.
A reverse-action, or hairpin, clasp arm may be used on abutments of
tooth-supported dentures when the proximal undercut lies below the
point of origin of the clasp. It may be esthetically objectionable and
covers considerable tooth surface. It should be used only when a bar-
type retentive arm is contraindicated because of a tissue undercut, a
tilted tooth, or a shallow vestibule.

Advantages:
a. Allows use of undercut adjacent to edentulous space
Disadvantages:
a. Almost impossible to adjust
b. Non-esthetic
c. Difficult to fabricate so the upper portion of the retentive arm clears
the opposing occlusion
d. Covers extensive tooth surface and acts as a food trap
e. Insufficient flexibility on short crowns due to insufficient clasp arm
length.

in summery , Cast suprabulge clasps should be used in most tooth

borne cases. Exceptions to this rule include:
1. Esthetic concerns.

2. Where a posterior abutment is mobile or of questionable prognosis.

3. Some clasps can be ineffective on teeth tilted buccally or lingually

4. Some varieties cover more tooth surface than is desirable.
5. Poor esthetics in the anterior region.

Clasps Designed to Accommodate Functional Movement

It's also named infrabulge or gingivally approach clasp since it approach
the undercut areas from gingival direction.
Tooth and tissue borne situations (Class I & II) require special attention
in direct retainer selection, due to stresses created by rotational
movements of the prostheses. When the denture bases are placed
under function, rotation occurs about the rest seats of the most
posterior abutments. Excessive occlusal
forces on the distal-extension portion of
the denture could cause a torquing action
on the abutment teeth unless direct
retainers are designed with stress-
breaking capabilities. Stress releasing
clasp assemblies include:
1. the bar clasp with mesial rest (e.g. RPI)
2. the RPA clasp
3. the combination clasp.

1. Bar Clasps
a. The bar clasp is a cast clasp that arises from the partial denture
framework and approaches the retentive undercut from gingival
direction (as opposed to a circumferential clasp that approaches the
undercut from the occlusal direction).
b. Retentive clasps are identified by shape of retentive terminal, i.e. T, Y,
L, I, U, and S.
c. The shape is unimportant as long as the direct retainer is mechanically
and functionally stable, covers minimal tooth structure with minimum
display (the I bar most often meets these requirements).
d. T-and Y-shaped terminal ends are the most misused clasps. The full
area coverage of the T and Y terminal ends is rarely necessary for
adequate retention.
e. L-shaped clasp is same as an I clasp with a longer horizontal
component. The U-shaped clasp is same as an L-shaped clasp with a
terminal like a double I-clasp.
f. The S-shaped terminal end is used to avoid a mesial soft tissue
undercut.

g. Soft tissue relief is provided under the approach arm with 28 or 30

gauge wax, to prevent tissue impingement.

Contraindications:
a) Deep cervical undercuts - food trap or impingements result.
b) Severe soft tissue or bony undercuts - food trap or impingements
result

c) Insufficient vestibular depth for approach arm (requires 4 mm - 3 mm

from free. gingival margin, 1 mm for thickness of the approach arm).
d) Pronounced frenal attachments in area – impingement.

e) Severe buccal or lingual tilts of abutment teeth.

The R-P-I Clasp

1. The components of this clasp assembly are:
"R" - rest (always mesial).
"P" - proximal plate.
"I" - I-bar (retentive arm).

2. The rest is located on the mesio-occlusal surface of a premolar or

mesiolingual surface of a canine.
3. The proximal plate (essentially a wide minor connector) is located on a
guide plane on the distal surface of the tooth.

4. The I-bar clasp is located on the buccal surface of the premolar and on the
mesio-buccal surface of the canine. The I-bar originates at the meshwork and
approaches the tooth from the gingival direction.

5. On premolars, the proximal plate should extend lingually so that the

distance between the proximal plate and the mesio-occlusal rest is less
than the mesio- distal width of the tooth. The proximal plate in conjunction
with the mesial rest (and minor connector) acts as the reciprocating element
of the clasp and prevents the lingual migration of the tooth when the clasp
arm moves over the height of contour.

6. On cuspids, the minor connector cannot be used for reciprocation since it

does not contact the tooth until after the retentive element has passed across
the height of contour and the partial denture is seated. This is because the
mesio-lingual rest is located fairly low on the cingulum of the tooth. Therefore,
the I-bar is located in the mesio-buccal undercut and is reciprocated
directly by the proximal plate.

7. The guiding plane is a parallel surface prepared on the occlusal one third of
the distal surface of the tooth. The guiding plane extends lingually enough so
that, along with the mesial rest, it can prevent lingual migration of the tooth. It
is approximately 2 to 3 mm in height.

Contraindications to the R.P.I. Clasp

1. Insufficient depth of the vestibule. (The inferior border of the I-bar must be
located at least4 mm. from the gingival margin.).
2. No labial or buccal undercut on the abutment.
3. Severe soft tissue undercut.
4. Disto-buccal undercut (less than 180° encirclement).

2. RPA Clasp
This clasp assembly is similar to the RPI design except a wrought wire
circumferential clasp (Akers) is used instead of the I-bar. This clasp arises
from the proximal plate and terminates in the mesiobuccal undercut. It is used
when there is insufficient vestibule depth or when a severe tissue undercut
exists.
3. Combination Clasp
The combination clasp is similar to the cast circumferential clasp with
the exception that the retentive arm is fabricated from a round wrought
wire (platinum-gold-palladium alloy or chromecobalt alloy).
a. a cast reciprocal arm.
b. the wrought wire is flexible (round form)
c. more adjustable than cast or 1/2 round forms
d. better esthetics (due to its round form and smaller
diameter - 18 gauge)
e. can used with a mesial or buccal undercut
f. can be placed in 0.02" undercut due to its flexibility
(allows lower placement for better esthetics)
g. can be used in tooth borne cases as described earlier
h. for best results, the wire should be soldered remotely to the
framework so it is not overheated, which would cause recrystallization
of the metal and loss of flexibility. If wrought wire clasps are cast into
the framework, a low heat chromium alloy should be used to avoid
recrystallization as well