The comparison of the traditional method and novel method in adjusting of Adams clasp

Abstract

Adjusting the retention of orthodontic appliances and the patientEs comfort are important factors for the efficacy of orthodontic treatment with removable appliances. The aim of the present study was to introduce a new technique for adjusting Adams clasp, which is the most important component involved in the retention of removable appliances, to provide greater retention and patient comfort. Materials and methods: The subjects in the present study consisted of 45 random patients referring to the Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Four removable maxillary plates were fabricated for each patient. One plate was adjusted from the area of both Adams clasps at arrowheads areas in the conventional technique. In the three remaining plates, the Adams clasp was bent in the middle area of the bridge under three vertical angles of 8, 15 and 20 degrees. The plates were placed in each patientEs mouth and the retention were determined. Results: Based on the results, adjustment under a vertical of 15 in the middle area of the bridge resulted in maximum retention, followed by 8, 20 and zero degree (the conventional technique). Conclusion: By creating a bend of 15 in the vertical dimension in the bridge area of Adams clasp, the tip of the arrowheads moved 2 mm toward each other based on trigonometry principles, resulting in maximum retention.