Influence of clasp design of distal extension removable partial dentures on the periodontium of the abutment teeth.

Three removable partial denture designs were investigated to determine the effect of minor connector configuration on the periodontal health of abutment teeth. Twenty-five patients wore three different removable partial dentures for 19 weeks each. The first removable partial denture placed a tilting force on the abutment teeth; the second was stress-releasing; and the third collected the least amount of plaque. Plaque accumulation, the condition of the periodontium, migration of the abutment teeth, deformation of the clasp arms, retention of the prosthesis, and patient preferences were assessed. The results demonstrated that the partial denture retentive design did not affect plaque formation. The prosthesis designed to place a tilting force on the abutment teeth appeared to cause the least mobility and migration of the abutments and had the greatest acceptance by the patients.