Objective : The methods of connecting dentures and abutment teeth, and of supporting and bracing by retainers play an important role in limiting the mobility of partial dentures during function. Bracing is more important than the retention of dentures for supporting and stabilizing occlusion. An appropriate retainer for this purpose is the riegel. Clinical consideration must be given to the type of supporting and bracing forms for retainers on abutment teeth for Suginaka riegel^® dentures.
Methods : Modified extended arm clasps and extended-arm ring clasps were fabricated for the Suginaka riegel^® dentures since they are considered to be more effective at supporting and bracing. Telescopic crowns, 4/5 outer crown-type double crowns without retention, and Konus crown-type double crowns without retention by eliminating friction were fabricated. These retainers were first considered for use in support and bracing. Then ideal retainers for a free end saddle were considered.
Results : Ring clasps had a greater bracing effect. Extended-arm ring clasps were the most appropriate for a unilateral free end saddle. Good results were also found for modified extended arm clasps. Of the telescopic forms, the Konus crown-type double crowns were the most effective at supporting and bracing, and they produced good results in all cases. The 4/5 outer crown-type double crowns were effective for cases that did not require buccal bracing.
Conclusion : Clasp forms are available for unilateral free end saddles treated on one side under the appropriate conditions for each abutment tooth and residual ridge. Konus crown-type telescopic forms provide the greatest stability for free end saddle dentures.