Ever since the development of clasp-bearing partial dentures, unsightly labiobuccal retainers have created a cosmetic problem. With Saddle-Lock, esthetic clasp retained dentures can be created without visible metal - and, without the aid of cast crowns or expensive precision attachments.

Proven Retention
Clasp retention for the Saddle-Lock prosthesis utilizes the hidden natural mesial and distal undercut planes of the abutment teeth adjacent to the denture saddle. The concavities in these surfaces are more pronounced than those found in the shallow labiobuccal aspects and can be utilized more effectively for retention. Clasp emergence is back at the casting finishing line providing the necessary strength for proper resiliency. The clasp terminals are positioned at each end of the denture saddle, effectively locking the segment to the ridge.

Effortless Placement
The labiobuccal aspects used by conventional prostheses frequently diverge. This lack of parallelism causes retainers to encounter tooth interference during insertion, necessitating the tilting or orthodontic pulling of the appliance from one side of the ridge to the other. The "Retentoscope", a precise survey and design instrument, allows in-laboratory measurement of undercut depth. By measuring and paralleling these planes, the technician ensures that each abutment tooth will have a comfortable, yet positive and uniform clasp load. Contouring of the mesial and distal walls is not necessary. Fingertip pressure positions the partial quickly and easily, yet there is strong resistance to dislodgement. The abutment teeth, free from harmful forces, are protected against tenderness or soreness.

Natural Management of Oral Stresses
When buccolingual undercuts are used, forces applied on the buccal or lingual surfaces must be borne by the abutment tooth alone due to slippage of the retainer. With Saddle-Lock, stress is shared by the adjoining teeth as forces are transmitted in an anterior-posterior direction. The guide planes in contact with the guide planes of the natural teeth not only resist lateral and horizontal forces but also assist with retention in much the same manner as precision attachment intracoronal retainers.

Ideal for Distal Extension Appliances
Saddle-Lock is functionally more effective than other clasp designs in coping with inadequate retention and instability. Its retentive clasp force transmits its stabilizing effect into the edentulous segment of the denture, resisting dislodging forces during mastication.