Dental Dentures

44

One should begin by surveying the most anterior teeth to be clasped so that a reasonably esthetic form can be achieved. The cast should be positioned such that the retentive arm of the clasp does not traverse the middle of the labial surface, but rather, lies in relatively close proximity to the free gingival margin of the directly visible teeth (Fig. 44). (more…)

39

The surveying procedure should reveal how far below the height of contour the retentive arm is allowed to reach, such that it lies free of tension on the tooth surface once it has passed over the greatest circumference of the tooth, and how far below the survey line the retentive arm must lie to generate the optimal amount of retention. This measurement of how far the retentive arm may extend below the height of contour is dependent upon its length and the modulus of elasticity of the particular alloy used (Fig. 39). (more…)