A reappraisal of indirect retention in removable partial dentures with long bilateral distal-extension saddles

When only the six anterior teeth remain, it may appear that indirect retention cannot be achieved because the fulcrum line around which the denture may move when the distal extensions lift away from the mucosa is located behind the retentive tips of the clasps on the abutment teeth. This will be the case when the indirect retainer and the tips of the clasps are on the same level; however, if the tips of the clasps are nearer to the gingival margin than the indirect retainer, indirect retentive effects will be achieved.