The Dental cosmos; a monthly record

of dental science. [Vol. 53]

Dental Cosmos
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412 THE DENTAL COSMOS. THE DIAGNOSIS OF MALOCCLUSION. By B. E. LISCHER, D.M.D., St. Louis, Mo. (Read before the St. Louis Dental Society, November 1, 1910.)
T-IE dental axiom that only a normal denture can perform normal functions is gaining wide acceptance. This not only implies immunity to caries and the absence
of sundry lesions of the oral tissues, but a denture whose architectonic form approaches the ideal. To FIG. 1. tent of the abnormality to be corrected? and (b)
What is the condition we wish to establish? Ultimately, these inquiries always lead us to ask the further questions: (c) What movements will be necessary?
and (d) What methods of treatment will best accomplish these movements? To the beginner the selection of the remedy, or the answer to question (d), seems most
important; but it requires very little experience to show that this is an error, and that the only logical approach to our problems is in the order in which
they are here presented. The answer to our first query (a) implies an accurate diagnosis, an interpretation of the abnormality on a basis of normality; and
since the aim of every treatment is the establishment of normal relations, the significance of what constitutes a normal denture becomes evident. The
arrangement of the teeth in the form of two parabolic curves within the alveolar processes of the jaws is called their alignment. When a tooth deviates in its
position from this ideal line, it is said to be in mal-alignment, or malposition. When brought together in the act of mastication, normally arranged teeth are
found to interdigitate very accurately. This intimate relationship existing between the cusps of the lower teeth in normal contact with those of the upper is
termed occlusion. It is a primal function of the teeth and is dependent upon their position. When a tooth occupies an abnormal position, and hence, on closure,
comes into abnormal contact with its antagonists, it is said to be in malocclusion. This is a generic term used to Mandibular macrognathism, or macrognathic
mandible. perform the complex functions in response to which the teeth were brought into being they develop characteristic forms and assume very appropriate
anatomical positions. An intimate knowledge of these fine symmetrical relations is very essential in orthopedic practice, for in the correction of every
malocclusion we are confronted with the two queries: (a) What is the nature and ex
LISCHER.-THE DIAGNOSIS OF MALOCCLUSION. 413 collectively designate the various abnormal forms of occlusion. Occasionally, teeth assume such extreme
malpositions that they are actually in non-occlusion, failing to come in contact with their antagonists. (Fig. 6.) attempt was that of the German dentist,
Kneisel (1), who proposed the two groups: partial and complete. By the term partial he meant malposition of the individual teeth, and by complete he had
reference to the abnormal relations of the FIG. 2. Showing the occlusion of the teeth of Fig. 1. The mesioclusion the jaw deformity. is but a symptom of
-IISTORY. Malocclusion of the teeth presents itself in an almost endless variety of forms, and for many years it was an accepted belief that their
classification constituted a hopeless task. Fortunately, numerous investigators were not similarly minded, but endeavored to bring order into this apparent
confusion, to detect similarity in so vast a number of deviations from normality. They realized that a comprehensive classification constituted the main
problem in the difficult art of diagnosis, and hence devised systems for this purpose. The first recorded [VOL. LIII.-29] dental arches. From among the many
other methods proposed since then we may mention those of the following authors as the most important: Carabelli (2), Magitot (3), Iszlai (4), Sternfeld
(6), Angle (6), Welcker (7), Grevers (8), Herbst (9), Zsigmondy (10) and Villain (11). Most of these efforts at conceptual shorthand are more or
less comprehensive, and are largely based upon pathological manifestations. Many other methods proposed from time to time were based upon the treatment
to be instituted, and were, needless to state, fallacious. Furthermore, several of these schemes
414 THE DENTAL COSMOS. contained proposals for an improvement in our nomenclature, embracing systems of terms which, by their very etymology, would convey a
picture of the conditions implied. But, desirable as such efforts appear, they have not altogether removed our difficulties, and at the present writing not one
of them has gained universal acceptance. DIAGNOSIS DEFINED. Broadly interpreted, every diagnosis implies several general considerations, e.g. the age and
general and oral health emphasizes prevention more than cure, and rightly urges the necessity for early treatment-all of which invariably implies an early
diagnosis. The severe forms of malocclusion do not develop over night; years before even an intelligent parent recognizes the impending deformity the
alert diagnostician can advise ways and means for its prevention. Let us first ask, What conditions usually enter into a malocclusion? Our answer to this
question must be as follows: There are just three conditions which may conjoin in a malocclusionconditions so fundamental that most FIG. 3. A
B / I / I \ / / a A, Arch relation in bilateral mesioclusion, the line b x indicating their normal relation, and b y their
relation in distoclusion. B, Diagram of normal arch relation. (K6rbitz.) of the individual, the relative degree of growth and development, the recognition of
causative factors, etc. Custom, however, limits the use of the term to the art of differentiating one affection from a group of abnormalities having similar
symptoms. Thus in orthodontic practice it embraces-(a) the distinguishing of one form of malocclusion from another, (b) the detection of anomalies of dentition
(and of the jaws and related structures) other than those of position and occlusion, and (c) the degree of facial deformity associated therewith. Without
further reflection it would appear that so essential a problem of practice had long ago met with a satisfactory solution; that a consideration so fundamental
could hardly permit of disagreement, at least not in its general outlines. Furthermore, the most prominent tendency in orthodontic practice today writers
now recognize their basic significance-and each one of these conditions is reducible into elementary divisions, regardless of their manifold combinations.
Concisely expressed, these three conditions are-(1) Malformation of the jaws and their processes. (2) Malrelation of the dental arches. (3) Malposition of
the teeth. Unfortunately, their numerous combinations forever preclude the possibility of devising a system of terms that will meet every requirement and yet
be practical; but it is precisely this enigmatic phase of our problem which suggested the following attempt at solution. Let us briefly consider these three
conditions in the order of their gravity. MALFORMATION OF THE JAWS. Malformation of the jaws is the most serious condition we have to deal with,
LISCHER.-THE DIAGNOSIS OF MALOCCLUSION. 4.15 and at times constitutes a deformity so severe that its correction lies outside of our domain. Therefore, when
a case presents a pronounced malformation of one or both jaws, it should be emphasized and receive first mention in the naming of the deformity. (Fig. 1.)
tion of the lower arch, and labial malposition of the lower incisors and canines are symptoms of an over-development of the mandible. But to say, in such a
case, that the lower arch is mesial to normal, or the lower molars are in mesial occlusion, or that it is a class III case, is to FIG. 4. Bilateral
distoclusion. For the sake of illustration, let us suppose that a physician, on being called to the bedside of a patient suffering from appendicitis, announces
his diagnosis to the sorrowful relatives as follows: "He is suffering from fever No. 3." Of course fever is regarded as one of the indications of appendicitis,
and severe pain in the region of McBurney's point is another cardinal symptom which adds to its typical clinical picture. But would he be justified in evading
the facts in this manner? Similarly, a mesial malrela state a half-truth, certainly not the whole truth. (Fig. 2.) If we could remove all of the soft
overlying tissues from the mandible in such a case, exposing it to full view, can it be doubted that the general deformity of this bone, and not the
superimposed teeth and their occlusion, would attract our first attention? And as we ponder over it, how futile all orthodontic methods seem, especially when
they blindly ignore this foundation. Of course, the age of the patient is an important factor in the
416 THE DENTAL COSMOS. treatment of these cases, and recent developments in the methodology of our art have established the fact that early treatment of the
malocclusion (by securing normal dental function) invariably corrects the menacing deformity beyond the teeth and their alveoli. Deformities of the jaws may
unfold themselves as over-developments, for which the term macrognathism serves admirably; or they may express themselves in arrested development, in which
case they are termed micrognathism. When confined to the upper jaw the de FIG. 5. Unilateral distoclusion. It is obvious, moreover, that malformations of
the jaws may express themselves in several ways, hence it is desirable to enumerate the various kinds, and to adopt a satisfactory terminology. Medical
literature has for years recognized the congenital deformities of the jaws under the group-term polygnathism, embracing epignathism, agnathism, hypognathism,
etc., and continental European writers have used the ending gnathia (meaning jaw) quite liberally, so that it is not entirely new in dental science. The writer
therefore suggests its adoption in this connection. formity may be indicated by the word maxillary, or if confined to the lower it is termed mandibular. When
both jaws are similarly affected the term bimaxillary is used. Furthermore, the writer is of the opinion that these terms should be used only for those extreme
deformities which are not amenable to orthodontic procedure. The oral surgeon will, no doubt, find it advantageous to elaborate this phase of our scheme.
MALRELATION OF THE ARCHES. The arrangement of the teeth in the form of two arcades or graceful curves
LISCHER.-THE DIAGNOIS OF MALOCCLUSION. 417 (an upper and a lower, each with its right and left side) demands a fine adjustment of the individual members of
each, if a symmetrical, well-balanced ensemble is to be established. Bearing in mind that we are here dealing with bilateral symmetry, we can readily see how
all of the upper teeth, or all of the lower, Since the publication of Kneisel's book many writers have recognized a few of the various forms of arch
malrelation, but it remained for Angle to emphasize their far-reaching significance and to discover the unilateral and bilateral deviations. He also proposed
diagnostic points by means of which the mesial and distal FIG. 6. Neutroclusion, complicated by a pronounced infraversion of the incisors and canines. could be
in perfect alignment in their respective arches and yet on closure fail to come into normal occlusion. In other words, either arch (even though it retain a
normal form) may be so displaced upon its osseous base that normal contact with antagonists becomes impossible. We term this condition arch malrelation.
(Fig. 3.) It is obvious that this is invariably accompanied by malposition of the teeth, though the latter frequently exists without the former. Differently
expressed, in cases of simple malposition accompanied by a normal relation of the arches, we have to deal only with anomalies of arch form. variations may
easily be detected. The mesio-distal relationship, or occlusion, of the first permanent molars is thus made to serve as an aid in the diagnosis of the mesial
and distal forms. Of course, in mutilated cases, allowance must be made for the possible abnormal position of these teeth. Of all the schemes alluded to above,
the Angle (12) classification is the most widely accepted. It proposes a division of all forms of malocclusion into three classes as follows: Class I. Normal
mesio-distal relation of the arches.
418 THE DENTAL COSMOS. Class II. Distal relation of the lower arch. Class III. Mesial relation of the lower arch. In its essence, therefore, it is a
classification based upon the relations of the toclusion, when it is distal to normal. (Fig. 4.) As stated above, both sides of an arch may be affected,
when it is termed a bilateral- mesio- or distoclusion. Or, if only one side is involved, we term it a unilateral mesio- or distoclusion. (Fig. 5.) 3. 7.
Typical case of neatroclusion. two dental arches (an exceedingly important distinction), though its numerical terminology does not indicate this. In a
consideration of arch relation we base our differentiation upon normal closure, or occlusion, hence the ending clusion may readily serve us in our
terminology for designating the various forms. To this ending we can prefix well-known anatomical terms and thus obtain mesioclusion, when one arch is mesial
in its relation to the other; dis For the sake of convenience this terminology could be extended to includebuccoclusion, when one or both lateral halves are
buccal to normal; linguoclusion, when one or both lateral halves are lingual to normal; supraclusion, when the occlusal planes of the two arches overlap each
other in an occluso-gingival direction, i.e. when the so-called "overbite" is too deep; infraclusion, when the two occluding planes fail to meet for any
considerable distance, the so-called "openbite" cases. (Fig. 6.)
LISCHER.-THE DIAGNOSIS OF MALOCCLUSION. 419 However, mesioclusion and distoclusion constitute the two most important forms of arch malrelation, and it
might be well, therefore, to reserve the use of the other terms to indicate additional complications in a limited number of cases, i.e. where a considerable
number of teeth are similarly malposed, and the mesio-distal relation of the arches was normal, the main difficulty being a malposition of the individual
teeth, or anomalies of arch form. In other words, one or more teeth were in mal-alignment, hence in malocclusion, a condition recognized by all writers and
loosely termed "irregularities." That there were several FIG. 8. Neutroclusion, complicated by a pronounced labioversion of the upper incisors. where the
terms usually employed in such instances would be less descriptive. The writer therefore suggests the use of these terms in cases of arch malrelation where the
deformities of the jaws are not severe enough to warrant special designation, and where the correction of the malocclusion insures subsequent normal
development. MALPOSITION OF THE TEETH. In a consideration of 1000 cases of malocclusion, Angle found 692 in which kinds of malposition was of course known,
but again it remained for Angle to enumerate seven primary forms, and to call special attention to their possible combinations. Unfortunately, this author has
become so enamored of the word "occlusion," that he makes it serve in this instance by prefixing anatomical terms to it for the designation of these seven
deviations. The writer firmly believes that it would be a distinct advance if an ending denoting position were used instead, because the spoken word should be
measurably descriptive.
420 THE DENTAL COSMOS. Again, if we accept the ending clusion as appropriate for the designation of malrelation of the arches, it becomes necessary to adopt
another term to denote malposition of the individual teeth. I grant that occlusion is a basic function of the teeth; but it is dependent upon position. Indeed,
one can conceive of position with (Fig. 6, A); perversion, for impacted teeth; and transversion, for transpositions. The mere fact that approximately 70 per
cent. of all forms of malocclusion exhibit neither extreme malformation of the jaws nor mesial or distal malrelation of the arches, emphasizes the advantage
FIG. 9. Bilateral distoclusion, cormplic ated by a pronounced labioversion of the upper incisors. out occlusion, but not the reverse. Hence I suggest that the
widely used medical ending version (Lat. vertere, to turn, to change position) be used to denote malposition of individual teeth. This gives us the
terms-labio- or buccoversion (Fig. 4, A), to denote labial or buccal malposition; linguoversion, when a tooth is lingual to normal (Fig. 4, B);
mesioversion, when mesial to normal; torsoversion (Fig. 2, A), when rotated on its axis; supraversion, to denote elongation (Fig. 5, A); infraversion, for
depression of a separate term for this large class (class I, Angle). I therefore suggest that the word neutroclusion (from Lat. neutro, in neither
direction; occlusio, to close) be used for the naming of this group. (Fig. 7.) SUMMARY. In confirming the diagnosis of a malocclusion we proceed by excluding
all possible conditions in the order of their gravity. Thus dento-facial deformity,
LISCHER.-THE DIAGNOSIS OF MNALOCCLUSION. 421 which is always serious, is first considered. Owing to the fact that it comprises a large field and involves many
grave points, it was deemed best to omit it in the present instance. Next in importance comes a consideration of malformation of the jaws; then the relation
of the arches, or the totality of their (2) Arch malrelations amenable to orthodontic treatment are next in importance. Their treatment usually insures
normal jaw-growth. (3) All cases of malocclusion accompanied by a neutral relation of the arches are spoken of as cases of neutroclusion. These
constitute by far the FIG. 10. Bilateral distoclusion, complicated by infraversion of the upper incisors. alignment and occlusion; then the occlusion and
alignment of each tooth, which necessarily implies the form of each arch; and such other anomalies as may be present. Finally, the naming of these deformities
should be governed by the following rules: (1) Jaw deformities so extreme as to be beyond the scope of orthodontic treatment should receive first
consideration. Their accompanying malocclusions are merely symptoms. largest number, and the correction of their arch form also insures normal jawgrowth.
(4) The individual peculiarities of any given case are best expressed by adding such qualifying phrases as"complicated by labioversion of the upper
incisors" or "infraversion of the upper incisors," etc. (See Figs. 9 and 10.) BIBLIOGRAPHY. 1. KNEISEL, J. FR. CI. "Der Schiefstand der Zahne." Berlin, 1836.
422 THE DENTAL COSMOS. 2. CARABELLI, GEORG. "Handbuch der Zahnheilkunde." Wien, 1844. 3. MAGITOT, E. "Traite des anomalies du systime dentaire." Paris,
1877. 4. International Medical Congress. London, 1881. 5. STERNFELD, A. "Ueber Bissarten und Bissanomalien." tiinchen, 1888. 6. ANGLE, E. H.
"Classification of Malocclusion," DENTAL CosMos, March 1899, p. 248; April, p. 350. 7. Archiv fuir Anthropologie, 1902. 8. Fourth International Dental
Congress. St. Louis, 1904. 9. Deutsche Zahndrztliche Wochenschrift, 1904. 10. Oesterreichische Zeitschrift fiur Stomatologie. Wien, 1905. 11. VILLAIN, G.
"Versuch einer Vereinheitlichung der Terminologie und der Verschiendenen Klassifikationen in der Zahnirztlichen Orthopidie," Zeitschrift fiir Zahndrztliche
Orthopddie, January to March, 1910. 12. ANGLE, E. H. "Malocclusion of the Teeth." Philadelphia, 1907. A FEW THOUGHTS ON THE CASTING OF METALS UNDER
PRESSURE. By Dr. SEKI-ICHI ENOMOTO, Tokyo, Japan. (I.) HISTORY OF THE APPLIANCES FOR CASTING UNDER PRESSURE, AND TIHE PRINCIPLES OF THEIR WORKING
METHODS. THE existing methods of casting metals under pressure embrace the following three elements: (1) The making of the original model, in wax or some
other combustible material, for an object to be cast. (2) The investing of this original model in a proper material, and the making of a hollow space of a
shape similar to the original model in the investing material, which should be one whole body and not separable into sections. (3) The pouring of molten metal
into the said hollow space under some pressure. For quite a long time these three elements have been embodied separately in various systems, but in no one
system are all three elements included. For instance, the first element is found in the so-called cheoplastic method, by which the original model of an object
to be cast is made in wax. The application of this method in the casting of inlays probably originated with Dr. M. O. Solbrig (1906), who, for the production
of the original model for an object to be cast, placed a sheet of gold foil on the floor of the cavity, heaping wax thereupon, and thus took an impression of
the cavity. Dr. W. H. Taggart (1907) was the first to make the original model entirely of wax. The second method probably originated with Dr. M. Pillete,
who applied it to the casting of aluminum plates. Dr. Ollendorf (1905) also is known to have used this method for gold plates. Up to that time the investing
material used to be so prepared as to be separable into several pieces. The third method was first applied by Dr. C. Carroll. He used compressed air for the
casting of aluminum, while Dr. Solbrig first resorted to steam pressure. The credit, however, for having first combined these three elements and consummated
the present method of casting under pressure must go to Dr. Taggart. It seems that the inlay was the chief object of his study. For prosthetic work, we owe a
great deal to Dr. Solbrig's researches. Indeed, we cannot but feel profound respect and hearty appreciation toward these pioneers for their enthusiastic ef
ENOMOTTO.-THE CASTING OF METALS UNDER PRESSURE. 423 forts, by which they have given us an impetus to delve into this new field of science. The fact that
casting has become the object of careful study by all dentists is well illustrated by the frequent appearance of the term "casting" in every dental magazine in
the world, and the lively interest which is taken by the public in the casting of precious metals is evinced by the continuous introduction of various devices
and appliances. To the writer's knowledge, the following appliances for casting are now in vogue: (1) Appliances based on centrifugal force. (2)
Appliances employing atmospheric pressure (vacuum). (3) Appliances using steam pressure. (4) Appliances using pneumatic force (compressed gas or
air). Though in these appliances different motive powers are employed, the same sort of casting flasks are used, consisting in thick cylinders varying in size
and length. The process of casting is as follows: The wax model of the object to be cast -inlay, crown, etc.-is set on the sprue wire of the
crucible-former, and then placed in the casting flask. The flask or ring is filled with investing material. When this has hardened, the crucible-former and
the sprue wire are removed, and then the wax is burned outi by heating the casting flask. This flask is then placed in the casting machine. Next a piece of
gold is laid in the gate, which is utilized as a crucible, and then is heated with a blowpipe. When it has melted to a proper degree, it is pressed by gas or
air compression, or drawn by suction, or forced by centrifugal force into the casting flask. (II.) FOUR GREAT IMPERFECTIONS OF THE CASTING APPLIANCES IN VOGUE.
Accurately fitting metal plate dentures, as made hitherto by dentists, require a great deal of time and labor in their preparation. The author has endeavored
to make metal dentures by a method as simple as the one by which rubber dentures are manufactured. After reading Dr. Taggart's essay, the author zealously
devoted himself to the study of this cast ing method, but experiment after experiment resulted in failure. So great was his disappointment that he was disposed
to give up the task as an impossibility. Objects of simple form may be cast with a small quantity of metal by the invention of Dr. Taggart as well as by the
various new methods which followed it in quick succession, but the ideal, i.e. the casting of objects of complicated form with a large quantity of metal, is
far from being obtainable thereby, probably owing to some hidden imperfections. The author therefore resumed his study, determined to first bring to light
these imperfections. Finally, in July 1909, he succeeded in inventing an appliance for the casting of partial bridges with several teeth, partial and full
metal dentures, etc. Before describing this appliance, it is proper to say a few words on the above-mentioned imperfections of the appliances now in vogue.
The inadequacy of the methods now in vogue for casting objects of larger size was found to be chiefly due to the following four great drawbacks: (1) Absence of
arrangements for the heating of the casting flask or ring. (2) Dependence solely upon the porosity of the investing material for the exclusion of the air
inside the casting flask. (3) Inability to thoroughly melt the metals. (4) Absence of arrangements for preventing molten metal from flowing into the sprue.
These imperfections will be explained in greater detail, as follows: (1) Gold and silver have a strong molecular cohesion, and lack fluidity when molten;
moreover, they solidify immediately on coming into contact with an object having a lower temperature. In the casting systems now in vogue, however, the casting
flask is placed on the base of the casting appliance, exposed to the atmosphere, and the metal -at the sprue is melted with a single blowpipe, the casting
flask being thereby heated only indirectly. Inlays, crowns, and other small objects may be cast by this method, but large models, which naturally require a
casting flask of a correspondingly greater capacity, cannot be cast in this way, as the casting flask is
424 THE DENTAL COSMOS. only partially heated by the heat of the melting metal, and the greater part of the flask is cooled by the atmosphere, with the result
that the molten metal, on being forced in, immediately solidifies and so fails to perfectly adapt itself to the mold. (2) In the existing apparatus the casting
flask is a thick metal cylinder with a concave or V-shaped sprue, which besides its regular function serves as a crucible, and is so arranged as to extrude the
air inside the casting flask by the porosity of the investing material at the moment when the molten metal is forced in, so that great care is required in the
selection of investing materials and their proper composition; that is, each casting device calls for a special investment material of a certain porosity, the
formula of which is generally kept secret. Since the porosity of an investing material, however, is not unlimited, if the original model is so large that the
volume of air is too great to be completely taken up by the porous investment, the remaining air will expand and reject the molten metal with a tremendous
force, in consequence whereof not only the purpose of the casting-i.e. reproduction of the proper shape-is missed, but the gold is often thrown out of the
flask. (3) By the methods now in vogue, some metal is placed in the sprue, which serves as a crucible, and is heated and melted with a single blowpipe. The
disadvantage of this procedure is that only a limited quantity of metal can be melted, and if the quantity exceeds that limit, it cannot be melted
thoroughly, for no matter how much gas heat is employed, cool air will continuously strike one side of the metal, thereby causing a part of the molten metal to
cool and solidify. Thus it is impossible to melt the whole bulk of the metal completely at one time. (4) Even if the quantity of metal to be cast is small,
none of the molten metal will run into the sprue while the melting process is going on, owing to the force of cohesion of the metal particles, as the sprue is
relatively small. If the quantity of metal to be cast is large, the sprue gate must be proportionately large. But the trouble is that, if the sprue is
enlarged, a portion of the molten metal will run into it and solidify, blocking up the sprue before the bulk of the metal is completely melted, so that no
matter how completely the other portions of the metal are heated or what amount of pressure is brought to bear upon them, the form of the casting will not be
perfect. It is much to be regretted that the casting appliances now in vogue are not provided with any arrangements for remedying the defects above
referred to. (III.) How TO REMEDY THE IMPERFECTIONS OF THE CASTING METHODS IN VOGUE. In the following will be explained one of the most important features of
the author's invention, that is, how his appliance for casting under pressure is equipped in order to remove the abovedescribed defects. (1) The cooling of the
casting flask is prevented by the following procedure: First the casting flask is placed in a heating oven incased in a fireproof material; then an intense
heat is applied to the sides and the floor of the flask by means of a gas-burner, while the top of the flask is heated by the melting metal upon which the
automatic blowpipe is directed. The inside of the casting flask being thus sufficiently heated, the molten metal, no matter how large in quantity, will not
solidify half-way down when it is forced into the sprue, but will fill up the mold cavity and sprue completely, leaving no space unoccupied. The correct amount
of heat to be applied to the casting flask has long been a matter of heated dispute among authorities on this subject. Some are of the opinion that it is
better not to heat the flask at all, for the investing material will contract and distort the mold under intense heat. Others insist on the necessity of
heating the flask to a certain degree. Still others consider it necessary to heat it to the
ENOMO0TO.-THE CASTING OF METALS UNDER PRESSURE. 425 highest degree possible. The opinions are so diverse that it is almost impossible to decide which one to
rely upon. As a result of his experiments, the author insists upon heating the casting flask to a high degree if high-fusing metals are to be cast under
pressure, but is unable to state the exact heat to be applied to the casting flask, as it varies according to circumstances, and can only be determined from
case to case by that delicate intuition which is the result of long training and good judgment. (2) The author's appliance is provided with several air-holes
(vents) near the upper and lower portions of the casting flask, to facilitate the complete extrusion of the air from inside the flask. These vents are smaller
or larger according to the size and shape of the casting flask, rendering it possible to drive off all air or gas inside the flask when the molten metal is
pressed in, and thus objects of large size can be cast perfectly. According to Dr. Solbrig's opinion, vents should be made in the bottom of the flask when
dental plates are to be cast. The author is inclined to think that this opinion is not based on sufficient experiment, for even in ordinary casting where no
pressure is applied, the providing of vents in the floor of the flask is strongly cautioned against. This caution applies even more to casting methods in which
the molten metal is to be forced in by means of pressing appliances. If vents are used in these methods, the molten metal passes through the mold cavity in the
flask and out through the vents without filling the mold cavity and sprue completely. If by chance a casting is obtained, its form is not perfect, as the
particles of the metal thus cast are not of uniform density. The author has often tried Dr. Solbrig's method, but every time without success. The vents as
arranged by the author are inclined toward the floor of the casting flask, so that they cannot under any circumstance cause the mishaps above referred to. (3)
With a view to facilitating the complete melting of metals, the flask is further provided with a reflecting cover, which is to be placed over the sprue. It
is made of a fireproof material, its inner part being vaulted. While the metal at the sprue is being melted by means of an automatic blowpipe, this cover
reflects the heat of the molten metal and prevents its being cooled by the atmosphere outside, so that the whole bulk of the metal is speedily melted. (4) In
order to remedy the fourth imperfection, that is, the running of a part of the molten metal into the sprue and there solidifying, thereby blocking up the
sprue, a circular mica plate with a perforation +-shaped in the center is placed over the sprue, and the metal is melted thereon. Thus the molten metal cannot
run into the sprue before pressure is brought to bear upon it; but, when once pressed, this perforation in the mica plate is forced open, admitting the molten
metal into the flask. It can readily be seen that this new appliance makes it possible to cast comparatively large objects of precious metal, which could not
be done with the appliances now in vogue. Moreover, in this appliance the original model can be readily inserted in the investing material by detaching part of
the casting flask. The upper portion of the investing material, which is utilized as a crucible, is prevented from causing fissures by means of a specially
contrived crucible made of a fireproof material, which facilitates the melting process. The automatic blowpipe in this appliance assists in the speedy
completion of the casting process, for the surface of the metal to be melted is kept hot until the very moment when the pressure is brought down upon it, the
blowpipe being turned aside automatically and the flame being extinguished at the same time. (IV.) CONSTRUCTION OF ENOMOTO'S APPLIANCE FOR CASTING
UNDER PRESSURE. The general principles of the new casting appliance have been explained above. It now remains to give a description of its construction as
illustrated in Fig. 1. The following is the general working plan of this appliance: The heating and
426 THE DENTAL COSMOS. the pressing appliances are set ready, and the heating oven (Fig. 1, E) is placed on the iron plate, G, for the purpose of heating the
flask. A tube-like support is set up at one side of the iron plate to serve as a passage for the gas; then to the middle part of the support an of the
casting flask, the pressing cover comes down by pressure, pressing the molten metal into the flask. The arrangement of the heating oven, the pressing cover,
and the automatic blowpipe, in Fig. 1, will now be described in greater detail, as follows: FIG. 1. J I K L Enomoto's appliance for casting metals under
pressure. A, Handle. B, Pressing cover. C, Reflecting cover. D, Chimney. E, Heating oven. F, Door. G, Base (iron plate). H, Air-tube. I, Rubber tube. J,
Ratchet. K, Upper cog-wheel. L, Metal pressure gage. M, Pump. N, Compressed-air tank. 0, Lower gear wheel. P, Hose to be connected with gas tube. automatic
blowpipe is attached for melting purposes. At the end of the support, a pressing cover, B, serving the double function of steam and compressed-air pressure, is
set, and a rubber tube, I, attached to the upper end of the pressing cover, connecting it with the air-compressing appliance, L, M, N. It is so arranged that
while the'metal is being melted in the crucible, which is a part Heating oven (Fig. 1, E). The heating oven is a part of the cone on the iron base, G. Its
outer wall is of metal. The door, F, which has a mica plate, is used for igniting purposes. The inner wall is veneered with a fireproof material and in its
upper part is provided with a number of holes, through which the flames employed in heating the casting flask make their way, going out through