Dental OSCE 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The ideal undercut measurement for a Wagner-Wagner retentive arm is 0.03 inches. This measurement strikes a balance between retention and patient comfort. A retentive arm that is designed with this specific undercut can effectively engage the undercuts in the patient's tooth structure, enhancing the stability of the dental appliance it supports, such as a partial denture.

A measurement of 0.03 inches allows for adequate retention without being excessively aggressive, which could compromise the natural tooth structure or lead to discomfort for the patient. Retention is critical for the success of removable prosthetics, and the chosen undercut must provide enough grip while ensuring ease of insertion and removal.

In the context of various undercut options, those less than 0.03 inches would not provide sufficient retention, while those greater might lead to issues with comfort or excessive force on the underlying teeth or soft tissues. Therefore, the choice of 0.03 inches is aligned with clinical best practices in prosthodontics for optimal retention and patient satisfaction.