Removable partial dentures (RPD) are an effective and affordable treatment option
for partial edentulism. If the main reason
for seeking treatment is the need for
improved aesthetics, treatment should be
geared towards achieving this goal. This
article is the result of a literature study
on aesthetic clasp design for the conventional
RPD. In this context, the position of
the clasp on the tooth, clasp types, clasp
material and alternative methods of retention
are reviewed. Although published in
reputable journals, the authors report that
many articles published on this subject are
of a descriptive nature and lack scientific
evidence. Therefore, clinicians are encouraged
to be critical in their interpretation of
literature and the application of published
information in their clinical practices