Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Traditional forms of dentistry carried out by any other than a professionally trained Natural Balance Dentist, focus on pathology such as sharp points, which will typically reappear within 6 months to a year. To root cause of the problem, very often an out of alignment TMJ, is not addressed. Furthermore, horses that have been power floated, can suffer from tension and tightness in their head and poll due to increased changes in their masticatory patterns.
Natural Balance DentistryTM will help your horse find, restore and sustain correct anatomical alignment and stability of the incisors, molars and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Through balance of the teeth and the TMJ, your horse can benefit from optimal neuromuscular, proprioceptive and bio-mechanical performance of the jaw, head, neck and body!
This is an easy to use oromucosal gel for the reliable mild sedation of horses to facilitate non-invasive, minor husbandry procedures, e.g. clipping, shoeing.
I like to work with it, as it provides me with a calm and relaxed horse in a safe environment, so that I am able to balance his mouth in the most precise manner.
It is especially beneficial for a horse that has already had previous negative learning experiences with regards to dentistry procedures, and it ́s a protocol for both of us to be safe and be able to carry out the work.
Once a horse has had NBD, once or twice, they learn and remember what the dental procedure is all about and usually don’t need sedation after that, as the training protocol together with positive association has been established.
I wont need any electrical supply, as all instruments are ergonomically designed hand instruments to carry out very precise adjustments.
Should the appointment be late in the day and therefore dark to work in, I will require good lighting.