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ARTIFICIAL dentures; CONTINUOUS-GUM. I OQ

ARTIFICIAL DENTURES FORMED BY
THE " CONTINUOUS-GUM "
PROCESS.

Preliminary Process.—The nianipuIaliDns connected
witli the formati(jn of the plaster model and metallic swages
are essentially the same as in the construction of ordinary
gold work. The plate, or base, is formed of pure platinum
[)late, 29 gauge for the upper and 26 for lower. This being
properly swaged, and accurately fitted to the mouth, the
outer edge is reinforced by soldering around it a small flat-
tened wire (22 gauge). This strengthens the plate and
gives a good, round finish to the edge, as well as protects
the edge of the porcelain. Pure gold should always be used
for the soldering, and just enough borax to direct its flow.
The back edge of the plate should be doubled, that is,
an extra piece of platinum should be swaged and soldered
across it. This imparts increased strength, leaves some
margin for slight change in case of necessity after the plate
is in the mouth, admits of a neater finish, and protects the
edge of the porcelain. This " doubler " should be about
three-sixteenths of an inch wide, and the inner edge should
be turned up slightly, before soldering, so as to better re-
ceive the edge of the porcelain. This turned-up edge should
unite nicely with the ends of the wire around the tuberosities
so as to give a perfect finish and protect the edge of the
porcelain at every point.
The bite is next secured in the usual way, and the teeth
arranged and secured with hard wax, with special reference
to the requirements of the case. They are then covered
with a thin coating" of plaster-of-Paris mixed wnth water to
the consistency of cream. Allow this to set firmly, then
place round on the outside of the previous covering a some-
what thicker mixture of plaster and asbestos (one part of