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[1][2][3][4][5][6] and is used to retain a wide range of devices prescribed in a variety of medical and dental specialties.[7]
Synonyms
The Adams clasp is so named because it was invented by
Englishorthodontist C. Philip Adams. It was originally referred to as the modified arrowhead clasp and has been called the
Liverpool clasp because it was developed at the
Liverpool Dental School where Adams lectured.[7] The terms Adams crib[8] and universal clasp have also been used.[7]
Material
The component is formed from a length of hard
stainless steel wire with Adams universal
pliers. The wire for a
permanent tooth is typically 0.7mm in diameter but 0.8mm can also be used, especially for clasps that are made to fit two teeth.[9] A clasp for a
deciduous tooth can be made from 0.6mm[7] or 0.7mm wire[5][6] and 0.6mm wire has been advocated for a
canine.[6]
References
^
Adams, C. Philip (1949). "The modified arrowhead clasp". Transactions of the British Society for the Study of Orthodontics: 50–52.
^
Adams, C. Philip (1950). "The modified arrowhead clasp". Dental Record. 70 (5): 143–144.
PMID24537839.
^
Adams, C. Philip (1953). "The modified arrowhead clasp - Some further considerations". Dental Record. 73: 332–333.
^
Adams, C. Philip (1954). "Variations of the modified arrowhead clasp". Transactions of the European Orthodontic Society: 71–75.
^
ab
Adams, C. Philip (1954). "The retention of removable appliances with the modified arrowhead clasp". Transactions of the European Orthodontic Society: 322–324.
^
abc
Adams, C. Philip; Kerr, W. John S. (1991). The Design, Construction and Use of Removable Orthodontic Appliances (5th ed.). Bristol, UK: John Wright & Sons Ltd.
ISBN072362111X.
^Littlewood, Simon J.; Mitchell, Laura; Lewis, Benjamin R. K.; Barber, Sophy K.; Jenkins, Fiona R. (2019). An introduction to orthodontics (5th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press. p. 219.
ISBN9780192539588.
^
Orton, Harry S. (1990). Functional Appliances in Orthodontic Treatment: An Atlas of Clinical Prescription and Laboratory Construction (2nd ed.). London: Quintessence Publishing.
ISBN1-85097-012-2.