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276
THE ORTHODONTIC SCHEME.
During the year this branch of the work continued to
progress, and since the Scheme started 368 cases have been
treated or are undergoing treatment. Of this number 263 have
been treated by fixed and removable appliances, and 105 cases
by extraction only.
New cases dealt with during the year have been fewer than
in previous years because so many new cases were taken in 1932.
The 68 cases that were completed during the year will enable
more new cases to be dealt with in 1934. In some of the completed
cases which showed gross deformity before treatment the
children are wearing retention plates to prevent relapse.
Percentage of Malocclusion.
At dental inspections 188 children were found to be suffering
from irregularity of the teeth, this being approximately 1 per
cent. of the total number of children inspected.
The percentage of deformity associated with the jaws and
teeth is higher than that in any other part of the body, and chiefly
as a result of that maldevelopment, disease is more prevalent in
the mouth.
The Cost of the Scheme.
The charge for treatment is on a flat rate basis of 12s. 6d.
per case. This charge includes the fitting and making of all the
necessary appliances, and the dental mechanic is paid four-fifths
of this charge for making appliances. Small deposits are asked
for the use of Friels lip discs and Badcock screw spanners; these
deposits are refunded when the treatment is completed. The
Scheme has been self-supporting, and there has been no charge
on the rates.
Age for Treatment.
Most of the children are treated between the ages of 8 and
11 years. A few have been fitted with suitable appliances at an
earlier age, chiefly when the deformity has been caused by bad
habits. In the case of treatment under 8 years muscle exercises
are tried at first, and if improvement is not progressing as
quickly as is required appliances are fitted, but exercises are still
continued to aid treatment.