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26 THE TIGHTENING OF LOOSE TEETH

In case only the molars are decaj'ed on their grind-
ing surfaces, but the bicuspids are in good condition,
the cavity in each molar should be prepared as for the
insertion of an inlay, the mesial wall being deepened
in order to be continued for a bicuspid rim, and a deep
cross-groove cut in the premolar. Then a complete
impression of the prepared upper jaw is taken and
mounted on the articulator.
Make the wax inlay of the necessary height, insert
it in the mouth without allowing firm closure of the
bite, and cast. Molar inlay and cast cross-groove
of bicuspids should be soldered together.
In case the molars and bicuspids are loose and
stand in close contact, grind the lingual cusps accord-
ing to the thickness of the thin gold layer. The
bicuspid retaining-wall is to he made in the same
manner as that for front teeth. Upon a hard cast
plaster model a pure gold-foil and 22-carat gold-plate
should be swaged (Fig. 22), so as to extend in a
narrow strip to the place where the bicuspid crowns
begin to be reduced.
This retaining-wall passes in its upper part over
the inner surfaces of the lingual cusps.
Their anterior margins may be placed a little more
deepl}', so as to avoid any break in the gold.
For fastening the posterior molars, a thin gold ^\ire
(as thick as ligature wire) is soldered on to the ex-
tremity of the retaining-wall. and, likewise, a second
ligature between the last and the penultimate tooth
(Fig. 23).