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Selection of Cases.
The children needing orthodontic treatment are referred from
the dental inspections. They are given a special form which
states how treatment may be obtained, and the cost. If the parents
are desirous of treatment the forms are returned signed to the
Central Clinic, Lodge Road, and an appointment is made as soon
as possible.
Treatment.
In some cases it is very difficult, and in others impossible, to
get the desired results, but if by treatment the condition can be
improved a useful purpose is being fulfilled. Treatment is
restricted as far as possible to children between the ages of seven
and ten years; some isolated cases of simple deformities are treated
up to eleven years of age.
Muscle Exercises.
The children are given instruction in muscle exercises when
necessary to assist in the correction of their deformities. Some
are given lip discs so that they can carry out the exercises at home.
The explanation of the various exercises has been entrusted to
Miss Thomas, of the Massage Department. The results obtained
have proved the value of muscle training as an aid to orthodontic
treatment.
Removable and Fixed Appliances.
Most of the appliances used are of the removable type. The
advent of stainless steel has made possible the construction of
these plates at a very low cost. The removable plates have many
advantages, the chief being that they allow frequent and easy
cleaning. In the making of removable plates we are able to use
some of the principles of finger springs by soldering the stainless
steel wire by Watkin and Bulleid's method.
In fixed appliances the chief types used are an Angle arch
and bands, and the cast splint.
The Cost of tHe Scheme.
When the scheme was first started the cost to the patient was
based on the mechanic's charges, which, of course, varied with
the type of appliance used. Such a method of payment prevented
some children from obtaining treatment, as parents were uncertain
as to the cost. With the experience gained it was decided to base