What type of clasp provides the highest retention?

The infrabulge clasp is considered to provide the highest retention among the options listed. This type of clasp engages the undercut area of the tooth preparations and is located below the height of contour, allowing it to resist displacement in an apical direction. The design of the infrabulge clasp offers a significant amount of retention due to its positioning, which takes full advantage of the natural contours of the adjacent tooth structure.

In contrast, other clasps may have limitations in their retention capabilities. The embrasure clasp, while useful in specific situations, does not provide the same level of retainment as the infrabulge clasp because it typically relies on the interproximal spaces and may be less stable under occlusal forces. The vertical projection clasp utilizes vertical components for retention but can be less effective in providing resistance to dislodging forces, and its effectiveness is often dependent on the tooth's positioning and the placement of the clasp. The reverse circlet clasp, although it has unique advantages, may not achieve the same level of retention as the infrabulge clasp due to its design and application, primarily focusing on encircling the tooth rather than engaging undercuts.

Overall, the infrabulge clasp stands out for its ability to maximize retention through optimal