Page 32 - My FlipBook

28 INTRODUCTION.

occupation of the space. There are cases in which
the roots of the temporary teeth are not absorbed,
and the permanent teeth are erupted out of their
true position, even when there is room enough for
them were the former removed. Irregularity is mainly
confined to the front teeth, and consists in either
an inward or an outward inclination, and, in some

instances, both. Sometimes the incisors are turned
round in the socket, so that the edge stands at a very
considerable angle with the proper position.
The upper teeth are oftener materially disarranged
than the lower, though the latter frequently exhibit
some irregularity in front, in consequence of a crowded
condition. The teeth most liable to be out of position
are the cuspidate. These, of the teeth of replacement,
are the last in their eruption; and it often occurs that
the arch is previously well-nigh occupied; in which

case they are thrown outward. When there is any
irregularity of the bicuspids, it is that of an inward
inclination. The first and second molars are very
seldom out of proper position. The third molars,
however, for want of room, are sometimes thrown out
toward the cheek, or even prevented from coming out
at all in any direction.

Effects.—In all cases, irregularity is favorable to
decay. It is even maintained by some that the organic
structure of irregular teeth is less perfect than that