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OF THE IRREGULARITY OF THE TEETH. 219
3. If the above-mentioned two Teetli are not in the circle,
but still not far out of it, and yet there is not room for both
in such a case I would recommend the extraction of the
first bicuspis, although it should be perfectly in the row,
because the two others will then be easily brought into the
circle ; and, if there is any space left, it will be so far back
as not to be at all observable.
The upper jaw is often rather too narrow from side to
side, near the anterior part which supports the fore Teeth,
and projects forwards considerably over the lower, giving the
appearance of the rabbit-mouth, although the Teeth be quite
regular in the circle of the jaw.
In such a case it is necessary to draw a biscuspis of each
side, by which means the forepart of the circle will fall back
;
and if a cross bar was to be stretched from side to side across
the roof of the mouth, between cuspis and cuspis, it would
widen the circle. The fore Teeth might also be tied to this
bar, which would be a means of assisting nature in bringing
them back. This has been practised, but it is troublesome.
As neither the bodies nor the fangs of the Teeth are
perfectly round, we find that this circumstance often becomes
a cause of their taking a twist ; for, while growing, they may
press with one edge only on the completely formed Tooth,
by which means they will be turned a little upon their
center.
The alteration of these is more difficult than of the former,
for it is, in general, impossible to apply, so long and constantly
as is necessary for such an operation, any pressure that has
the power of turning the Tooth upon its center. However, in
the incisores, it may be done by the same powers which produce
the lateral motion ; but where these cannot be applied, as
is frequently the case, the Tooth may be either pulled out
entirely, and put in again even, or it may be twisted round
sufficiently to bring it into a proper position, as hath been
often practised.
It may not be improper, in this place, to take notice of
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