In clasp retention, where should the retentive part be positioned?

In clasp retention, the retentive part of the clasp should be positioned below the survey line. The survey line is the horizontal line that separates the subgingival and supragingival components of a tooth, and locating the retentive arm beneath this line allows for effective engagement with the tooth surface while minimizing the risk of impinging on the gingival tissues.

Positioning the retentive clasp below the survey line ensures adequate retention of the dental prosthesis without compromising the health of the periodontal tissues. This placement also helps in achieving a desirable aesthetic outcome and functional effectiveness, as it allows the clasp to engage the tooth during movement, providing stability to the prosthesis. Moreover, positioning above the survey line or at the incisal edge could interfere with the natural contours of the tooth and lead to functional or aesthetic issues, while being adjacent to the tooth surface might not provide the necessary retention required for secure clasp function.