Clinical and radiographic comparative study between two different types of clasps materials used in unilateral maxillary Kennedy class II removable partial denture cases

Objective The objective of the present study was to compare between two different clasp materials for the treatment of maxillary class II Kennedy classification clinically, radiographically. Materials and methods Twenty male patients were selected for this study. The patients were divided into two groups. Each group consists of 10 patients. For group I each patient have maxillary removable partial denture that was constructed and retained by cobalt–chromium RPI clasp on the maxillary first premolar with cross arch stabilization (using double Aker clasp) on the other side. For group II each patient has the same except that the retentive I bar of RPI clasp was made of acetal resin. Patient satisfaction, clinical, and radiographic evaluations were carried out for every patient at insertion, 3, 6, and 9 months, the data were collected, tabulated, and statistically analyzed using t-test. Results Satisfaction for the treatment. Group II patients were more satisfied of the treatment regarding aspects of the patients’ comfort and esthetics. No significant difference in the aspects of phonetics, the ability to eat, prosthesis loosening, the gingival health, general satisfaction and food impaction between the two groups were found, also there were insignificant increase in the gingival recession, pocket depth, and plaque index around the abutments tooth in both groups. Radiographically, there was significant decrease in the bone height around the abutments in both groups. Conclusion Removable partial denture with acetal resin clasp is better for esthetic and patient comfort. Good periodontal condition of the abutment tooth of both groups is maintained. Acetal resin clasp is the clasp of choice when esthetic is of primary concern to the patient.