title: Aesthetic clasp design for removable partial dentures: a literature review.
abstract: Removable partial dentures (RPD) are an effective and affordable treatment option for partial edentulism. If the main reason for seeking treatment is the need for improved aesthetics, treatment should be geared towards achieving this goal. This article is the result of a literature study on aesthetic clasp design for the conventional RPD. In this context, the position of the clasp on the tooth, clasp types, clasp material and alternative methods of retention are reviewed. Although published in reputable journals, the authors report that many articles published on this subject are of a descriptive nature and lack scientific evidence. Therefore, clinicians are encouraged to be critical in their interpretation of literature and the application of published information in their clinical practices.
authors.affiliation: Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of the Western Cape Private Bag XI, Tygerberg, 7505. skhan@uwc.ac.za
authors.forename: S B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: G A V M
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Geerts
mesh_terms: D016734:Dental Clasps / Q000145:classification; D003764:Dental Materials; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D003779:Denture Design; D003781:Denture Retention; D003832:Denture, Partial, Removable; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D006801:Humans; D007576:Jaw, Edentulous, Partially / Q000534:rehabilitation
chemical_list: D003764:Dental Materials