The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stress distribution developed in the supporting structures by mandibular distal extension removable partial dentures with 2 different direct retainer designs and with or without indirect retainer and abutment splinting. The examined direct retainers on the second bicuspid abutment tooth were Akers clasp and RPA clasp, the indirect retainer was located on the mesial fossa of the first bicuspid, and the first and second bicuspid were splinted in case of tooth splinting. Total 8 cases were compared and analyzed with 3-dimensional finite element method. 150N were applied vertically on the artificial teeth of the removable partial denture, and then stress distribution patterns were analyzed and compared. The results were as follows : 1. The forces transmitted to the abutment tooth were primarily from the occlusal rests. 2. The abutment tooth was displaced distally when the force was applied. The compressive stress was observed at the distal root surface of the abutment tooth and the tensile stress, at the mesial root surface. 3. The denture base was displaced posteriorly and inferiorly when the force was applied. At the more distal portion of the denture base, the greater displacement was observed.And the anterior portion of the major connector was displaced superiorly. 4. The occlusal rest placed on the distal part of the abutment tooth tended to tip the tooth more posteriorly than did one on the mesial part of that tooth. 5. Severe superior displacement was observed at the anterior portion of the major connector in case of removable partial dentures without indirect retainer. 6. In case of tooth-splinting, the stress was distributed through all the root surface of both abuments. In case of no tooth-splinting, the stress was concentrated on the distal root surface of the primary abutment.