Finger clasps are typically used as auxiliary retention in conjunction with other clasps in the primary and mixed dentition when 6-year molars are not sufficiently erupted to be clasped. The clasps are usually placed tightly between two posterior teeth and locked into the mesial or distal buccal undercut of one of them. Because the end of the wire is left sharp to increase retention, some patients complain that the clasp causes their tissue to become irritated.

This clasp is also particularly useful during the exfoliation stage of the mixed dentition. When one primary molar is lost, a simple adjustment towards the undercut of the remaining tooth will allow you to regain the retention needed to continue on with treatment.