Definition And Function Of Snap Rings

The clasp is the main retainer for removable denture restoration, which is directly clamped onto the main abutment and made of metal. To provide fixation, stability, and support.
The clasp consists of three parts: the clasp arm, the clasp body, and the occlusal support.
The clasp arm is the free part of the clasp, which is elastic and surrounds the abutment. The tip of the clasp arm is located in the inverted area of the tooth and serves as the part where the clasp ring provides fixation, preventing misaligned dentures. The initial part of the clasp arm is relatively hard, providing stability and preventing lateral displacement of the denture.
The clasp body is the hard part that connects the clasp arm, occlusal support, and small connector, located in the non concave area of the axial angle of the abutment. It has the function of stabilizing and supporting the denture, and can prevent lateral and gingival displacement of the denture.
The occlusal support is the part where the clasp extends towards the occlusal surface of the abutment, providing support to prevent the denture from shifting towards the gum and maintaining the position of the clasp on the abutment. If there is a gap between the remaining teeth, placing the occlusal support between them can prevent food impaction. If the abutment teeth are tilted and displaced, and there is poor or no occlusal contact with the opposing teeth, the occlusal support can also be increased to restore the occlusal relationship.