Late 1800s – Early 1900s
Early removable appliances were made of vulcanite, ivory or metal plates. Appliances were held in place with simple ‘C’ shaped clasps or capped molars.
1906
Victor Hugo Jackson invented the Jackson clasp, also known as the full clasp or the U clasp. It wire followed the undercuts around the tooth. It was simple to construct but was not easily adjusted or modified.
1926
Hubert Visick invented a clasp based on the Jackson clasp but with a spur on the palatal side to provide extra retention. The spur could be uncomfortable for patients.
1935
Schwarz introduced the arrowhead or Schwarz clasp, which had two or three arrowhead shaped wires fitted between the teeth. The clasp was flexible and reliable but was difficult to construct and needed special pliers. It was introduced to Britain by Tischler.
1949
The Adams clasp revolutionised removable appliances when it was introduced by Philip Adams due to its versatility and excellent retention. It soon became the most widely used clasp and could be modified to suit a wide range of appliances.
