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as then the other teeth, gums, &c. will be in health, and the
living bone of the tooth exposed by the file, without any pro-
tection from the enamel, will not be liable to decay, as it
would if done before every other part of the mouth was in
health.

SECTION VII.

THE TREATMENT TO REMEDY IRREGULARITIES OF THE
TEETH, &C. &C.

We have frequently adverted to the fact, that irregularities
The
of the teeth often occur, and from a variety of causes.
period at which these are apt to take place, or from which
they nearly all date their commencement, is during the sec-
ond dentition. Irregularity is very rarely seen in the first teeth,
but if these are retained too long, they generally prevent the
permanent teeth from taking their situations in a regular man-
ner.
In other cases, we find irregularity to arise from a dis-
proportion between the jaw and teeth, the former being un-
usually small or pointed, and the latter more than ordinarily
large. Too early an extraction of the deciduous teeth, in
some instances, inclines them to take an unfavourable
sit-
uation. I will here give Mr. Fox's directions for remedying
irregularity of the teeth. However, just reminding the read-
er to note what has been said respecting the mobility of the
alveoli, and that if he wishes to enlarge the ellipsis of the jaw,
the crowns of the teeth are to be carried out, and vice versa,
if we wish to reduce the ellipsis, press the teeth inwards.
Mr. Fox observes,* " The mode of treatment prescribed

Natural History of the Teeth, by J. Fox, pages 57 to 69, London, 1814
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