Which component provides retention in removable partial dentures?

Which component provides retention in removable partial dentures?

• A. Clasps
• B. Rests
• C. Major connectors
• D. Bases

Answer: (A)

Retention is the resistance to dislodgement of a removable partial denture from the supporting tissues. Clasps provide direct retention by engaging the undercuts on abutment teeth, so the denture is held in place as it resists outward or lifting forces. Rests mainly offer vertical support and help distribute functional loads, not direct retention. Major connectors provide rigidity and stability across the arch but do not pull the denture into place. Bases rest on the mucosa to support the prosthesis and improve aesthetics, with retention not coming primarily from tissue contact alone.

Retention is the resistance to dislodgement of a removable partial denture from the supporting tissues. Clasps provide direct retention by engaging the undercuts on abutment teeth, so the denture is held in place as it resists outward or lifting forces. Rests mainly offer vertical support and help distribute functional loads, not direct retention. Major connectors provide rigidity and stability across the arch but do not pull the denture into place. Bases rest on the mucosa to support the prosthesis and improve aesthetics, with retention not coming primarily from tissue contact alone.