The purpose of this research was to study the frequency of retention loss of removable partial denture clasps. Loss of retention was determined after several cycling periods (initially zero, and 1, 5, 15 and 25 thousand). Frequency was based on the number of vacant spaces when the clasp failed by rupture or retention loss under 120g. Thus, the number of vacant spaces depends on the number of clasps fractured and/or that lost retention. Other variables were: four base metal alloys, two types of clasps (standard and extra, which was thinner), and two teeth (premolar and molar). The conclusions were that: the number of vacant spaces depends on alloys with or without adjustment; with adjustment the extra clasp presented less failures; frequency of clasp failures is very high and almost half occurred up to 1,000 cycles.
Dental clasps; Partial removable denture; Prosthesis failure; Fatigue
