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INTERDENTAL SPLINTS. 12/

INTERDENTAL SPLINTS.
Interdental splints arc appliances used in llic treatment of
fractured jaws. They are usually constructed of vulcanite
rubber, and are divided into double and single splints. The
double splint, being the one usually employed, will be
descriljed in this place.
Taking the Impression.—The impression of both jaws
should be taken, either in wax or modeling compound, using
as small a quantity as will insure a good impression of the
teeth and gums.
As it is impossible to keep the fragments of a fractured
inferior jaw in perfect apposition while taking an impres-
sion, no ottcnipt sliould he made to entirely reduce the frac-
ture at this time. The sections, however, should be brought
as nearly to position as possible without causing much pain
to the patient.
An assistant should stand behind the patient and support
the broken jaw, keeping it steady while the impression is
being taken. This being more important when the fracture
is double.
The impression material being ready, it should be intro-
duced into the mouth and carefully brought to position.
Much care should be exercised to prevent the pieces of bone
and loosened teeth from moving when this material is being
molded about their necks.
Preparing the Models.—After the impression has been
secured, mix plaster and pour cast in the usual manner.
Fig. 82 represents a cast showing a double fracture.
The casts or models of both jaws being obtained, they
should be carefully articulated. This is done by cutting
(with a small saw) the lower cast at the point or points
of fracture, and rearranging the sections thus made so as