THE LATEST AND GREATEST IMPROVEMENT IN ARTISTIC MECHANICAL DENTISTRY.

Colonist, Volume III, Issue 227, 23 December 1859, Page 4

THE LATEST AND GREATEST IMPROVEMENT IN ARTISTIC MECHANICAL DENTISTRY.

Having within the last week or two (says the Daily Post,) read something about the application of vulcanized caoutchouc (Indiarubber) as a medium for bedding and securely fixing artificial teeth, we are puzzled rather than sceptical as to how this substance could be made available for such a purpose. Still, having seen so many, and such successful, applications of this material to purposes which seemed widely different in all respects, we resolved, if possible, to ascertain something upon the subject, satisfied that if only a moiety of the advantages stated could be obtained, it would be a great and valuable acquisition to an important branch of scientific art. On several previous occasions, when desirous of obtaining information on subjects connected with improvements in either the scientific or mechanical departments of the art of dentistry, we have been in the kindest manner supplied liberally with such intelligence, on application to Messrs. Gabriel, in Duke-street, who are indefatigable in their exertions to keep pace with the march of improvement in every step of its progress as connected with their profession. The reception we had met with on the previous occasions enboldened us to inquire of these gentlemen as to the new matter concerning which we were in quest of intelligence. On calling at their commodious and elegant establishment, we found the new discovery was not only known, but that it was in extensive and most successful practical operation by them in the prosecution of their business. With the courtesy which usually distinguishes the heads of this establishment we were, in the politest manner, conducted through the various workrooms, and permitted to examine the numerous processes required for completing this most ingenious novelty in dental practice. The process, as explained by Mr. Gabriel, is a patent one which they have acquired a right to use. By the means adopted under cover of the patent, Indiarubber is reduced to the most plastic state—so plastic, indeed, that it can be moulded with the greatest ease and utmost certainty into any form, however complicated or minute its ramifications. In this plastic condition it is coloured with an indestructible mineral red colour, so as to form one perfectly homogenous red mass of colour, closely resembling that of the human gum in a healthy state.. It is then passed into a mould, previously prepared, and fashioned to the form and peculiarities of the mouth and teeth it is. intended to fit. After this the artificial enamel teeth are attached to it by a process also included in the patent. Having been so far prepared, the whole is submitted to an operation which has some resemblance to baking, by which, without in the slightest degree altering the form of the India-rubber gum, or changing in any way the arrangement of the artificial teeth fixed to it, the previously plastic substance becomes indurated—indeed, encaustic. When withdrawn from the stove in which this last process has been performed, the gum has a somewhat dull red aspect, and the teeth adhere to it with such tenacity that the hard enamel tooth will break before it can be separated from the matrix in which it is embedded, or to which it is attached, so singular a change has been effected on the Indiarubber, which but a little time ago was so ductile and obedient., Having reached this stage of manipulation, the now hard and all but flinty India-rubber is submitted toa delicate polishing process—the,teeth, being enamel dp not require this—by which its similarity to. the fine .gam is most

perfectly established. # . The^ atfrantages arising from the radbptibh of 7 the process thusimjierfectlysketchedtare great.The firmness with which the artificial teeth-are fixed, and the exactness of the fit are so perfect, that rtiasticatipn is not in any degree impeded. The same properties of accurate fit and firmness also insure free and sonorous articulation. In addition to these important and primary benefits conferred on the patent by his new process, others of scarcely less importance likewise ;flowfromit. Teeth so bedded are not so heavy as those fitted upon plates of gold or platinum; and one advantage secured by its adoption is so great that it cannot be overlooked, and will not easily be rivalled. That is, the yellow or white spot—which cannot be entirely avoided or concealed by even the most delicate or skilful manipulation—at the point where the artificial are joined to the natural teeth, is wholly obviated, the red colour of the natural and the artificial being exactly similar. Besides this, notwithstanding its communicated hardness, the India-rubber gum still remains a certain amount of elasticity, sufficient to avoid absolute rigidity, and to. secure comfort to the wearer. In short from what we have seen oi the process, we fell warranted in denominating it the latest and greatest improvement in artistic mechanical dentistry. Since the proceeding notice was written, we have much pleasure in learning that Messrs. Cabriel have had the honor conferred on them of being appointed dentists to his Excellency the Prince D'Otanjano,, Ambassador Extraordinary from the King of Naples. The documents, which we have seen, conferring this honor, is as follows:—" Messrs Cabriel having made me several sets of teeth, with all of which I am perfectly satisfied, I have, therefore, pleasure in expressing my approbation, and do hereby appoint the above named gentlemen as dentists to my person. — Liverpool Chronicle, August 4, 1859."