• The Adams clasp was first described by Professor Phillip Adams.
• It is also known as Liverpool clasp, universal clasp and modified arrowhead clasp.
• When properly constructed this clasp offers maximum retention.
• The clasp is constructed using 0.7mm hard round stainless steel wire.

The Adams clasp is made of the following parts:
a) Two arrowheads
b) Bridge
c) Two retentive arms.
The two arrowheads engage the mesial and the distal proximal undercuts.
The arrow head are connected to each other by a bridge that is at 45° to the long axis of the tooth.

ADVANTAGES:
• It is rigid and offers excellent retention.
• It can be fabricated on deciduous as well as permanent teeth.
• TheyThey can be used on partially or fully erupted teeth.
• It can be used on molars, premolars and on incision.
• No specialized instrument is needed to fabricate the clasp.
• Young’s universal pliers that are used routinely for most wire bending can be used.

• It is small and occupies minimum space.

• The clasp can be modified in a number of ways.

MODIFICATIONS:
• The Adams clasp can be modified in a number of ways.
• These modification is permit additional uses or enhanced retention.
• The following are some of the modifications of Adams clasp:

Adams with single arrowhead:

• The Adams clasp cam be modified to have a single arrowhead.
• This type of clasp is indicated in a partially erupted tooth, which usually is the last erupted molar.
• The single arrowhead is made to engage the mesio – proximal undercut of the list erupted molar.
• The bridge is modified to encircle the tooth distally and ends on the palatal aspect as a retentive arrowhead.

Adams with J Hook:

• A Hook can be soldered on to the bridge of the Adams clasp.
• These hooks are useful in engaging elastics.
• Adams with incorporated helix: A helix can be inc porated into the bridge of the Adams clasp This helps in engaging elastics.
Adams with additional arrowhead:
• Adams clasp can be constructed with an additional arrowhead.
• The additional arrowhead engages the proximal undercut of the adjacent tooth and is soldered on to the bridge of the Adams.
• This type of clasp offers additional retention.

Adams with additional arrowhead:

• Adams clasp can be constructed with an additional arrowhead.
• The additional arrowhead engages the proximal undercut of the adjacent tooth and is soldered on to the bridge of the Adams.
• This type of clasp offers additional retention.

Adams With Incorporated Helix:

• A helix can be incor porated into the bridge of the Adams clasp.
• This also helps in engaging elastics.

Adams with soldered buccal tube:

• A buccal tube can be soldered on to the bridge of the Adams clasp.
• This modification permits use of extra-oral anchorage using face bow- headgear assembly .
Adams with distal extension:
• The Adams clasp can be modified so that the distal arrowhead has a small extension incorporated distally.
• This distal extension helps in engaging elastics.

Adams With Distal Extension:

• The Adams clasp can be modified so that the distal arrowhead has a small extension incorporated distally.
• This distal extension helps in engaging elastics.

Adams on incisors and premolars:

• Adams clasp can be fabricated on the incisors and premolars when retention in those areas is required.
• They can be constructed to span a single tooth or two teeth.

DISADVANTAGES:
• Needs special arrowhead forming pliers the o fabricate.
• Occupies a large amount of space on buccal side.
• Arrowheads can injure interdental soft tissues.
• Difficult & time consuming to fabricate.

REFERENCES:
• Orthodontics: The Art & Science,SI Balajhi (7th Edition).
• SlideShare