The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stress patterns developed in supporting structures by removable partial denture with attachment retainers. The attachments tested were Dalbo(miniature) attachment, resilient Ceka attachment, rigid Ceka attachment, precision and sleeve attachment, and R.P.I. clasp as a contrast. 3-dimensional photoelastic stress analysis was used to record the isochromatic and isoclinic fringe patterns and to calculate principal stress components at measuring points. The results showed that: 1. The maximum compressive stress on residual ridge was produced under the loading point with Dalbo and resilient Ceka attachment, distal to the loading point with rigid Ceka and precision and sleeve attachment, and mesial to the loading point with R.P.I. clasp. 2. The Dalbo attachment produced the most stress on residual ridge, and the least stress on abutment teeth. and resilient Ceka attachment showed favorable stress distribution. 3. Rigid Ceka attachment produced higher compressive stress on buccal. alveolar crest, and precision and sleeve attachment produced higher compressive stress on distal alvelolar crest and mesial surface of the root apex in abutment teeth. 4. R.P.I. clasp produced higher compressive stress on mesial alveolar crest.