title: Hidden clasps versus C clasps and I bars: a comparison of retention.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Eastman Dental Institute, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Soo
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Leung
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000044:Dental Abutments; D016734:Dental Clasps; D003779:Denture Design; D003781:Denture Retention / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003832:Denture, Partial, Removable; D006801:Humans; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric