Seiten: 145-153, Sprache: EnglischTietge / Dixon / Breeding / Leary / AquilinoThe purpose of this study was to determine whether wear of two resin composite materials and contacting I-bar clasp tips would occur within a simulated RPD placement and removal period of 2 years. The data were compared to enamel with contacting I-bars. Cast I-bar clasps were passed over each specimen in the resin composite and tooth experimental groups (n = 10). Computer digitized image analysis of SEM photomicrographs of the specimens provided data for analysis of wear. Results indicated a statistical difference in the amount of mean wear between the two resin composites and between the I-bar groups. The results from this study suggest that the selection of a resin composite for use as a RPD retentive undercut must be carefully undertaken to avoid excessive wear and loss of retention.