The effect of reducing the number of clasps on removable partial denture retention

Retention to a master model of 10 nominally identical chrome-cobalt removable partial denture castings with standardized bilateral molar and premolar clasps engaging 0.25 mm (0.01 inch) undercuts and 10 castings with clasps engaging 0.5 mm (0.02 inch) undercuts was measured on an Instron testing machine. The retention of each framework was remeasured as the clasps were removed in one of two sequences. Differences between frameworks, number of clasps, and depth of undercuts were all significant. The order of removal of the clasps was not statistically significant. In a separate experiment the position of the dislodging force was found to be significant. It was concluded that the dislodging force was dependent on (1) the fit of the framework, (2) the depth of the undercut, (3) the number of clasps, and (4) its point of application.