TECHNIQUE FORADDING A

PRE-FORMED CLASP(FLEXITE CLASP-EZE)

The need for a quick means toadd an aesthetic clasp isapparent in today’s society.Television has broadened oursensitivity to appearances andincreased the demand foraesthetics.  Many patientsobject to unsightly metal claspsbut have to accept thembecause they cannot afford thehigh cost of fixed bridges.Prefabricated clasps may bethe answer.  Injection mouldedplastics are unique and farsuperior to conventionalacrylics.  They have greaterflexural and tensile strengthand are now available forclasps and partials.  The claspdemonstrated is a FlexiteSupreme nylon co-polymerthermoplastic which we callFlexite Clasp-Eze.

Required Components

Pre-formed clasp e.g. Clasp-Eze, Aron Alpha (bonding agentfor nylon), Heat source(Electric heat gun or bunsenburner, self cure acrylicpowder (Flexite Rapid Set), selfcure monomer and two dappendishes. Note: Clasps are madein one size.  The tail pieces arespaced at different intervalsand are utilized according to

Fig. 1 illustrates a lowerstripped saddle with a brokenroach clasp.  It may not benecessary to strip an entiresaddle, just a single tooth onsome repairs.

FIGURE I

FIGURE 2

A clear prefabricated clasp wasselected for this demonstra-tion. (Tooth colour clasps arealso available.)  The Flexiteheat gun is modified to softenthe nylon clasp without blister-ing.  A small flame may be usedbut requires more caution.

FIGURE 3

Heat clasp by brushing up andback until the clasp begins tosoften and goes limp.  A goodtip is to hold it against the flatside of the bench so the flow ofair is concentrated and notlost. When flaming, use top ofbench as usual.  Whensoftened, place tip into inter-proximal and bend towarddistal.  Tack tail section withwax so a plaster or stone matrixcan be made on buccal.  Thiswill free up your other hand forpositioning the tail piecesection.

FIGURE 4

Cut off the part of the claspyou are not using.  Dovetail,shape and taper clasp.  Aproperly tapered clasp willnever lose memory andenhances retention.

the size of the tooth.  e.g.: Thefirst tail piece would be cut offif the circumference of thetooth was bigger than normaland the second tail piece wouldbe used.

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FIGURE 6

Set clasp into proper position.

FIGURE 7

Lute to frame with self cureacrylic, the wet method withdappen dish.

FIGURE 8

Clasp-Eze clear clasp coldcured to metal frame. Put intopressure pot: 20 lbs. pressure,140 degrees fahrenheit, for 10minutes.

FIGURE 9

Completed waxup with clearclasp.

FINAL NOTE: When addingClasp-Eze to a metal frame, besure to cut out the mesh behindthe tooth you are clasping sothe shoulder of the clasp fullylays up against the proximalwall of the abutment tooth.

Can I use Lab Putty to protectthe clasp?

Yes, it is extra protection thatinsures a smooth surface afterdeflasking.

Can I use the struts that theclasps are attached too?

Yes, Do not throw them away.They can be shaped and usedas I Clasps or small roach clasps

If I wish to make the claspheavier, can I trim the tip andstart my clasp from there?

Yes, but taper the tip to keepthe memory intact.

Do I have to survey the Clasp-Eze clasp if I am only makingrepairs.

Yes, The path of insertion mayconflict since you are arbitrari-ly attaching the clasp withouttaking into consideration theother clasps in the mouth.

F.A.Q.’S

Can Clasp-Eze be processed ina heat cure bath?

No! Clasp-Eze clasps are madefrom FDA grade nylon forstrength and durability butnylon will lose some of itsproperties if cooked for longperiods. It is recommended toprocess Clasp-Eze with fastcure acrylic.

Can you invest Clasp-Eze in aflask?

Yes, but do not cook themduring the boilout procedure.Submerge the flask into boilingwater for a minute or two.This softens the wax andenables you to separate theflask. Proceed to boil out wax.

Made from FLEXITE SUPREMEhigh molecular plastic

Available as single clasps orin packs of 12

in clear, pink and Vita shades

FIGURE 5

Paint the tail piece with AronAlpha bonding agent.  Allow todry. Aron Alpha has a thinviscosity and dries quickly.

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