Page 13 - My FlipBook

MECHANICAL DENTISTRY

AND

METALLURGY

INTRODUCTION.
The thoroughly quahfied dentist is to some extent physi-
cian, surgeon, artist, and mechanic. In these pages the
operative and medical aspects of dental practice are not
considered, but rather the principles, methods and materials
which assist in developing the mechanic and the artisan,
coupled with the artist. In our study of dental prosthesis
we must recognize at once, that the fundamental principles
of mechanics are based upon established laws—they are
scientiiic, that is, they agree \vith or depend upon the rules
or principles of science. Also that dental mechanics em-
bodies unusual art possibilities, and that the esthetic re-
Cjuirements are met in accordance with the artistic concep-
tion and culture of the dentist.
Before taking up the process and methods appertaining
to this department of dental practice, some general reflec-
tions may be advantageous to the student. Dr. Richardson,
in his Treatise on Mechanical Dentistry, says: "The un-
timely or premature loss of the natural teeth may be ascribed
to a number of diverse causes. Multitudes are lost in
consequence of abuse or neglect, or the dread of pain so
commonly associated with the means employed in their
preservation many from unavoidable accident ; and count-
;
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