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104
Orthodontics.
As much of this work as was considered justifiable in view of
the depleted dental staff was carried out during the year and
mainly by extraction and/or the fitting of a removable appliance.
Routine X-rays of these cases were not taken at the commencement
of treatment as we do not possess this facility at the Health
Centres, and only those cases where it was considered quite
indispensable were sent to one of the teaching dental schools for
this purpose.
Analysis of Orthodontic. Cases, 1948.
Impressions taken 144
Study and progress models made 144
Appliances fitted 65
Alterations and repairs 13
Attendances 664
Advice 165
Adjustments to appliances 427
Cases sent to hospital for X-ray 6
Teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons :
Temporary 488
Permanent 118
Prosthetics.
Full upper and lower dentures were supplied to one child in a
case of gross and rapid dental decay.
Thirteen children had dentures carrying from one to four
teeth. Several of these were following accidents involving the
loss of one or two upper front teeth, and were of the nature of
space-retainers which may be followed by a permanent denture or,
if conditions prove satisfactory on completion of jaw growth, a
small bridge.
Maternity and Child Welfare.
All expectant and nursing mothers and pre-school children
referred for dental treatment by the Council's Medical Officers
have been treated during the year.
There has been a falling-off in the number of dentures supplied
to the mothers through the Council's scheme, as some of these
patients have consulted private dentists for their artificial dentures
following the completion of the necessary extractions, instead
of through the Council's scheme.
A summary of work done under this heading will be found in
the Maternity and Child Welfare section of the Health Report.