Influence of polishing on cast clasp properties

During the polishing of clasps, two possible changes that could affect their properties are thinning of the clasp and work hardening of the alloy. Two distinctly different clasp pattern forms were selected and 20 samples of each were cast. They were then divided into two groups, polished and unpolished, in an effort to determine the total influence of the polishing procedure on clasp behavior. The results indicate that polishing produces a slightly more flexible clasp. Any influence resulting from possible work hardening is offset by the reduction of clasp thickness. Effects of width/thickness ratios and magnitude of deflections on finishing and polishing techniques may also alter clasp flexibility in the polished clasp.