The analysis of the effect of wrought wire clasps on the conditions of abutment teeth.

Laboratory evaluation of spring constants (k) of wrought wire clasps (WWC) separated from removable partial denture (RPD) and the results of tibological tests which represent the dependence of enamel wear with normal force have been presented in the paper. The results of laboratory examinations have been combined with the results of clinical assessment of the level of abutment teeth wear. On the basis of the examinations performed it has been revealed that the following factors have the greatest impact on tribological wear of abutment teeth: the time of using RPD and the normal force exerted by WWC on abutment tooth. Normal force depends to a great extent on the place of contact of WWC with the tooth. It has also been found that abutment teeth featuring higher scale of wear are more loosened. The diameter of wire used for making WWC, total length of the arm and k determined for the total length of the arm did not have any impact upon the scale of wear of abutment teeth.