Clasp prosthesis – a worthy alternative to implants

Restoration of the dentition with removable elements is an inexpensive, but worthy alternative to implantation. Prostheses, which are based on a solid metal frame, are called clasp. Due to their high strength, these arcuate devices do not require a thick plastic substrate, so they are compact and convenient.

Clasp prostheses – indications and contraindications

Modern dentists prefer to install non-removable structures or single artificial elements, but implants are very expensive and not available to all patients, sometimes they cannot be used due to health conditions. In such situations, clasp dentures are used. They are comfortable to wear, provide an excellent aesthetic result and even distribution of the load on the jaw, and have a reasonable price. Remove the clasp wonderful prosthesis from here.

Clasp prostheses – indications

The main scope of the devices under consideration is the restoration of the integrity of the dentition. Depending on the type of end defect, a bilateral or unilateral clasp prosthesis is selected. With the help of an arched frame, you can hide the absence of both one and several teeth without the need to remove the structure at night. Another clasp prosthesis is installed in the following cases:

Clasp prostheses – contraindications

There is a list of conditions in which it is temporarily impossible to use the described tool:

• any disease in the acute stage;
• pregnancy;
• drug addiction;
• inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity or jaw;
• lactation;
• rehabilitation period after complex treatment, including chemical and radiation therapy;
• severe exhaustion.

Removable clasp prosthesis is categorically contraindicated in such pathologies:

• atrophy of the alveolar processes;
• low supporting teeth;
• diabetes;
• deep bite;
• complete absence of teeth for support;
• high location of the frenulum of the tongue;
• poor compliance of mucous membranes;
• shallow bottom of the oral cavity;
• allergy to prosthesis materials or local anesthesia;
• insufficiency of fissure for overlays;
• chronic inflammation of the periapical tissues;
• diseases of the jaw bones;
• mental disorders;
• oncological diseases.

Types of clasp prostheses

The presented designs differ in the place and form of fastening. There is a clasp prosthesis for the lower jaw and for the upper dentition. Classification according to the type of installation includes fixtures:

• clasp;
• on attachments (patrices);
• telescopic;
• castle.

Clasp prosthesis on clasps

This is the simplest and most budgetary version of the devices in question. Thin hooks are welded to the metal frame, which cling to the crown part of the teeth and hold the clasp prosthesis in the oral cavity. Attachment points do not damage the gums and are practically not felt, but can be visually noticeable to others when laughing, chewing or talking.

If the clasp prosthesis is installed for the purpose of therapeutic splinting, the hooks serve as an additional fixation tool for loose teeth (as a result of periodontitis or periodontitis). The clasp design ensures the most even and correct distribution of the load: a third falls on the jaw, the rest – on the gum.

Clasp prosthesis on attachments

These arc frames are a little more expensive due to the complexity of manufacturing and the amount of metal used. Such removable clasp dentures are held on micro-locks. Each attachment or male consists of 2 parts, one is initially soldered to the fixture, and the second is welded to the ceramic-metal crown, which serves as a support. To install the structure, you need to connect the grooves, after snapping it is firmly fixed in the mouth and is absolutely not visible.

Clasp prosthesis on telescopic crowns

The most expensive way in the segment under consideration to restore the dentition, but also the most durable and aesthetic. The upper or lower clasp prosthesis is made to order. First, the specialist grinds the teeth that will serve as a support, covers them with a layer of metal and polishes, forming a fixed part of the joint. After that, a detailed and accurate contour cast is made, on the basis of which a clasp prosthesis with an internal cavity is cast. It should ideally follow the outlines of the support so that the fixation of the structure is stable.

Clasp prosthesis with locks

The described type of fastening is identical to the installation of a dental appliance on males. The classic locking clasp prosthesis is already outdated. Modern attachments are very small in size to improve the appearance of the restored dentition. If you study the early clasp prosthesis on the locks, too large parts of the connecting mechanism are noticeable. Due to their bulkiness and low aesthetic parameters, standard males were no longer used.

Prosthetics with clasp prostheses

For people suffering from allergic reactions to metal, doctors offer innovative types of designs:

1. Quadrotti. A corrective or splinting clasp prosthesis is made from a polymeric material (acetal) coated with pink plastic that imitates the structure and color of the gums.
2. Acry fries. The device is made from a similar composition, but without a plastic layer, so it remains translucent.
3. Nylon. Polymer prosthesis with high aesthetic values, comfortable and completely invisible during wear.

The installation process of the presented structures takes about a week or more, depending on the size and complexity of the arch, the number of lost teeth and the anatomical features of the oral cavity. Technique plays a special role. It should be accurate and executed with jeweler’s precision. Approximate sequence of actions of a doctor:

• scrupulous examination of both jaws;
• complete sanitation of the oral cavity;
• performing survey x-rays;
• removal of all sizes of teeth;
• determination of bite, its depth and direction;
• clarification of the position of the jaws in all planes;
• clarification of the load on the supporting teeth and gums;
• drawing and creation of a diagnostic model;
• making a plaster cast and a wax prototype;
• casting of a metal or polymer frame;
• covering the resulting base with acrylic;
• insertion of artificial teeth;
• direct installation of the product.

All of the above steps are discussed in advance with the patient, who needs to regularly come to the dental office for intermediate fittings of clasp prostheses. The size and shape of artificial teeth, the desired shade of enamel are preliminarily agreed upon. A well-made design will last a long time and retain a pleasant appearance if its owner follows the operating instructions.

Caring for clasp prostheses

One of the advantages of the considered smile restoration method is the ease of maintenance of the accessory. A clasp prosthesis with clasp fixation and any other connection method does not need to be removed at night, and cleaning is carried out in the same way as caring for natural teeth. The only caveat is that it is advisable to remove food debris after each meal. Before going to bed, experts advise removing the structure and rinsing it thoroughly under a strong water jet. To prolong the life and prevent diseases of the oral cavity, it is important to visit the dentist twice a year.

How to remove a clasp prosthesis?

The fixture with all types of fasteners can be easily removed independently. With a clasp connection, you need to slightly pry off the hooks and remove the accessory with your fingers. The clasp prosthesis for the upper jaw or lower dentition with males is removed in two stages – first the micro-lock itself is opened (the rivet is snapped off or the fixing pin is removed), then the structure is removed. It is even easier to remove the telescopic device by gently pulling the artificial teeth by the upper edge.