Type Clasp Indications
Akers' Clasp I. Tooth born partial denture
(removable bridge).
II. On free-end extensions where
undercut is so small that longer
clasp arms will not be retentive.
Ring Clasp Use on isolated lower molar with
undercut located meso-lingually
due to lingually tilted tooth.
Back Action Clasp I. Premolar and canine abutments
on free-end extension .
Circumferential Clasps
(modification of ring II. On short teeth with small
clasp) mesiofacial and distal undercut.
Reverse Back Premolar abutment with lingual
Action Clasps inclination on free-end extension
partial denture.
(joining of a bar &
back action clasps
with all their
disadvantages)
Half & Half Clasp I. Premolar and molar abutment
"Split Clasp" for free-end extension P.D. and
removable bridges .
II. Isolated teeth.
Contraindications
I. Good support and
Not used on molars because of
length of clasp arm.
I. Maxillary partial denture for
esthetic reasons.
II. When there is a severe soft-
tissue undercut inferior to
marginal gingiva
Advantages Disadvantages
May traumatize abutments
bracing . when used incorrectly on
II. Simple design . free-end extension.
III. Dose not distort easily .
IV. Easy to adjust .
V. Contacts minimal area
of the tooth .
VI. Good esthetics.
It covers large area of the
tooth making it unaesthetic,
so it used only in posterior
teeth.
I. Can use small undercut I. Easily distorted because of
areas length.
II. Length of clasp II. Difficult to adjust.
produces resiliency and III. Large tooth area covered.
"stress-breaking" effect on IV. Design produces "food
abutments for free-end trap" between lingual arm
extension partial denture. and major connector.
Has "stress-breaking" I. Crosses soft tissue.
action similar to "back II. Excessively long clasp,
action clasp". easily distorted, difficult to
adjust.
III. Poor esthetics.
IV. Contacts large areas of
tooth.
I. Good support and Food trap may be introduced
bracing . between lingual arm and
II. Easy to adjust . major connector if not
III. Contacts minimal area constructed properly.
of the tooth .
IV. Good esthetics.
Type Clasp Indications
Reverse Action I. When a proximal undercut must
Clasp (Hairpin, C- be used to a posterior teeth and
Clasp, & high tissue undercut prevents the
Fishhook) 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.
Embrasure Clasp I. To utilize multiple abutments
(Butterfly Clasp or and distribute occlusal support
Double Akers' and retention to several teeth .
Clasp) II. When insufficient 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 retentive undercut.
Multiple Clasps Two opposing circumferential
clasps joined at the terminal end
of the two reciprocal arms, used
when multiple clasping is needed.
Mesiodistal Clasp 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.
T – Clasp I. Small shallow undercut present
Bar Clasp
I – Clasp in the cervical ⅓ of anterior teeth.
U -Y– Clasp II. Approaches the undercut is an
L – Clasp inconspicuous (hidden) way;
R – Clasp 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 used where there
is insufficient space for the
minor connector to cross the
occlusal surface.
Advantages Disadvantages
I. Undercut adjacent to I. Poor esthetics .
edentulous area may be II. Large area of the tooth
utilized without having surface is covered .
minor connector cross soft III. Possible food trap.
tissue .
II. Good bracing and
support .
III. May be used on free-
end extension P.D. or
removable bridges.
I. Good support and I. Minor connector usually
bracing. too thin on occlusal surface
II. Distributes support, resulting in excessive
bracing and retention to breakage.
several teeth. II. Retention may be
excessive.
I. Good esthetic. Tooth must be prepared by
II. Good support and dentist so that proximal
bracing. surfaces of the tooth are
parallel or have slight
convergence incisally.
Type Clasp Indications Contraindications Advantages Disadvantages
Round Wrought Wire Canine & premolar abutments for Removable bridges. I. More flexible than cast I. Easily distorted by careless
Clasp free-end extension partial arm. handling by patient.
dentures. II. Easy to adjust. II. Fabrication more time
III. Good esthetics. consuming.
IV. Minimal tooth surface
contacted (line contact).
Combination Clasp I. Flexibility I. Fabrication .
II. Adjustability II. Distorted with careless
(Wrought wire retentive III. Esthetics handling.
clasp arm + Cast
reciprocal arm)