The Equipoise principle of partial denture design protects, preserves and strengthens abutment teeth while directing all masticatory forces down the long axis of the abutment tooth. This is accomplished through the use of Equipoise Class II Lever design. The Class II lever design has the rest(fulcrum) opposite of the retentive tip of the clasp (resistance arm) and the denture base (the effort arm). The clasp arm always moves in the same direction as the denture base while directing all forces down the long axis of the retaining abutment tooth. With the Class II lever design you always obtain stability during mastication and retention only when needed against dislodging forces.