[Haque*et al., 5(7): July, 2016] ISSN: 2277-9655 IC™ Value: 3.00 Impact Factor: 4.116 http: // www.ijesrt.com© International Journal of Engineering Sciences & Research Technology [897] IJESRT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING SCIENCES & RESEARCH TECHNOLOGY STRESS ANALYSIS & REVERSE ENGINEERING ON ADAMS AND PUNCH CLASP: AN ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCE Suhail Haque * , Dr. Panchali Batra, Dr. Mohd. Suhaib *M.Tech Student, Deptt. of Mechanical Engineering, JamiaMilliaIslamia, New Delhi, India Asst. Professor, Deptt. of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, JamiaMilliaIslamia, New Delhi, India Professor, Deptt. of Mechanical Engineering, JamiaMilliaIslamia, New Delhi, India DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.57950 ABSTRACT Orthodontic appliances are used for the treatment of malocclusions of a tooth or group of teeth. These appliances is retained in oral cavity with the help of its integral component known as Clasp which engages the undercuts of teeth for retention. There are generally two types of orthodontic appliances, Removal and Fixed type. Here we are dealing with “Removable” type of orthodontic appliance which can be removed for cleaning purpose by the patient or for re-adjustment by the orthodontist. In removal type of Orthodontic appliances stresses is induced in the Clasp either due to removal or insertion of appliance as well as during mastication, which may leads to deformation and fracture of the Clasp earlier. Therefore, achieving clasp designs producing less stress is very important. The present wok is focused on stress analysis of two types of Clasps 1) Adams and 2) Punch Clasp. Adams clasp is more commonly used for retention of these appliances. With some modification a new type of Clasp is made known as Punch Clasp. Comparative study of these clasps shows that under the similar loading condition stress induces in Punch Clasp is less than stress induces in Adams Clasp. We employed Reverse Engineering approach to develop the CAD models of the Clasp and Stress analysis is done using Finite Element analysis software ANSYS. KEYWORDS: Adams Clasp, Punch Clasp, Reverse Engineering, Stress Analysis INTRODUCTION Clasps are retentive components of a removable appliance which “clasp” the teeth and prevent displacement of the appliance. Clasps engage the undercut areas of the tooth to obtain retention. The Adams clasp takes retention from the proximal undercut and Punch clasp takes retention from both undercuts.In clinical use the clasp can be chosen within the limits of the real conditions, but the most important parameter is a design producing less stress [1]. The choice and design depends on several factors: clasp material, clasp form, and the amount of undercut. Among this, only the clasp form is under the control of the dentist or dental technician.Proper material selection is crucial in determining whether wires maintain their adaptation, whether breakage will be a problem, and whether flexibility will be adequate. The gauge of wire used will depend on clasp arm length, undercut depth and amount of retention desired [2].Because Removable Orthodontics Appliances are not rigidly fixed, they are subject to movements in response to functional loads.These functional movements induce stresses and displacements in the metal framework of the denture. Direct retainers are designed and used to control these possible movements [3]. The choice of retention elements and their individual design require biomechanical considerations [4]-[6]. The literature reveals Finite Element analysis performed only on components such as major connectors [7], different cast clasps [8]-[10].The results obtained using an FE method depend on parameters that are introduced into a computer program, such as the coordinates of the points used for the generation of a geometric model, the generation of a geometric model, choice of FE type, material properties [11],[12], element properties, and conditions of restraining and loading. The skill, accuracy, and expertise of investigators performing the analyses also may influence the outcome.The FE analysis method also has some disadvantages. These arise from the use of a simplified geometry and a finite number of elements. Materials used for the manufacturing of prostheses are considered homogeneous, isotropic, and elastic, with known mechanical and elastic properties. It is important that the physical phenomenon be correctly represented, because the results depend on the size, placement, and type of external loads [13].