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CORRECTION OF DENTAL IRREGULARITIES. •5' ;

of the entire lower jaw. In many cases, however, the two
measures can ])c comlDined to advantage.
Method of Retraction.—It was for many years supposed
that the retraction of the inferior maxillary was brought
about entirely by a change effected at the angle of the jaw
but some years ago it was noticed by Prof. C. N. Peirce,
that where sufRcient pressure was brought to bear, a change
was brought about in the temporo-maxillary articulation.
Fig. III.

That is, if pressure was continued at the mental region, it
would cause resorption of the posterior wall (^ the glenoid
cavity, thus permitting the condyles to recede, and articulate
somewhat posteriorly to their former positions.
Through this fact, and the change that is brought about
at the angle of the jaw, w^e are enabled to correct one of
the most unsightly of dental deformities. The method of
procedure is well illustrated by a case brought before the
Odontological Society of New York by Dr. Geo. S. Allen.
He says, in part : " As will be seen from the photograph
(Fig. 112), taken at the time the patient was wearing this