[Clasp areas as a basis for individually designed prosthetic retention]

The clasp areas of the teeth are analysed with regard to the paths of insertion. The area below the equator is a retention area if the opposite tooth wall is parallel (= classical guiding area) or also cervically curved (= active guiding area). Consequently, the so-called singular independent clasp has either a retention arm and classical guiding or a retention arm and active guiding or two active guiding arms. On the contrary, the anchorage of the dependent clasp requires coordination with other independent or dependent clasps.