Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine - Department of Prosthodontics

The aim of this in-vitro study was to compare to the retention of esthetic saddle lock clasp versus conventional (Aker) clasp in bilateral bounded removable partial denture cases. Materials and Methods: Two standard experimental models of maxillary edentulous case (Kennedy class III with modification I) missing right and left second premolar and first molar was fabricated to be used as master model to simulate the oral cavity. Eleven cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloy frameworks for each clasp design was engaged 0.01 inch undercut for all clasps, mesiobuccal of first premolar and distobuccal of second molar on both sides for Aker and on disto-proximal at axial of the buccal premolar and on mesioproximal at axial of the buccal molar for saddle lock .Loop was centralized and soldered in the major connector. Digital force gauge was used for both groups to measure the retention.The pulling force was gradually applied until the framework was dislodged Results: The highest mean value of retention was found in (Aker clasp)(94.85± 7.17), the lowest mean value of retention was found in (Saddle lock clasp) (44.54 ± 5.88).Conclusion: it could be concluded that the mean retentive force required to remove the saddle lock clasp was found to be statistically significant lower than this required to remove Acker{u2019}s clasp

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