Page 351 - My FlipBook
P. 351
HISTORY OF DENTiVL SURGERY 315
Occlusion in order that the best results might be obtained and permanently
retained.
In a paper jiublished in 190',!/ Dr. Angle strongly advocated the separa-
tion of orthodontia from general dental practice and its establishment as a dis-
tinct specialty. For some years he had already devoted himself to its exclusive
practice, and soon afterward opened a school of orthodontia for the training of
dentists for the practice of this specialty.
Dr. Angle is also the originator of a classification of irregularities based
upon the different varieties of malocclusion. The different types are placed
in groups and for each group is prescribed a definite line of treatment. The
arrangement is orderly and scientific and has been accepted and adopted by a
large proportion of the profession.
In 1888, E. S. Talbot published his first work on "The Irregularities of
the Teeth," which, besides matter never before published, included the sub-
stance of articles previously printed in the "Dental Cosmos."
While covering the usual subjects of anatomy, etiology, classification, etc.,
a generous portion of the work was devoted to the practical treatment of cases,
describing the different systems then in vogue, the proper application of force,
the mechanical principles involved in the operation arid the various methods of
securing permanent retention.
Of his own devices the author described and illustrated his coiled spring
for expansion of the arch or for the movement of individual teeth. By an
ingenious modification it was also made to serve in the "compulsory eruption
of teeth." Dr. Talbot also advanced and advocated surgical correction by
removal of alveolar tissue in the path of the moving teeth. In the second
edition (1890) the subjects treated of in the first edition were elaborated along
the same lines, but in the third edition (1894) the practical features of treat-
ment were almost entirely subordinated to etiology, in which the author had
become increasingly interested. The fourth edition (1901) devotes much
space to the elaboration of the author's belief that irregularities of the teeth
are for the most part of constitutional origin, with degeneracy, race-mixture
and developmental neuroses as prominent factors. The practical features of
this edition are more extensive and elaborate than those of former editions,
;dtbough the author confines himself largely to apparatus of his own devising.
While Dr. Talbot may not have made very great contributions to the me-
' Dental Cosmos, Vol. XLIV, p. 905.