Abstract: The limitations of the undercut measuring gauge found in dental surveyors restrict precise positioning of the retentive arm of a clasp from its initial contact with the tooth surface above the survey line (suprabulge area) to its final resting position in the undercut area. Presently, the available dental surveyors feature three distinct measuring undercut gauges specifically designed to assess only the depth of the infrabulge area. There is a clear necessity for new gauges that can assess both the undercut depth areas and the suprabulge areas, as this would be crucial for accurately marking the action zone of the retentive arm and the reciprocal action zones to counteract the spring-action mechanism of the retentive arm, thereby reducing the torque on the abutment during the placement and removal of removable partial dentures, as well as during various oral functions. A device with a simple design, consisting of a metal disc whose diameter matches each of the three standard gauge measures (0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 mm), is proposed. This device can be easily made to determine the clasp's activation zone. It is suitable for all types of dental surveyors.

Keywords: Dental surveyor, undercut gauge modification, undercut measurement, suprabulge marking, infrabulge

Pages: 41-47

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