Adams clasp theory and fabrication

An Adams clasp is a component used to retain a custom-made medical device in the mouth. The clasp functions by engaging the mesiobuccal and distobuccal undercuts of a tooth, typically the maxillary first molar and is used to retain a wide range of devices prescribed in a variety of medical and dental specialties

1. DEPT.OF ORTHODONTICS Submitted by: Dr.I.Twaha Afreen (Intern)

2. CONTENTS Introduction Parts of Adams clasp Steps in fabrication of Adams clasp Advantages Modifications of Adams clasp Disadvantages of Adam’s clasp

3. ADAMS CLASP Adams clasp was first defined by Professor Phillips Adam. It is also known as Liver pool clasp or Modified Arrow head clasp or Universal clasp. It is made using 0.7mm stainless steel wire.

4. Parts of Adam’s clasp: (a) Two arrow heads. (b)Bridge. (c)Two retentive arms. The two arrow heads engage medial and distal proximal undercuts. The two arrow heads are connected to each other by Bridge. PARTS OF ADAMS CLASP

5. Steps in Fabrication of Adams clasp Materials required: Adams plier,Cutter,0.7mm SS wire A good quality model cast is required.

6. Mark position of mesial and distal undercuts Straighten the 0.7mm ss wire.

7. Make a 90 degree bend Mark the length of the bridge onto ths wire, This should be distance between the two marks on the model where the wire heads will engage.

8. Make another 90 degree bend Check the length of the bridge against model

9. Forming the arrow heads first bend.The length of arrow head is determined by crown ht.

10. First arrow head formed. Both sides of arrow head should be parallel First bend in arrow head should be 90 degree to bridge

11. Forming a second arrow head Arrow heads are angled at 45 degrees to bridge of adams.

12. Check angles and arrowheads parallel Second bend from arrowhead.This should be below the ht. Of the bridge This is achieved by clasping the Arrow head halfway up the outer side prior to bending.

13. By using tip of Adams plier,adjust bends until wire touches contact point prior crossing occlusion. Check position of arrowheads and angulations of bridge Angle of bridge I’d 45° to long axis of tooth.

14. Adaptation of wire across occlusion Check position and fit.

15. Bring wire 2/3 into palate to form tag End Uniform spacing of 1mm with end of tag.

16. Arrowheads must engage undercuts.Bridge should be of sufficient length allow arrowheads to engage the undercuts Bridge should be parallel to the occlusal plane. Bridge should lie 45° to long axis of tooth.

17. First point of contact out of the arrow head should be the contact point prior to crossing the occlusion. Overview of crib. Bridge follows line of arch.

18. Advantages of Adams clasp It is rigid and offers excellent retention Can be fabricated on deciduous as well as on permanent dentition Can be used on partially or fully erupted teeth Can be used on premolars,molars,and incisors Small and occupied minimum space Clasp can be modified in number of ways No specalisied instruments are needed for fabrication.

19. Modifications of Adams clasp Single arrowheaded Adams clasp:Indicated usually for partially erupted tooth,usually last molars Adam’s with J hook:Useful for engaging elastics.

20. Adam’s with additional arrow head:offers additional retention Adams with helix: helps in engaging elastics

21. Adam’s with soldered buccal tube:for use of extra oral anchorage using facebow-headgear assembly Adam’s with distal extension :helps in engaging elastics

22. Adam’s on incisors and premolars:when retention is required on incisors and premolars.

23. DISADVANTAGES OF ADAMS CLASP Unwanted palatial tipping if gets activated Lead to elongation of tooth if fitting tightly Can Be repaired only if fractured through arrow heads Can not be used on proclined anteriors.

24. THANK YOU