Clasps are the retentive components of the removable appliances.

Mode of action-

• Clasps act by engaging certain areas of teeth called the undercuts.
• Two types of undercuts are found in natural dentition
• Buccal and lingual cervical
• Mesial and distal proximal
• Adams clasp engages the mesial and distal proximal undercuts.

Adams clasp also called as universal clasp, liverpool clasp and modified arrowhead clasp.

Parts of adams clasp-

• Two arrowheads
• Bridge
• Two retentive arms

Advantages of adams clasp-

• Rigid and offers excellent retention
• Fabricated on deciduous and permanent dentition
• Can be fabricated on fully or partially erupted tooth
• Can be used on molars, premolars and incisors.
• Small and occupies minimum space
• Can be modified in many ways.
• Universal pliers can be used for fabricating.

Modifications of adams clasp-

• Adams with single arrowhead
• Adams with J hook
• Adams with incorporated helix
• Adams with additional arrowhead
• Adams on incisor and premolars
• Adams with distal extension

Reference- Bhalajhi 7th edition