A New Classification of Human Tooth Forms 1914
A New Classification of Human Tooth Forms 1914
A New Classification of Human Tooth Forms 1914
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A
New Classification of Human
Tooth Forms With Special
Artificial Teeth
Published by
http://www.archive.org/details/newclassificatioOOwill
A NEW CLASSIFICATIO:^^OF HUMAN" TOOTH FOKMS;
WITH SPECIAL REFEKENCE TO A NEW
SYSTEM OF ARTIFICIAL TEETH.
-^ <fe fe
^Only the first half of this paper, the part devoted to destructive criticism, was read on
the date above mentioned. The latter part of the article was read on March 10.
"A I^Tew Classification of Tooth Foems"
during the last fifty years." It has certainly created a new outlook
and a new spirit in the world. It has made men more self-reliant
and given them a greater confidence in their own inherent capacity
to subdue the stubborn and apparently antagonistic forces of ISTature
to human will. It is in that American spirit which says, in the
language of the people, "The best we can have is none too good," that
I have come here to-day to ask you to discard, to throw away, to utter-
ly destroy and obliterate a system of prosthetic dentistry that has ex-
isted far too long, and to establish in its place something more in
keeping with the reputation for progress and scientific achievement
and character that our country enjoys in other fields throughout the
world.
^ *% '^
false basis of the present methods and theories for the selection of
porcelain teeth and it is, as I have indicated, principally with this
theme that I shall deal this evening.
J. Leon Williams, D.D.S.
I believe that the chief reason why prosthetic dentistry has fallen
so low in the estimation of the profession is that most dentists have
There are very definite reasons why artificial teeth should have
continued to remain, for such a long period in the history of dentistry,
of a defective and unnatiural character and without systematic ar-
rangement. It was hardly possible to have any satisfactory classifica-
tion of natural teeth, neither was it possible to have fine, natural,
artistic forms of artificial teeth without a knowledge of the primary
forms of natural teeth. That statement may sound somewhat curi-
ous to you, but I hope to make it quite clear, presently, that the pri-
mary forms human teeth have, hitherto, not been known. Like
of
old friends, whom we sometimes meet and pass on the streets when
our minds are preoccupied, they have been seen and not recognized.^
But to produce a perfect system of artificial teeth there is re-
quired not only an intimate knowledge of all the facts of ISTature, but
also familiarity with the principles of design through which a har-
mony of related parts, that is often absent in ISTature, may be secured.
SMany examples could be adduced to show that long observation does not always result
in accurate perception. Herbert Spencer, at different periods in his life, held three distinct
opinions about the color of shadows, each one, as he says, "based on years of observation.
And his final recognition of what he regarded as the exact truth was due to a suggestion he
got while reading a popular work on optics.
"A !N'ew Classificatioit of Tooth Fokms"
<^ ^ -^
You will, I think, be able to see more clearly the relation and
significance of the facts presented if I state specifically the main
objects I have in view in this paper. attempt to destroy all
I shall
belief in temperamental forms of teeth, for I regard this as one of
the most fundamental errors in the present system. I shall try to
show that while there are slight variations in the teeth of different
peoples, there is no such thing as racial types of teeth. I hope to
convince you that the oft repeated statement that Nature always pro-
duces teeth in harmony with face and feature is a mistake due to
lack of careful observation. And I expect to prove that it is impos-
sible to produce a scientific and satisfactory system of artificial teeth
by simply copying sets of natural teeth.
Let us begin then, with the subject of temperamental classifica-
tion of teeth. And let me note at the outset that some of our best
writers on dental prosthesis say quite frankly that they make use of
this theory for lack of a better.
One author savs further that "it is difficult, in some cases, to de-
cide positively to which variety (of temperament) a special case be-
longs . . . K^ot infrequently the indications are even contradic-
tory . . . and no rule can he given that will not fail in numerous
instances." I submit that a theory of this character is much more
likely to mislead than guide the student and beginner, and that it
would have been better to drop it altogether in dentistry, as was done
in other branches of science long ago. But this course has not been
taken, and the theory still has some ardent and dogmatic advocates.
I am sure you will agree, therefore, that it is better to subject the
claims of this teaching to a thorough critical examination before put-
ting forward the new classification.
'fe -^ ^
Let us first glance at the great, authoritative modern works of
reference, to see what they have to say on the subject of temperament.
Our first effort is a little disappointing.
We open the Encyclopaedia Britannica at the place where the
word should be, but we do not find it. It is completely ignored. We
consult the Xew American Encyclopaedia of Science and do not fare
much better. The word is there, it is true, but used in a sense that
connotes nothing of the physical or mental characteristics of human
beings. It simply has reference to certain technical matters about
musical instruments. Gould's Dictionary of Medicine says that the
word is spoken of as a vague term or a term vaguely applied. This
authority further says that although the original doctrine has long
since lost its sigTiificance, it is permissible to use it in describing pre-
disposition to types of mental action : and that is the manner in which
it issometimes used by good modern writers.* Jonathan Hutchinson,
F.R.S., with whose work on the teeth you are all familiar, made a
careful examination of the claims of the temperamentalists and here
is his verdict: "As yet I fear we must say that the labors of the
6
;
all scientific men of standing except a few of those who rule over
the destinies of dentistry. And for them I fear that a mere reference
to authorities, however eminent, will hardly be sufficient. We shall
have to go a little deeper into the matter, to completely satisfy them.
But before getting down to the real work of proof, let us have a side-
long glance at those pretentious tables of temperamental classifications
with their air of exhaustive research and minute discrimination, which
figure so prominently in our textbooks on prosthetic dentistry.
You are all familiar with the results of the researches of Dr.
Black and Mr. Charles Tomes into the question of comparative hard-
ness or softness of teeth. You know that working quite independ-
ently they both reached the conclusion that the variation in the hardness
and softness of teeth was a negligible quantity. The differences are
so small as to be a matter of no importance. But if we turn to those
tables in our textbooks on prosthetic dentistry which profess to give the
temperamental characteristics of teeth, we find the so-called lymphatic
teeth, and combinations of the lymphatic, bilious and nervous teeth,
described as "soft and brittle" ; ''soft and frail" "soft and weak"
;
"soft and sensitive" ; "mixture of flinty and chalky" "soft, weak and
;
7
J. Leox Williams, D.D.S.
Many vou will remember that in the paper which I read here
of
three years ago I pointed out that there was really no foundation for
that a pure type is seldom met with, the majority of the cases being
combinations of the features of more than one temperament." The
temperaments represented in the three dentures I have selected are
supposed to be the "sanguine," the "bilious" and the "nervous." I
will ask you to look very closely at the central incisors, always the
most characteristic teeth in any given set. and see if you can detect
the very least typical difference. The teeth are not only of one type,
but they are very nearly indistinguishable as to form and size. Except
as to color, there is not a ghost of a reason why these sets should not
all change places.
'^ '^ '^
A representative American firm has also published illustrations
of teeth designed for the pure temperaments, as shown in the upper
row of ^o. 1.
illustration
Please compare the corresponding t%^es of the two manufactur-
ers. Xo comment from me is necessary, and I will make none, except
to say that these teeth are not made by firms whose reputation is ever
called in question. They are firms which are rightly and justly jeal-
ous of the high reputation they have honorably earned. But can you
look at the specimens of these two companies, each claiming its own
work as typical, and each so widely dift'erent from the other as to
make comparison positively grotesque, without thinlving that it is about
time we heard the last of temperamental classification of teeth; that
8
SANOUISI-IOUS
Illustration No. 1
Illustration No. 2
Two skulls of unlike form with teeth identical in type and size. No relation between form
or size of skull and the form or size of teeth.
"A IsTew Classification of Tooth Eoems"
sary to present the same facts from more than one point of view.
One writer on the subject of temperament says: "In these tem-
peramental differences, no single sig-n is more sig-nificant than is to
be found in the physical characteristics of the teeth their size, shape,
color, density and alignment being as much an index as is the distinc-
tive complexion, the color of the eyes, hair, etc." A little farther
down the page it is said: "The law of harmony thus found in ISTature
between the teeth and other physical characteristics requires " etc.,
etc. And once more: "The careful observation and recording of these
co-relations would go far toward making prosthetic dentistry an exact
science." Here we have three variations of an assumption that iSTature
always produces teeth that in form and size are in perfect harmony
with the face and the individual features of the face. We often meet
this assumption in our text books and in magazine articles. On what
is it founded ?
^ '^ '%
have never heard anyone assert that all the other features of
I
every human face were in perfect harmony. The most of us have
seen many faces on which we would pass the observation of old Omar
Khayyam if the "sorry scheme of things" were entrusted to us "would
we not shatter it to bits and then remould it nearer to our heart's
desire ?" The great teacher of science, Haeckel, is almost brutal in
his remarks on this point. He says in his "Evolution of Man" : "If
we compare the face of the long-nosed ape with that of abnormally ape-
like human beings, the former will be admitted to represent a higher
stage of development. There are still people among us who look especially
to the face for the 'image of God in man.' The long-nosed ape would
have more claim to this than some human individuals one meets." Is
there anything more evident to us as we walk up and down the streets
or stand in any place where our fellow mortals congregate, than the
9
J. Leon Williams, D.D.S.
10
Illustration No. 3. The widest and shortest teeth are in the narrow skull
Illustration No. 4. Two skullsfrom the Andaman Islands. The smaller skull has the larger teeth
and of different type, than the other
"A N^EW CLASSIFICATIOISr OF ToOTH FoKMs"
^Broca and Thurnam, in the Memoirs of the Anthropological Society, describe a group of
sixteen ancient skulls, nearly all perfect, found in France at Nogent-les-Vierges. Three of
them are described as the dolichocephalic skulls of Aryan stock, eight as the brachycephalic
of Mongolian origin and five as a cross of the two. These latter had the high, narrow fore-
head of the long headed race, while the middle and occipital regions of the skulls had the
width and fulness of the round headed race.
Thomson, in his fine work, "Heredity," says: "A white man of considerable intellectual
ability marries a negro woman of great physical beauty and strength: the result may be has
been a mulatto, who inherits some of his father's intellectual virtue and some of his mother's
physical strength." Again, "If a tall variety of (sweet) pea be crossed with a dwarf, all the
offspring are tall, and among their offspring in turn three-fourths are tall and one-fourth
dwarf, but none between the two." The italics are mine.
Thomson further says, when speaking of Mendel's law: "Experimental work has driven
home the conception of unit characters . . . that are inherited independently.
11
J. Leon Williams, D.D.S.
But it may be pertinent to ask who lias ever made any experi-
ments of a severely scientific character to prove that the action of the
heart is stronger in so-called sanguine persons, or the liver more active
in bilious persons, or the brain larger in the alleged nervous tempera-
ment ? Who has ever conducted such experiments to prove anything
about temperament as indicative of physical characteristics ?
Who has ever determined the temperament of a negro or an Arab ?
Are the individuals of all races except Europeans, alike in their phys-
ical and psychical characters ? If not, what physical peculiarities in a
Chinaman, a native of iiustralia or a Hindoo correspond to those al-
leged to be indicative of the nervo-sanguine temperament in an Ameri-
can?
Who has ever got together, even a dozen people of one tempera-
ment, selecting them by their alleged physical temperamental peculiar-
ities witliout looking at their teeth, and then examined the teeth to
see if they were all alike or of one type ?
If that simple experiment had ever been made it would have
been seen that this pretentious structure (the temperamental theory)
is as frail as a house of cards and as empty as a soap bubble. A recent
And now let me lay before you the final and crushing proofs of
the utter futility and fallacy of this theory.
What is the origin of those physical characteristics that are called
temperamental? You have on the screen pictures from life in which
are represented the three great races from which it is believed all the
modern peoples of the earth have arisen. The black race is represent-
ed by the South African Medicine Man; the yellow Mongolian race
by the group of Chinese; and the Caucasian peoples by the blue-eyed
ISTorwegian bride. The three distinct types of skulls, long, broad and
medium, most characteristic of distinct races, are also represented in
these three types.
Away back in neolithic, or even in paleolithic times, there were
two races in Europe the long-headed or dolichocephalic type, and
the broad or round heads, the brachycephalic type.*'
''Professor Duckworth, of Cambridge, England, writing of the Krapina skull, says: "It is
shown that early paleolithic man presents examples of skulls both of brachy-cephalic and
dolicho-cephalic proportions."
12
"A ^EW Classification of Tooth Foems"
If we now open
a book such as Stewart's on "Our Temperaments,"
the latest and best work on the subject that I have seen, and find
portraits of such individuals as those now shown on the screen, we
know that the physical or so-called temperamental characters which
they present did not arise spontaneously and without cause. The im-
mediate ancestors of that man with red hair and blue eyes were not
natives of Africa. The parents of that swarthy individual with dark
complexion and black eyes and hair were not full blooded Swedes or
I^orwegians; and we can predict with reasonable certainty that there
is a Mongolian strain in that so-called lymphatic person with the
13
J. Leon Williams, D.D.S.
^ ^ ^
When I began my work of investigating the forms of human
teeth at the Eoyal College of Surgeons, in London, it was with the
belief that there were racial types of teeth. I had no doubt about it.
I had so often seen statements to that effect that I simply assumed
that it was true.^ And when I did not succeed in finding any form of
tooth characteristic of race I concluded that my failure was due to
race admixture. Even with the most sincere desire and the strongest
determination to find out the truth, still what we have been taught,
our inherited beliefs, will continue to haunt us for a long time, like
unhappy ghosts who see their continued existence endangered and fight
for it with all their might. I pursued this study for nearly a year,
and during that time I was accumulating a great store of individual
human teeth. The largest lot that reached me from any one source
"I had particularly expected to find strongly marked differences between the teeth of the
dolichocephalic skulls of the peoples descended from the Aryan stock and those of the
brachycephalic skulls representing the ancient Mongolian races. I also expected to find that
the teeth of remote insular groups, such as the Andamans, Fijians and Tasmanians, would
present strongly marked typal features.
14
;
sor Friesell. for this interest and generous action on his part I
But
doubt if the discovery I am about to lay before you would have been
made. One day it occurred to me that it v^ould be a good idea to
begin sorting and arranging the central incisors into groups. (I had
long seen that these were the most characteristic of human teeth.) As
I proceeded in the work it became evident, after a time, that I was
accumulating three very strongly marked groups with a larger num-
ber partaking more or less of the combined features of those three
groups, but generally with the features of one or other of the three
groups dominant in every individual tooth. When I had finished ar-
ranging my incisors in this way I again went to the Museum of the
Eoyal College of Surgeons to see what light this discovery would
throw on further study there. I w^as more than a little surprised to
find these three types of teeth in almost every group of skulls which
contained a dozen, or even less, with the incisor teeth intact. My long
search for something fundamental had been rewarded. I had at last
got
what I was after the key to tooth form. All along I had seen
that there were different types of teeth in all the different races, but
the co-relation of these different forms had never struck me until I
went there with the knowledge of what to look for. That is generally
the way with all discovery. We walk unsuspectingly over gold mines
and oil wells if we do not know how to look for them. When I saw
clearly that these three types of teeth existed in all races, I knew
instantly that I had got Nature's secret of design in human teeth,
and I knew that it would now be possible to beat her in her own work
for jSTature, working more or less blindly, makes endless mistakes,
as I have previously indicated, while we, working intelligently, can
avoid those mistakes. I saw that the existence of three types of teeth
was the fundamental fact in human tooth form and that every con-
ceivable form of human tooth could be evolved from those three types,
and I knew that it would be possible to design beautiful and anatomi-
cally correct forms of teeth if I ever saw a human tooth again.
^ t^ t^
15
J. Leon Williams, D.D.S.
surfaces of these teeth for half or more than half of their length from
their incisal edges. In Class II these lines converge so markedly that
they would meet in most instances, at a point near the end of the root.
These converging lines are sometimes nearly straight, but usually
there is a very slight convexity of the mesio-proximal surface and a
slight concavity of the distal surface. Class III, which I regard as
the most beautiful form of human teeth, and which has rarely if ever
before been used as a model for artificial teeth, is characterized by a
delicate double-curved line on its disto-proximal surface and some-
times, though less frequently, on the mesial surface. All of the sur-
faces and angles of teeth of this class are more rounded and graceful
than in either of the other two classes. The specimens shown in this
photograph represent the most severe or typal shapes of what I call
the primitive forms of human teeth. My reason for the use of the
word "primitive" will appear later. All of the other teeth in any
given set partake of the features of the central incisors but to a much
less marked degree. But in this respect the natural teeth of a given
set are not always in harmony. The crossing of races or some other
harmony of line of the different teeth
cause often disturbs the perfect
in a set, and you may sometimes find centrals of one class and laterals
and canines of another. But usually the harmony is more or less
perfectly preserved. In designing artificial teeth we can, of course,
always maintain a proper harmony throughout and thus improve on
IN^ature. The succeeding photographs will show you laterals (Illustra-
tion 'No. T) and canines arranged in the order of the three classes. As
I have intimated, the class characteristics are not so marked in these
teeth as in the centrals, but you will have no diSiculty in seeing in any of
the groups something of the special features of each type. In this
photograph you see the effects of crossing the types. There is more
or less blending of the primitive forms, although in nearly every in-
stance the dominance of one type or another can be perceived. Prob-
ably the majority of teeth in all mixed races are of this character.
^ 'ife fe
16
Illustration No. 6
Three classes of centrals. Class I upper row; Class II middle row; Class III lower row
(Ulustration ISTo. 8). The shape of the skulls differ markedly, but this
difference in skull shape has no necessary relation to the different forms
of teeth. We
have here the three primary forms of human teeth very
clearly shown. We have the square tooth with parallel sides in skull ]^o.
1, the pyramidal shaped tooth with its converging lines in JSTo. 2, and
an ideal specimen of Class III, with its beautiful curves in skull No.
3.
As you would expect, not all of the teeth in the different groups
of skulls which I shall exhibit are such perfect examples of the severer
forms of the three classes. Probably perfect examples could always
be found if one had a sufficiently large number of skulls at command.
The surprising thing is that even in a small collection of skulls, often
less than a dozen, I have always been able to find fairly good represen-
tatives of the three classes, but I believe that the more severe typal
forms are more frequently found in those races in which there has
been the least crossing.
The next view* is of three Javanese skulls.^ Here the centrals in
Class III have been slightly modified toward the oval form: Class II
is well represented by the pyramidal shaped teeth in skull ISTo. 2, and
<fe *% -^
The next group shows two skulls of the modern German. I was
unable, in the small collection of skulls at my command, to find a
good example of No. 3 in this series. It should be said that the photo-
graphs, in many instances, do not show the characteristics of the dif-
ferent forms of teeth as clearly as they would be seen in handling the
skulls.
Three modern Greek skulls are shown in this view 1 and 2
very good examples of their class, ]^o. 3 somewhat modified in the
direction of 2,
Skulls of modern Hindoos all excellent specimens of their re-
spective types.
Three strongly marked forms of Patagonian teeth l^o. 1 very
slightly modified toward the oval shape; ITo. 2 typical and ISTo. 3 an
interesting modification in which the line of double curve appears on
both mesial and distal surface.
17
J. Leon Williams, D.D.S.
A group from the New Hebrides. IsTos. 2 and 3 are perfect ex-
amples of their classes, while No. 1 is slightly modified in the direc-
tion of Class III. Notice the wide divergence in shape of these skulls.
These three from the West coast of Africa all fine characteristic
A group from the Fiji Islands (Illustration No. 9). Please observe
that when the teeth are not all good examples of the primary forms of
their class, yet the variation in form is so great as to completely upset
the theory of a racial type of tooth.
18
Illustration No. 8. Sandwich Islanders, showing three classes of teeth
In all the following illustrations, Class I is shown on the left and Class III on the right
III and TV dynasties a period dating more than 2,000 years before
Moses led the Children of Israel out of Egypt. We are back in the
Bronze Age at the dawn of what we call civilization, the time of the
Troy of the Iliad and before the Great Pyramid was built. It was a piece
of great good fortune to have found three such perfect skulls from this
far distant era, showing so perfectly the three primary types of teeth.
They are each ideal specimens of their class. The teeth in skull IsTo.
1 answer perfectly to the description given in our text books of the
sangTiine type of tooth, but I believe all authorities are agreed that
those ancient Egyptians did not have light hair or blue eyes or a
ruddy, light skin. There is evidently a mistake somewhere perhaps
it is the fault of the Egyptians. But the forms of teeth shown in the
other two skulls have never been observed by any advocate of the
temperamental theory of classification. ]^ew temperaments will have
to be invented for them.
Suppose the teeth in all three of these skulls had been, as might
easily have happened, of type I, a strong tooth full of character. Would
it not have been said that here was the typical racial tooth form of
I think a little diversion from our main theme, just to relieve the
mental tension for a moment, may you
be acceptable. The most of
probably know that these ancient Egyptian kings had what you might
call supplementary names
a sacred name, and also, at least, some-
times, a name taken or given them for some accomplishment and
characteristic quality. ISTow the name of one of the kings of the period
represented by these skulls was Sneferu or Snefru. According to
one eminent authority the English interpretation of his sacred name
was "he who makes good." That expression, you see, is not quite so
modern as you may have thought it. And Snefru also had another
name bestowed upon him for his prowess in dealing with his enemies.
He was known as "the wielder of the big stick" that expression, too,
was not invented yesterday. To prove to you that I am not romanc-
ing in this matter I show you a picture of Snefru that is sculptured
on the rock walls of the Wady-Maghara near Sinai. There he stands,
club in hand, over his fallen foe.
19
J. Leon Williams, D.D.S.
And I may as well mention right here that the practical signifi-
cance of these facts is that they demonstrate and prove that a system
of artificial teeth designed with a knowledge of all the facts about the
human teeth is equally suitable for all the races of the earth. It
covers the whole held and that has never been done before.
Our first group is a native of the JSTew Hebrides and a modern
Spaniard. At seems almost incredible that any two
first thought it
Hfe ^ '^
Wehave shown here a Hindoo and a Javanese as widely diver-
gent in outward appearance as the Spaniard and the New Hebridean.
But when we look at the skulls of representatives of these two races
we find again identity of tooth form. The teeth of the Javanese are
slightly worn, but they are otherwise the same in form and size.
In this view we have a native Australian and a woman of Ger-
many. It is not necessary to call attention to the striking contrast
of these faces.
But what about the teeth in these two examples? You see a
striking difference in the size and form of the skull, but the teeth are
identical in type both being fine specimens of Class II.
A modern Chinese and a Patagonian.
Here also the teeth in both skulls are
of Class II, but in this in-
stance those of the Patagonian are slightly larger, the laterals markedly
so.
20
Illustration No. 10. Natives of Australia
Illustration No. 12. Ancient Egyptians, showing three primary tj'pes of tooth forms
Illustration No. 13
Eight skulls of unlike size and form. All exhibit teeth of Class III. The form and size ot
the teeth bear no relation to the form or size of the skull.
Nationalities from left to right are:
Australian, Sandwich Islander, Ancient Egyptian, Kaffir, Chinese, African Savage, New
Hebridean, Hindoo.
"A New CLASsiFiCATioisr or Tooth Forms"
But wlien we look at the skulls from these two races we see that
in the teeth all contrast has disappeared. Here, indeed, we have the
one physical touch of l^ature that makes the whole world not only
akin, but of one family. I shall have time to show you but one more
illustration of the identity of tooth form in different races, but in this
group I will give three examples a Kaffir, an Egyptian and a native
of the Sandwich Islands.
You see a striking difference in sizeand shape of skull, but identity
in type of tooth, and but very little difference in size.
Let me now call your attention to two views which present a still
stronger proof of the fallacy of the racial type theory.
You have on the screen a photograph of eight skulls (Illustration
"No. 13), representing eight different races as different in physiognomy,
^hape and size of skull and general race characters as it is possible to find.
The central incisors are all of one type Class III
the form of tooth
that has never before been observed. In this next view you have nine
more skulls (Illustration ISTo. 14), all from different races, and in these
you have another distinct type of tooth, that of Class I with slight varia-
tions, and this form also, you see is common to all the races.
While the view of a considerable number of skulls is before you
I will once more ask you to note the fact mentioned several times,
during the course of this lecture, that ]N"ature does not always produce
a definite type of tooth for any given form of skull.
*% '^ *<&
already had in hand for other purposes. They are simply different
groupings of those which were first shown on the screen.
Again I say the proof that Nature produces no perfect harmonies
of relationship in the different parts of organisms is to be seen on
every hand. It is before our eyes all the time.
21
J. Leon Williams, D.D.S.
event I think it always much better to know and face all of the
is
important facts in any problem, but I hope no one will take the demon-
strations and facts I have just presented as warranting the conclusion
that natural teeth are always so imperfectly adapted to face and fea-
tures, that this relationship may be neglected. That would be as far
from the truth as the assumption that l^Tature always produces a per-
fect harmony between teeth and face. The important point which
contains the gist of the whole matter is simply this: there is such a
ficial teeth on the assumption that all natural teeth are in harmony
22
Illustration No. 14
Nine skulls of different races and unlike size and contour, all with teeth of Class I. The
form and size of the teeth bear no relation to the form or size of the skull.
from left to right are:
Nationalities
Spanish, Sandwich Islanders, New Hebridean, German, Javanese, Hindoo, Fiji Islander,
Italian, Ancient Egyptian.
"A [N'ew CiiAssiFiCATioisr OP Tooth Tokms"
'^ *<& *%
Although just a little aside from our main subject, I think it will
you to have a glance at a few prehistoric skulls (Illustration ^o.
interest
16). The three now shown, reading from your left to your right, are
known to anthropologists as the man of La-Chapelle-aux-Saints, a typical
skull of the very ancient J^eanderthal race, the Coombe Capelle man,
representing the Aurignacian race, and the "old man
of Cro-Magnon," a
representative of the race of the same name. Their estimated ages
range from 25,000 to 150,000 years. I believe no prehistoric skull
has been discovered with an over bite of the upper incisors. The two
shown on the right, have the edge-to-edge bite.
you see, The third
one, the man must have been a very aston-
of La-Chapelle-aux-Saints,
ishing and savage looking creature with a very projecting muzzle, huge,
flat nose, enormous eye sockets and heavy supra-orbital ridges. Ob-
serve that his teeth were nearly all lost from loosening and decay.
This skull is also from the Cro-Mag-non race. ISTotice the great depth
of the lower jaw and the size of the central incisors, which are fine
^Keane, in his table of Ethnology, describes the teeth of the negro races as large (macro-
dont), those of the Mongols and native Americans as medium (mesodont) and the Caucasian
teeth as small (microdont). But the teeth of the mixed races range through all these sizes.
23
J. Leon Williams, D.D.S.
24
Illustration No. 13. Prehistoric skulls. Xeander that at the left
"A 'New Classificatiojst of Tooth Foems"
It is for this reason that Class I, in our system, has a series of three
lengths with five sizes to each length, while the forms in the other
two classes are produced in series of sizes only, or with but slight
variation in proportion of width to length.
Whatever the ancestral form may be from which man and the
anthropoid apes have descended, or ascended, it is plain that we have
here one of the most striking homologies that has been discovered. It
is an especially interesting evidence of relationship because it is one
of Owen's classical examples of homology and analogy.^
The teeth are still functional in both man and the apes. It is
clear, therefore, that the origin of the three types of human teeth can
be traced back into what the old-fashioned orator was fond of refer-
ring to as "thedim mists of antiquity." We have reached something
fundamental here that is of very great importance in our work. Man
has three types of teeth because they have been bequeathed to him
from his simian ancestors, just as he has five fingers and five toes, be-
cause they have been passed on to him from the early amphibians.
You now understand why I call the three severe types or classes of
human teeth the "primitive" forms.
^""The wing of a bird and the wing of a bat; they are both fore-limbs of similar structure
and development; they are both organs of true flight; they are at once homologous and analo-
gous." Owen.
"When two or more structures, organs or specialized parts, in one and the same organism,
or in several organisms, show a deep resemblance in their architecture and also in their
manner of development, they are said to be homologous. Now, the evolutionary
. . .
25
J. Leon Williams, D.D.S.
value
are so distinctly developed in three morphological directions,
seems to me an important proof that the way of phylogenetic diver-
gence of characters is the same in man and in the anthropoid apes.
Very respectfully yours,
(Signed) Ernst Haekel.
""In connection withthe skull, I may speak of the teeth-organs which have a peculiar
value, and whose resemblances and differences of number, form and succession,
classificatory
.taken as a whole, are usually regarded as more trustworthy indicators of affinity than any
-others." Man's Place in Nature, Huxley. The italics are mine.
26
Illustration No. 16. Skulls of orang-outang, showing three primary tooth forms
have looked about until tiiej found what they considered a particu-
larly attractive looking set of teeth, either in a skull or in the mouth
of some living person, and have then copied this set of teeth as well
as they could. Well, that work is a long step in advance of the old
products of the tooth factories. But for whom are those teeth suit-
able in artificial dentures ? On the assumption that in iSTature a set
of teeth is in perfect harmony with the face and features, that par-
ticular set of teeth could not possibly be in perfect harmony with a
different face. But I have called your attention to the fact that should
always have been obvious to us, viz., that in ISTature there is rarely
more than approximations to harmony and often such a lack of har-
mony that the grotesque is suggested.^'
If the set of teeth copied was not in harmony with the skull or
the face in which they were found, what suggestion has ever been
made for their harmonious use? When the manufacturer wishes to
produce another mould he finds another set of teeth, and for a third
mould a third set of teeth, and so on, ad infinitum. As the minute
variations in natural teeth are probably only limited by the number
of people dead and living and to be born, is there any good reason
why the manufacturers should not go on to the end of time produc-
ing new moulds of teeth? And have they not always acted on that
principle ? Have not all the companies in existence been turning out
new moulds of teeth steadily for nearly a century? Working accord-
ing to their present plan, is there any reason why they should ever
stop? What is the relation between the teeth of one manufacturer
and another? There is none except when they copy each other's
patterns, which they frequently do. ISTor is there any ordered rela-
tion between the teeth of any one manufacturer. The end of all this
is a chaos of confusion doubly confounded, a vast heterogeneous mass
of artificial teeth in which no real artistic principle has been em-
bodied. The present method, even at its highest and best, that is to
say, when natural teeth are copied as closely as possible, is an artis-
tic failure, because a work of art cannot be produced by baldly copy-
ing ISTature.
Let me repeat here and emphasize what I have said in a former
paper on this subject, that while all art work must be founded on the
most intimate, penetrating and thorough study of Mature that it may
be true to life, yet truth to life means much more than an indiscrimi-
^In the so-called Natural-form teeth on the market I have noticed that certain natural defects
have been copied which make a perfect anatomical occlusion impossible.
27
J. Leon Williams, D.D.S.
'^ -^ *%
28
"A IsTew Classification of Tooth Eoems"
-^ '^ -^
29
J. Leon Williaims, D.D.S.
tinctions but on scientific realities. The facts that disprove the tem-
peramental theory are the facts on which the new classification is
based.
Weare now in a position to gather np the somewhat scattered
threads of our proofs and arguments and to show their true signifi-
cance in the real work of desig-ning a new system of artificial teeth.
As a solid basis for that, we have established a new classification for
natural teeth in the three primitive forms shown and the secondary
and other forms produced by the crossing of these primary forms.
In those three primary forms of teeth we have all the elements of
design necessary for producing an indefinite number of varieties of
artificial teeth. But an indefinite number are not required. On the
contrary, we require comparatively few forms, for the reason that
there are but few types of human faces.
Referring, as I understood, to this subject, one of the eminent
gentlemen who discussed the paper which I read here in December,
expressed the opinion that perhaps the last word in artificial teeth
had not yet been said. Well, heaven forfend that the last word on
any subject be said by us. That would leave our successors in the
unenviable position of having nothing to say.
^ '^ '^
But let us examine, a little, that expression "the last word" with
reference to certain phases of the Trubyte System of teeth. What is
the distinguishing feature of this new system ? The forms of the teeth
and the fundamental, scientific principles on which they have been
worked out? While the "last word" can never be said on any sub-
ject, yet you have all heard of ultimate facts in nature. These ulti-
mate facts, once discovered, remain ultimate facts forever. More may
be learned about the far reaching significance of these facts, but noth-
ing can ever be learned which will upset them or in any way change
their essential meaning.
The law an ultimate fact of nature. The turn-
of gravitation is
30
"A ITew Classification of Tooth Tokms"
Illustration No. 19
The three simple forms from which all other forms are made
designing of artificial teeth for all future time must be based on those
ultimate facts. When the mind has once grasped an essential truth
it can never let go of it. Other manufacturers may bring out teeth
shaped like those in the Trubyte System without attempting to classify
them, but just to the extent that they are not classified they will be
31
J. Leon Williams, D.D.S.
inconvenient for the dealer to handle and the dentist to select and
order. To produce artificial teeth on any other than the three-form
basis is to present the play of Hamlet with Hamlet left out.
Illustration No. 20
32
"A l^Ew Classification of Tooth Foems"
all laid out so that all can be seen at once and compared. There will
be some lines that balance, that are harmonious, and others that are
discordant. The problem is precisely that of designing a good com-
Illustration No. 21
The teeth in the other two rows have all been drawn to the same
length, but the proportional width has been preserved. By the cross-
ing of these three types, N^ature has produced every form of human
tooth that has existed, through all the ages down to the present time.
In the very nature of things, some one of those forms or variations will
be better adapted to or more harmonious with a given type of face
than another. But we have seen that iSTature exercises no very fine
discrimination in adapting tooth form to facial contour. That means
that the vast majority of her variations in teeth are of no particular
artistic value. They can be discarded or ignored so far as a system
34
"A Nnw Classification of Tooth Forms"
Illustration No. 23
Typal forms numbered. Modifications of those forms by blendings shown beside typal forms.
E nr. lo M. nn, w:
A< A
(D.
Illustration No. 24
35
J. Leon Williams, D.D.S.
of teeth for edentulous cases is concerned, and the forms that are pro-
duced can be far more perfectly adapted to characteristic facial outline
than any except the few rare triumphs of Nature.
duces artificial teeth by simply copying natural ones, may very justly
be likened to that of the breeder of animals or the producer of new
and improved forms of fruit. We are no longer blind followers of
Nature, imitating her defects, but intelligent selectors of principles
and utilizers of her secret processes. We eliminate defects. We se-
cure harmony. The finished results are, in very truth, more natural
than any set of natural teeth because harmony is the very first essential
of naturalness. We
become the master of Nature instead of being her
servant. We utilize everything that is vital and significant and elim-
inate all that detracts from perfection. Our one aim in all our work
is the establishment of harmony between outline or form of tooth and
outline of face. And we achieve that by the proper balance and curve
of line in the tooth, in relation to the type of face for which it is
designed.
If I state the problem in another way you will see at once that it
is so. If the size and contour of a tooth is exactly right for a given
face, then the harmony is perfect. But the "contour" of a tooth is
only another name for the balance of line and curve in the tooth. If
the lines and curves of the tooth balance or are in harmony with the
lines and curves of the face, then the highest degree of perfection at-
tainable has been reached. And we shall see that there is no difficulty
in achieving that perfect result in all edentulous cases. Let us, then,
now take up the consideration of the relations of typal tooth forms to
36
"A ]^EW Classification of Tooth Forms"
These outline diagrams show only the strong main lines of the
faces, and thus we shall be able to see quickly and clearly the relation
of tooth form to these lines.
'^ fe fe
form of tooth has ever been made that is well adapted to this shape
of face, but those of Class III in our system are perfectly suited to it.
Again, in the ovoid face, our tooth outline follows the general
contour of the face. The characteristic of this type of face, you will
*Iia all that we have to say abotit tooth form, it is always to be understood that we are
speaking of the upper central incisors. It is these teeth that are the chief factor in deter-
mining harmony with the face, and they also govern the type of all other teeth in the set.
37
J. Leox WrLUAits, D.D.S.
Tapering face.
Ovoid face.
IDasbation No. 25
38
''A Xe-^ Classiticatiox of Tooth Fokms"
Illustration No. 26. The six upper an:eriors in the three primary forms
The tapering face has a wider range of variation than any of the
other types. It begins as a slight departure from the square face by
the convergence of the cheek lines toward the chin and it presents
every gradation of change from this to the extreme convergence seen
in the very pointed chin.
39
J. Leon Williams, D.D.S.
they are in the face. The obsen-ance of this rule will always give vou
perfect harmony the harmony of opposition of line.
We will first examine the forms of teeth best suited to the square
face and itsimmediate modifications, the shorter and longer face of
the same type. I am taking these all together in three groups for a
special reason. When we were looking at the teeth of the orang-
outang you will remember I told you that teeth of the square type,
or those with parallel sides, varied more in proportion of width to
length than any others, and I added that as the same fact was observ-
able in faces I had designed a special series of teeth to meet these
conditions. This series is known as Forms 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in Class I as
now shown on the screen (Illustration Xo. 27). As all of the faces are
of the same general type, differing only in proportion of width to length,
so the teeth are of one type differing only as the faces do. The teeth are
not of the most severe typal form. There is a very slight convergence of
the proximal lines and a slight convexity of the disto-proximal surface.
The reason for that is few faces of the most
that there are but very
severe, square, tvpal form and even for these the forms of teeth shown
would be perfectly suitable. But there is a very great nimiber and a
wide range of faces showing slight modification of the square type.
It is to meet that wide range of face found in nearlv all countries
that this series of teeth has been designed. There are five sizes to each
form, except Form 4, in which the extremely large form is unnecessary.
I will ask your close attention for a few moments while I point out to
you what it means to have a series of teeth of one model like this. In the
first place, there is a very wide range of face in the long, medium and
short varieties of the square type for which this series is perfectly suited.
But its usefulness and convenience extends much beyond that. You
have all had the experience of finding the exact t}^e of tooth you
wanted for a given case, but in a larger or smaller size than the case
demanded, and you know the feeling it has given you to find that 'the
model tooth you wanted was not made in any other size than the one
you could not use. Well, that situation can never occur in the system
of teeth now suggested. JSTo form will ever be brought out in one
40
"A jSTew Classification of Tooth Foems"
CLASS I MOULDS
(Illustrations show form but not sizes.)
Illustration No. 27
41
J. Leojst Williams, D.D.S.
Illustration No. 28
42
"A JSTew CLAssiFiCATioisr OF Tooth Foems"
-^fe '^ %
Illustration 'No. 28 shows the first modification of the square face
in the direction of the oval. It is, perhaps, more frequently met with in
the United States than in any other form. Teeth of Form 2, Class I,
are also perfectly suited for the male face of this type, but for the
feminine face I have designed and carved Form 4, Class I. The
greatest possible care was given to the modelling of this group of teeth
and they have been designed to produce a perfect harmony with one
of the finest types of the feminine face in America and England. Slight
overlapping of laterals adds to the beauty and naturalness of appear-
ance. The general appearance of the arch is the same as in the square
face, but is a little more rounded at the front. They have a slight round-
ing of the mesial and distal incisal angles. Slight overlapping of the
centrals is nearly always found in the finest specimens of natural teeth
of this type.
In the tapering form of face the female type is the most deli-
cate, and by many considered the most artistic form of feminine
43
J. Leon Williams, D.D.S.
features. The lines of the cheek, from the malar bones to the lower
jaw, although couA'-erging considerably towards the chin, are very
straight and firm. For this type of face the teeth of Form 1, Class II,
have been made. There is no overlapping of the teeth in the strong-
est type of face of this class.
44
"A ;N'ew Ci^ssification of Tooth Foems"
For tlie shorter tapering female faces in this class forms have
been designed, and also for the medium and longer tapering faces.
In all of these types, particularly those with the sharper form of face,
with a somewhat pointed arch, there is often more or less overlapping
of both centrals and laterals, but especially centrals.
On page 44 are two of the long tapering faces which are, I be-
lieve, much more frequently found in England and some parts of Italy
than in Germany or the United States, although many of the old iSTew
England stock had long faces. The teeth best suited to this type of
face will be rather long, with converging proximal lines such as are
seen in forms of Class XL We sometimes find in faces of this type,
in England, a rather short upper lip. In such cases, and, in fact, in
all cases where we find a short upper lip combined with prominence
of jaw, I think it better always to use short teeth or those of medium
length.
But teeth with tapering proximal sides should be selected for all
variations of the tapering face. The duplication and reversal of the
lines of the face in the shorter lines of the teeth produces an effect of
balance and harmony which a trained artist would perceive and under-
stand in a moment. If the face is long and only slightly tapering,
then the teeth of Form 1, Class I wiU give a good effect. In all taper-
ing faces with rather full cheeks the teeth in Class III are also per-
fectly suitable. Harmony is produced with these teeth, as with those
of Class II, by contrast or reversal of line.
<% 'fgf -^
is heavier than in any other type. The cheeks are full, round, and thick.
generally rounded character of the teeth in Class III will give the
most harmonious and satisfactory effects in faces of this t}^e.
45
J. Leon Williams, D.D.S.
I have shown you how the bolder forms of teeth in the present
system are adapted to the typal forms of faces. The general appli-
cation of the system to modifications of the typal faces can best be
46
"A !N"ew Classification or Tooth Forms'^
CLASS II MOULDS
(Illustrations show form but not sizes.)
Sizes from small to large from moulds IL, IM, IN, IP, IR.
Sizes from small to large from moulds 2L, 2M, 2N, 2P, 2IL
Sizes from small to large from moulds 3L, 3M, 3N, 3P, 3R.
Sizes from small to large from moulds 4L, 4M, 4N, 4P, 4R.
Illustration No. 31
47
J. Leon Williams, D.D.S.
We shall therefore determine the dominant factor and select our teeth
accordingly. Each section of the table represents a series of sizes
of one form of tooth. The teeth in any one section are called a
series, the only difference in all the teeth in a series being that of
size. They are all precisely the same form, but in sizes to match vari-
ations in size of faces of the same type. This is an entirely new fea-
termine in what class the face belongs. If it is not a pure type you
decide on the dominant feature and determine that it is a modifica-
tion of the square, the oval, or the tapering face. You then select your
teeth on precisely the same principle. If it is a square face just pass-
48
Classification Table
Trubyte Teeth
CLASS I
CLASS I.
UPPERS
Mould
"A N"ew Classification of Tooth Forms"
CI.ASS I.
UPPERS
Mould
No.
J. Leon Williams, D.D.S.
CLASS I.
UPPERS
Mould
No.
"A 'New Classification^ of Tooth Foems"
CLASS I.
UPPERS
J. Leok" Williams, D.D.S.
CI.ASS II.
FORM 1.
The Severe Modification of The Tapering Type.
Sizes from small to large from moulds IL, IM, IN, IP, IR.
UPPERS
Mould
No.
"A 'Nbw Classificatiojst of Tooth Toems"
CLASS II.
Sizes from small to large from moulds 2L, 2M, 2N, 2P, 2R.
UPPERS
Mould
No.
CLASS IL
FORM 3 The Third Modification of The Tapering Type.
Sizes from small to large from moulds 3L, 3M, 3N, 3P, 3R.
UPPERS
Mould
^A ]S[ew CLAssiFiCATio:sr of Tooth Foems"
Sizes from small to large from moulds 4L, 4M, 4N, 4P, 4R.
UPPERS
Mould
No.
CLASS III.
UPPERS
Mould
No.
"A ISTew Classification of Tooth Foems"
CIvASS III.
UPPERS
Mould
No.
CLASS III.
UPPERS
Mould
No.
"A ISTew Classification of Tooth Foems"
CI.ASS III.
UPPERS
Mould
No.
J. Leon Williams, D.D.S.
ing into the tapering form, you select a tooth with slightly converging
proximal lines and your harmony is perfect. Each set of teeth in a
series is numbered and the length and width of the centrals and com-
bined width of the six upper fronts is given on one line opposite the
number. You therefore have under your eye every condition for giv-
ing you exactly what you want. All the old wearisome, vexing search
among the miscellaneous collections of the trays is ended. You work
quickly, positively, accurately, artistically, as scientific men should.
-^ *% *%
All of the teeth in Class III are in an entirely new field, as models
of this beautiful type have never been made by any manufacturer be-
And thus, you see, for the old vague, complex and bewildering
effort at instruction in the adaptation of teeth to certain hypothetical
temperamental conditions, which nobody ever understood because they
never existed, we substitute a few simple, clear, positive rules, based
on a fundamental esthetic principle. And the essence of that principle
is the direct adaptation of tooth form to facial contour. A square tooth
for a square face an oval tooth for an oval face an ovoid tooth for an
; ;
ovoid face, and teeth with proximal lines converging toward the neck
for the tapering faces with lines converging toward the chin.
62
"A I^Tew Classificatiost of Tooth Fokms"
seemed of the riglit size, form and color, has been at a loss to account
for the difficulty, and has attributed it to the difference in appearance
between the natural tooth and the porcelain.
The fact has been that the porcelain tooth reflected the light in
a different way than the natural tooth did, because the natural tooth
presented a slightly roughened labial surface which diffused the light,
while the porcelain tooth presented a smooth surface which did not
diffuse it. (It should be noted here that some natural teeth have smooth
labial surfaces, but they seem to be in the minority, and are not as
-^ -^ *%
ance of the teeth. They soften the high lights which would other-
and which would often make the teeth a point of too strong light to
harmonize well with the rest of the face. They soften the shadows,
JSTot only is this surface of the tooth rendered softer, but careful
experiments with optical instruments seem to show that the whole
outline of the tooth is given a softer appearance by this diffusion of
light.
63
J. Leon Williams, D.D.S.
This softening of the lights and shadows changes the whole appear-
ance of the teeth, so that they seem to be of a different porcelain or
texture from similar teeth not so softened.
64
"A E"e-w Classification of Tooth Foems"
edge of color in teeth to justify the use of the word "chaotic" or any
other adjective concerning it. We have known practically nothing and
certainly nothing practical about the right use of color in porcelain
teeth.
and adapting the results obtained in this branch of our work to the
Dr. Clapp kindly offered to take this work off my hands, and he
entered upon this very difficult task with the earnestness and deter-
mination that he puts into everything that he undertakes.
This work, under his direction, has now been in progress for
nearly two years, and the first results are being embodied in the
^ -^ *<fe
and no one had ever determined what the actual colors are in human
teeth. This, then, was the arduous task Dr. Clapp took upon himself.
He had first to determine the actual primary and secondary colors in
natural teeth, and he had then to discover or invent a method of stand-
ardizing the results of this investigation so as to secure a practical
application of the knowledge gained to the coloration of artificial teeth.
analyzed and recorded in exact terms. The secondary and tertiary col-
charts, and finally
ors were worked out, and the whole thing reduced to
to paintings representing the exact depth of color in different teeth and
COLOR ANALYSIS
Age 19
Miss D. A. Ht. 5.6" Red Yellow
Wt. 119 lbs.
UPPERS
f Cervical 1.1 1.4
u , R. Central ,
" { Cervical \
2nd " 2.0 2.3
/ Incisal J
" { Cervical I
1st molar. .
2.4 3.6
( Incisal \
LOWERS
/ Cervical 1.0 2.5
L. R. Central \ Incisal 1.0 2.4
'
f Cervical 2.4 3.4
' Lateral 2.3 2.9
\ Incisal
'
f Cervical 2.6 3.3
' Cuspid 2.3 2.7
\ Incisal
{ Cer\acal 1
" 1st bicuspid.. 2.0 2.5
} Incisal j
i Cervical 1.0
L. L. Central
I Incisal
" / Cervical
Lateral
\ Incisal
f Cervical
" Cuspid
\ Incisal
f Cervncal
" 1st bicuspid..
\
\ Incisal J
"A JSTew Classification- of Tooth Foems"
Depths of colors in the necks of the upper Depths of colors in the incisal halves
anteriors. of
the upper anteriors.
DIAGRAMMATIC REPRESENTATION OF THE DEPTHS OF COLOR
TABULATED ON PAGE 66.
The different depths of color in different parts of a tooth and in different teeth
can be diagrammatically shown in charts like those here reproduced.
The horizontal base line of the charts represents in color. Each of the
parallel horizontal chart lines represents a depth of 1-10 of a unit, upward
from 0.
The line locating the gray in the teeth is drawn solid. That representing the orange
isdrawn in dashes and that representing the yellow, in dots. This set of teeth showed
no other colors. This person's hair is dead black, the eyes are brown, and the
skin showed a good deal of red.
The charts show that the necks of the upper centrals and laterals in this set
exhibit less gray than the cutting edges, but more orange and yellow. The cuspids
exhibit practically the same amount of gray and orange throughout the teeth, but
the necks show more yellow than the cutting edges. This free yellow gives these
cuspids their character.
The necks of one lower central and both lower laterals in this set, exhibit less
gray than the cutting edges, but the necks of the lower laterals exhibit more orange
and yellow. The lower cuspids exhibit practically an even depth of gray through-
out, but much more orange and yellow in the necks. There is a good deal more
orange in the lower cuspids than in the upper cuspids.
Depths of colors in the necks of the lower Depths of colors in the incisal halves of
anteriors. the lower anteriors.
Illustration No. 32
67
J. Leon Williams, D.D.S.
that in addition to our own efforts from one to three experts have been
working steadily. They state that they never saw such difficult and
delicate work, nor such exacting taskmasters as we have proven. How
ever, we have gotten at least the greater part of what we want and
have incorporated it into Trubyte Teeth.
Let me set before you some facts regarding the distribution of
Let us take as a shade
colors in different anterior teeth. in which to
work, Twentieth Century shade 7. The color in the upper central will
be found distributed about as it is in the shade tooth, because the
manufacturers seem to have paid pretty close attention to the shading
in the upper centrals, and to have imitated it pretty well. Their error
consists in the fact that they have applied this form of shading to all
the anterior teeth.
The shading of the upper laterals is very much like that of the
upper centrals in depth, but the incisal third of the lateral is darker.
This does not seem quite logical in view of the fact that the incisal
half of this tooth is largely composed of the enamel plates, with only
a small amount of dentine. But I have the analyses, the charts and
the color drawings before me as I write, and they indicate that the
incisal half of the upper lateral has more color than the same portion
of the upper central. It is especially distinguished by the presence
of more gray.
-^ -^ -^
68
VARIATIONS OF COLOR IN NATURAL TEETH
GRAY
ORANGE
GREEN
VIOLET
Illustration No.
VARIATIONS OF COLOR IN NATURAL TEETH Continued
YELLOW
BLUE
RED
Illustration Xo. 34
"A ^Ew CLAS.siFiCATio:sr OF Tooth Forms"
69
J. Leon Williams, D.D.S.
*% '^ %
For the first time in the commercial history of porcelain teeth they
are now supplied to the dentist of a color closely approximating that
found in natural teeth. The color, being based on nature, gives a far
finer effect than the arbitrary method of hand staining or the still more
imperfect method of selecting a variety of colors from different sets and
assembling them into one.
Dentures made with teeth shaded in this natural way are, artis-
tically, so superior to those made of one shade that a comparison can-
not well be made.
In form, in surface texture and in color the Trubyte System of
teeth has reached such a high standard of achievement that I hope
and believe the finest artistic and mechanical ability in our profession
* Prosthetic Articulation.
TO
Illustration No. 35
Five Stages of Wearof Natural Teeth: A. Unworn Stage. B. Greatest Efficiency Stage.
C. Reduced Efficiency Stage. D. Much Worn Stage. E. Stage of Extreme Wear. Trubyte
teeth exhibit the stage of wear shown in Figure A
and the depth of bite shown in Figure B.
Illustration No. 36
Figure A shows occlusal surfaces of upper and lower molars ground to articulating form after
method formulated by Dr. Bonwill.
Figure B shows same molars occluded.
Figure C shows longitudinal section of same teeth.
Figure D shows the same occlusal surfaces of the anatomical moulds of the Dentists Supply
Company. These are carved to much more nearly correct anatomical form than were the teeth
of Dr. Bonwill's time.
Figure E shows molars occluded. The longitudinal groove is entirely different in charactei
from that shown in Figure B. The upper buccal cusp does not overhang the lower molar as in
Figure B. The depth of bite in these teeth is only half as great as in those shown in Figure B.
Figure F shows a longitudinal section of the same teeth.
Figure G shows the occlusal surfaces of Trubyte teeth, with the formation for cracking,
tearing and cutting.
Figure H shows Trubyte first molars occluded. n j
Figure I shows a longitudinal section of these teeth. Instead of presenting the flat opposed
surfaces shown in Figure C or the single convex surfaces shown in Figure F, these teeth exhibit
from two to five grooves and from three to six cusps each.
"A l^Ew Classification of Tooth Foems"
^ % '^
Artificial teeth, then, with one-tenth the power of the natural teeth,
must discharge the same functions as the natural teeth, or the food
cannot be properly prepared for digestion. They must exhibit shallow
bites in order that the dentures or the bridge may not be subjected to
severe lateral strains. Teeth which will function efficiently and be
stable under such conditions cannot be formed by copying natural
teeth, which were designed to function under very different conditions.
They can be made only by applying engineering principles to the
designing of surfaces which shall function under actual conditions,
just as the engineer designs his bridge for the load it must carry.
In the brief space of time left me, I shall draw your attention to
71
J. Leon Williams, D.D.S.
<fe -% *<&
72
T"
o
Similar cracking action by human bicuspids.
The bone cracking teeth of the dog.
> r ^
Diagrammatic representation of a grain trap. Lingual cusps open to receive seeds and
Same trap in Trubyte bicuspids. grains.
Illustration No. 27
"A jSTew Classificatioit of Tooth Foems"
^ -^ '^
The laws which she employed for the formation of the permanent
teethand which made them efficient with the relatively small masticat-
ing force of the child have been employed. The depth of bite has
been reduced so that it is much more shallow than in efficient human
teeth, and only half as deep as in the present anatomical moulds.
The ridges have been arranged to present the longest cutting
action possible and to bring into action a large number of small sur-
food may be more thor-
faces, interacting properly, in order that the
oughly masticated. The forms of these ridges have been carefully
designed by applying the laws exhibited in human teeth at the period
of their greatest masticating efficiency.
Both Dr. Gysi and myself have contended from the first that the
highest success in the making of artificial teeth cannot be reached by
baldly copying natural teeth.
73
J. Leon Williams, D.D.S.
Dr. Gysi makes the same claim from the point of view of efficiency
in mastication. He has originated a phrase that will become classic in
prosthetic dentistry which is that "the problem of restoring mastica-
tion is an engineering problem."
The cutting edges of the cuspids present the most anterior example
of the application of engineering principles. For these edges must be
quite differently formed in porcelain teeth than they are in newly
erupted natural teeth.
IsTatural upper cuspids are often very beautiful in form, and before
wear has mutilated them, present long and often pleasing cusps. These
are the forms which have generally been reproduced in porcelain teeth.
They are the forms which have made it practically impossible to
arrange the upper and lower cuspids properly, without extensive grind-
ing of the edges. Many find this grinding difficult of accomplishment.
The edges of the upper and lower cuspids here shown have been
shaped to function properly. The anterior facet on the edge of the
lower cuspid is always short, so that it may occlude with the distal
facet on the cutting edge of the upper lateral. The mesial facet of the
upper cuspid is usually long, in normal dentures after wear, in order
that this tooth may both occlude and articulate with the lower cuspid,
and that the point of the upper cuspid may pass through the inter-
dental space posterior to the lower cuspid and not climb on the lower.
This one of the most important relations in the articulation of den-
is
tures, and has heretofore been one of the most difficult to attain. The
fact that it may easily be attained with Trubyte teeth will greatly
facilitate the arrangement of these teeth and their efficiency in mastica-
tion.
SUMMARY.
A brief summary of the facts and principles involved in this
74
Food cells are isolated and the cell walls
broken by the rubbing together of the facets.
The rubbing action is diagrammatically shown
by the mortar and pestle in which substances
are pulverized.
_ks^-^^
Diagrammatic representation of the plan on A. A cross section of Trubyte lower first
which artificial molars have generally been and secondmolars showing five ridges in
shaped in the past. The broad surfaces can- each tooth. B. Ridges and facets in Trubyte
not cut up foods to isolate the cells. They upper and lower molars opposed. C. The
can be approximated only by the exercise of cross sections shown above were made at the
great force. dotted line in this figure.
Illustration No. 38
"A JSTeW CliASSIFICATION OF ToOTH FoEMs"
75
J. Leon Williams, D.D.S.
teeth. He has therefore adapted the natural cusp, groove and sulci for-
mation in the relations of the upper and lower teeth in such a way as
to secure far greater efficiency in mastication thanwould be possible even
with the finest natural teeth if inserted on plates as artificial dentures.
While the cusps are high and the fossiP and sulci deep in the new teeth,
thus making them very effective in holding, tearing and grinding food,
yet the ''bite" is actually more shallow than in efficient natural teeth
or in other porcelain teeth which manifest even slight efSciency. This
permits easy and comfortable gliding of the upper and lower teeth on
each other in lateral and in backward and forward movements.
With all of these advantages of scientific form and accuracy in all
their features the new teeth will be found, when the dentist is once accus-
tomed to them, more easy to arrange on any form of articulator than any
teeth heretofore made, the perfection of the relations of the upper and
lower teeth showing at once exactly where they should be placed.
Gentlemen, speaking not only for myself, but for all who have
taken part in this work, I am expressing my most sincere convictions,
when I say that no more concentrated and determined effort has ever
been made in the interests of dentistry than that involved in this new
system of artificial teeth.
Scarcely more than the bare results and conclusions could be em-
bodied in this presentation of the subject. A
detailed account of
all the experiments made, of all the scientific work done during the
past four or five years, would fill a large volume.
It has been our firm determination to do this work so well that it
should be done for all time. It has been our desire and intention to set
the standard of prosthetic dentistry so far above the position it has hith-
erto occupied as to make it impossible from this day henceforward for
any self-respecting dentist to continue working in the old ways and
with the old materials.
76
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