Hidden clasps versus C clasps and I bars A comparison of retention

Steven Soo, BDS, MSqa and Theresa Leung, BDS, MScb
Eastman Dental Institute, London, United Kingdom

The Hidden clasp system overcomes the problem of poor esthetics of partial denture clasps, but it is not known how well it works as a retainer. This study tested the retention of Hidden clasps compared with that of C clasps and I bars when they function as part of a tooth-supported partial denture framework. Nine standardized frameworks that incorporated one of the three clasp designs on a premolar abutment were tested on a laboratory model. Their retention was recorded on a tensile testing machine. Specimens carrying the Hidden clasp had the greatest variability in retention among the three groups. Statistically significant differences were found between the C clasp and I bar groups.

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