The effect of environment (Dry and Natural Saliva) on clasp retention: study - Part I.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the importance of environments (dry and wet) to dislodge the clasp.

Materials And Methods: Mandibular test models with natural premolar and molar teeth were used to test four types of clasp (each 12) (Akers, rest plate Akers [RPA], half and half [H-H], and ring clasp) in dry and natural fresh saliva environments. 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 paired sample -test and Wilcoxon test were used.

Results: There were significant differences between the dry and wet (natural fresh saliva) environment. However, while the mean of the environment for RPA and ring clasp type was significantly different, the H-H and Akers clasp type was not.

Conclusion: The environment has an effect on dislodging the clasp but differs according to the type of clasp.