Effect of clasp type and pullout location on clasp retention in different environment: In vitro study

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the importance of pullout location and clasp types in two different environments to dislodge the clasp. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mandibular test models with natural premolars and molar teeth were used to test four types of clasp (each 12) (Akers, Rest plate Akers, Half and Half, and Ring clasp) with three different pullout location for each type (ring on the rest, loop on the saddle, and wax arising from both rests) in dry and natural fresh saliva environment. Each clasp was pulled out 10 times with a crosshead speed of 10 mm/min, and the force required to withdraw each was measured. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: A one-way ANOVA and Tukey test were used. RESULTS: The ring on the saddle pullout location has the highest retention force while ring on the rest was the lowest. In addition, ring clasp has the highest retention force. CONCLUSION: Clasp type and pullout location had a significant effect on the retentive force.