Page 231 - My FlipBook

CHAPTER VI.
OF THE IRREGULARITY OF THE TEETH.

As that part of each jaw, which holds the ten fore-teeth,
is exactly the same size when it contains those of the first
set, as when it contains those of the second; and as these
last often occupy a much larger space than the first*, in
such cases the second set are obliged to stand very irre-
gularly.
This happens much oftner in the upper-jaw, than in
the lower ; because, the difference of size of the two sets is
much greater in that jaw.
This irregularity is observed almost solely in the incisors
and cuspidati ; for they are the only Teeth which are
larger than their predecessors.
v
It most frequently happens to the cuspidati, because
they are often formed later than the bicuspides ; in con-
sequence of which the whole space is taken up before they
make their appearance: in such cases they are obliged to
shoot forwards or outwards over the second incisor. How-
ever, it frequently happens to the incisors, but seldom to such
a degree. This arises often from the temporary cuspidatus
of one or both sides standing firm. I have seen the irregu-
larities so much as to appear like a double row.
The bicuspidati generally have sufficient room to grow,

* Vide Natural History, pages 141, 142,