Abstract:

BACKGROUND: The clasps of removable partial denture can influence the oral ecosystem.
OBJECTIVE: To show the effects of the clasps of removable partial denture on the oral ecosystem from the aspects of materials, shape and contact area with the abutment.
METHODS: We selected articles about the influences of clasp on microorganisms of hard tissue, soft tissue and saliva ecosystem by searching PubMed database, Wanfang database, VIP database, CNKI database and OVID database from 1980 to 2011.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Removable partial denture is composed of artificial teeth, denture base, occlusal rest, retainer and connector. However, it can influence the oral microecosystem. Clasp, the direct retainer of the removable partial denture, contacting with the buccal and lingual surface of the tooth, can not only improve the capacity of oral physiological clean to promote the aggregation of dental plaque but alter the quantity and type of bacterium in plaque and gingival sulcus. In certain conditions, this can lead to caries, gingivitis and periodontal diseases.