An Adams clasp is a component used to retain a custom-made medical device in the mouth. The clasp functions by engaging the mesiobuccal and distobuccal undercuts of a tooth, typically the maxillary first molar and is used to retain a wide range of devices prescribed in a variety of medical and dental specialties

1. DEPT.OF ORTHODONTICS
Submitted by:
Dr.I.Twaha Afreen
(Intern)

2. CONTENTS
 Introduction
 Parts of Adams clasp
 Steps in fabrication of Adams clasp
 Advantages
 Modifications of Adams clasp
 Disadvantages of Adam’s clasp

3. ADAMS CLASP
 Adams clasp was first defined by Professor Phillips Adam.
 It is also known as Liver pool clasp or Modified Arrow head clasp or Universal clasp.
 It is made using 0.7mm stainless steel wire.

4.  Parts of Adam’s clasp: (a) Two arrow heads.
(b)Bridge.
(c)Two retentive arms.
 The two arrow heads engage medial and distal proximal undercuts.
 The two arrow heads are connected to each other
by Bridge.
PARTS OF ADAMS CLASP

5. Steps in Fabrication of Adams clasp
 Materials required:
Adams plier,Cutter,0.7mm SS wire
 A good quality model cast is required.

6.  Mark position of mesial and distal undercuts
 Straighten the 0.7mm ss wire.

7.  Make a 90 degree bend
 Mark the length of the bridge onto ths wire,
 This should be distance between the two marks on the model where the wire heads will engage.

8.  Make another 90 degree bend
 Check the length of the bridge against model

9.  Forming the arrow heads first bend.The length of arrow head is determined by crown ht.

10.  First arrow head formed. Both sides of arrow head should be parallel
 First bend in arrow head should be 90 degree to bridge

11.  Forming a second arrow head
 Arrow heads are angled at 45 degrees to bridge of adams.

12.  Check angles and arrowheads parallel
 Second bend from arrowhead.This should be below the ht. Of the bridge
 This is achieved by clasping the Arrow head halfway up the outer side prior to
bending.

13.  By using tip of Adams plier,adjust bends until wire touches contact
point prior crossing occlusion.
 Check position of arrowheads and angulations of bridge
 Angle of bridge I’d 45° to long axis of tooth.

14.  Adaptation of wire across occlusion
 Check position and fit.

15.  Bring wire 2/3 into palate to form tag End
 Uniform spacing of 1mm with end of tag.

16.  Arrowheads must engage undercuts.Bridge should be of
sufficient length allow arrowheads to engage the undercuts
 Bridge should be parallel to the occlusal plane.
 Bridge should lie 45° to long axis of tooth.

17.  First point of contact out of the arrow head should be the contact point prior to
crossing the occlusion.
 Overview of crib.
 Bridge follows line of arch.

18. Advantages of Adams clasp
 It is rigid and offers excellent retention
 Can be fabricated on deciduous as well as on permanent dentition
 Can be used on partially or fully erupted teeth
 Can be used on premolars,molars,and incisors
 Small and occupied minimum space
 Clasp can be modified in number of ways
 No specalisied instruments are needed for fabrication.

19. Modifications of Adams clasp
 Single arrowheaded Adams clasp:Indicated usually for partially
erupted tooth,usually last molars
 Adam’s with J hook:Useful for engaging elastics.

20.  Adam’s with additional arrow head:offers additional retention
 Adams with helix: helps in engaging elastics

21.  Adam’s with soldered buccal tube:for use of extra oral anchorage using
facebow-headgear assembly
 Adam’s with distal extension :helps in engaging elastics

22.  Adam’s on incisors and premolars:when retention is required on incisors and premolars.

23. DISADVANTAGES OF ADAMS CLASP
 Unwanted palatial tipping if gets activated
 Lead to elongation of tooth if fitting tightly
 Can Be repaired only if fractured through arrow heads
 Can not be used on proclined anteriors.

24. THANK YOU