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Clasp

1. A part of a removable partial denture that acts as a direct retainer and/or stabiliser for the denture by partially surrounding or contacting an abutment tooth.

2. A direct retainer of a removable partial denture, usually consisting of two arms joined by a body which connects with an occlusal rest; at least one arm of a clasp usually terminates in the infrabulge (gingival convergence) area of the tooth enclosed.