In Chapters XVII, XVIII, XXIV, and XXV, Fauchard describes various methods for the application of entire sets of false teeth, both upper and lower, as well as double.
The author says that if the lower jaw is entirely toothless, a set of teeth can be adapted thereto without the need of any special contrivance; however, it is necessary that the prosthetic piece should fit perfectly, so that the configuration of the maxillary arch and the irregularities of the gum, finding themselves in complete correspondence with the piece itself, may keep it steady in its place. The support offered by the tongue interiorly, by the cheeks and the under lip exteriorly, contributes to keep the artificial set steady; one can thus masticate as easily with it as with one’s own teeth, especially if the teeth of the upper jaw be still existing and the individual be already sufficiently used to the wearing of it.[466]
With regard to the application of an entire set of upper teeth, one learns from Fauchard that although some attempt had been made in this direction before this time, the results had been very unsatisfactory. He relates that: “In 1737 a lady of high rank, of about the age of sixty, who had not lost any of her lower teeth, but was deprived entirely of the upper ones, applied to M. Caperon, dentist to the King, who was most able in his profession, in the hope that he might be able to furnish her mouth with an upper set. But he said that, no tooth whatever being left in existence, every possible point of attachment was wanting, and it would therefore be as difficult to do this as it would be to build in the air.”[467] He, however, directed the lady to Fauchard, who asked for a few days to think the matter over, and succeeded in devising a means of applying an upper set of teeth, which, in fact, entirely satisfied the wishes and wants of the client. “As this lady,” says the author, “simply wished to have the front of her mouth decorated, and to be able to pronounce more perfectly, I gave less extension to the set. The lady eats easily with it and could not now do without it. For greater convenience she has two similar sets, which she uses alternately.”[468]
Complete dentures (Fauchard). f. 3 represents an enamelled denture with artificial gums; f. 4 and f. 5, steel springs.
An upper denture supported by springs fixed to a gold appliance which embraces the natural teeth of the lower jaw (Fauchard).
The author describes with great minuteness the manner in which the prosthetic apparatus in question was constructed and supported, and then speaks of the successive improvements introduced by him into this most important part of prosthetic dentistry, particularly in what regards the springs destined for the support of the upper set of teeth.