Page 50 - My FlipBook

38 MECHANICAL DENTISTRY AND METALLURGY.

exactly divide the space between the central incisors for
their entire length.
Second, the slant of the teeth. The teeth, especially
those in the anterior parts of the month, beginning- with
the central incisors, should lean slightly toward the median
line. The slant should usually be the greatest in the central
and lateral incisors, and by slight variations the teeth may
be given a more natural a[)pearance. Much judgment and
artistic taste may be displayed in forming the slight irregu-
larities. Care should always be taken not to overdo it, so as
to give the mouth a crowded and confused appearance.
Third, the relative length. The relative length should
be shown by the articulating wax models. This w^ax, how-
ever, should be removed and laid to one side, where it can
be kept in sight as a guide, and then after comparing the
teeth with wax, as to length, etc., they should be ad-
justed by the eye. The wax bite in this way is preserved
for future use if necessary. It is always better to retain
this, as well as the antagonizing casts in single or partial
cases, until the plate has been satisfactorily inserted.
Fourth, the re-posing of the features. The wax models
should act as a guide in this as in regulating the length
of the teeth. If they were carefully and accurately formed
when taking the bite, they would faithfully express the
needs of the case in restoring the features. And with an
observing and critical eye the operator should not only be
able to give the teeth their proper length and fulness, but
by building up and carving the wax about them, be able
to at least fairly reproduce the lost portions of the facial
contour. In doing this the expressional value of the teeth
should always be kept in mind.
There are so many points of expressional value in the
arrangement of the teeth, that it is always better to try
them in the mouth before they are fully arranged, and note