At a typical NBD session, I will start with evaluating the horse’s body, including a static assessment and during movement (only leading by hand, no ridden work).
The information I gather includes symmetries/asymmetries in the musculature (head and body), hoof wear pattern, behaviour, tightness over the poll, TMJ sensitivity and spacing, location of hyoid apparatus, movement of the jaw during chewing, etc. Then I proceed with addressing the incisors, checking for any restrictions to the anterior/ posterior movement as well as the lateral excursion of the jaw. The incisors are the point of beginning for any professionally trained Natural Balance Dentist as they support and guide the TMJ, which in turn influences a horse ́s proprioception. Incisors are usually neglected by traditional forms of dentistry.
After balancing the incisors I move onto the molars (cheek teeth), checking for quality of occlusal surface, inclination, restrictions and sharp enamel points possibly causing discomfort. The aim is to realign and optimise the bite plain and surface-to-surface contact for maximum proprioceptive and neural feedback via the TMJ to the motor and sensory department of the brain (cerebellum).
By putting the Natural Balance DentistryTM objectives into practice, you help your horse maintain natural dental balance, enhancing overall movement and performance and reducing tensions retained in the body.
