Clasp
Clasp
Clasp
REQUISITES OF A CLASP
1. It should provide adequate retention for the appliance.
2. It should not cause irritation to the buccal and gingival mucosa.
3. It should be devoid of occlusal interferences. Occlusal interferences can be eliminated by
proper occlusal crossover, straight across the occlusal embrasure. Or it can be directed to fit
into the occlusal embrasure.
Adams Clasp
It is introduced by CP Adams in 1949. It is a modification of Schwarz arrowhead clasp. Most
popular retentive device without which removable appliance therapy would be less
successful. It is also known as the Liverpool clasp (universal clasp) or Modified arrowhead
clasp. Contains bridge, arrowhead and retentive arms. It engage mesiobuccal and distobuccal
undercuts of the tooth rather than the embrasure area. Thus, it does not separate the teeth.
The width of the bridge is said to be 2/3rd the maximum mesiodistal width of the tooth.
Ideally maximum width of the tooth is in its middle 3rd where it contacts the adjacent teeth
but if 2/3rd of this width is used, the arrowheads will lie in the embrasure area rather than the
undercut areas, which is not the requirement of an Adams clasp.
The posterior teeth are somewhat spheroidal in their buccal and lingual views. They tape
from the point of contact, both occlusally and (more) gingivally so that 2/3rd of the
mesiodistal width of the occlusal surface, corresponds to the undercut area. We need to
engage and is adequate (and not the cementoenamel junction).
After estimating the width of the bridge, two right angled bends are given and then made
acute so as to overlap. Arrowhead bend is made such that bridge will lie in the middle 3rd of
the tooth. To make an arrowhead first, a sharp bend is made parallel to the bridge.
The bridge of the clasp is laid against the back of the plier and the tip of the plier engages the
first arm of the arrowhead to bend the arrowhead outside the beak of the plier. Similarly, the
second arrowhead is made.
The arrowheads are squeezed and adjusted but while doing so outward pressure is exerted so
that the arms of the arrowhead remain parallel and then checked on the tooth. Arrowheads are
bent 45o toothward, to align them with the contour at the undercut. Also a downward and
toothward thrust is laid for the same reason. The clasp is tried on the tooth for fit.
A bend is given on the retentive arm such that the length of the second arm of the arrowhead
is half of the first arm. After laying the bridge across the beak and grasping the arrowhead at
the suitable level, a bend is given in a direction parallel to the bridge (Fig. 3.13).
Precautions
Erupting teeth, recession of gingiva.
Clinical Adjustments
The clinical adjustments can be carried out at the following:
At first occlusal bend (CP Adams)
At the second occlusal bend or point of attachment
By directing arrowhead points toothward
Bridge is bent towards or away from the tooth surface.