American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) Dental Hygiene Licensing Examination 2025 - Free Dental Hygiene Practice Questions and Study Guide

In dental prosthodontics, the determination of the number of clasps is primarily guided by the Kennedy classification system. This system categorizes partial edentulous spaces based on the arrangement and distribution of remaining teeth, which plays a crucial role in designing removable partial dentures. The "plus one" aspect refers to the need to consider additional factors, such as the specific requirements of the prosthesis being fabricated and the unique characteristics of the individual patient’s mouth.

Using this classification, the clinician can identify the type of edentulous arch present (e.g., Class I, II, III, or IV) and determine the optimal number of clasps necessary to ensure adequate retention, stability, and support for the removable dental prosthesis. This systematic approach allows for a more organized and effective prosthodontic treatment plan, ensuring that the clasps can adequately engage the remaining teeth for proper function.

Other methods, such as visual inspection, assessing bone structure, or measuring teeth alignment, do not offer the same comprehensive framework that the Kennedy classification combined with additional guidelines does. These methods might provide some information but lack the structured analysis needed to determine the appropriate design and number of clasps effectively.