Natural Balance Dentistry™ Objectives:
- Provide optimal occlusal relationship and alignment of the incisors and molars anatomically correct for the individual horse
- Create and sustain stability, balance and guidance to the TMJ
- Decompression of the temporomandibular joint including cranial nerves and muscles
- Restoration of optimal posture of the head and neck, thus, directly influencing the linear connection of the 3 junctions that affect the horse´s whole body: Poll-atlas, Neck-shoulder-withers, Hind-end junction
As a natural balance dentist, I take the time to identify and follow the individual ´s anatomy, respect the horse ´s age and appreciate how all parts harmoniously play together in the body.
Natural Balance Dentistry™ aims to restore the harmonious relationship between the incisors, molars and the TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) to provide stability, balance and guidance.
With muscles and teeth properly aligned the horse can benefit from optimal neuromuscular, proprioceptive and biomechanical performance.
This is associated with improved posture and muscle development, increased stride length and fluidity of body movement, resistance to injury, improved mastication, better digestion and increased tooth life.
- Mystery lameness
- Tendon and ligament injuries
- Muscle soreness, atrophy or hypertrophy
- Resistance to being bridled and resistance to the bit when ridden
- Tension in poll and around the ears, head shy, head shaking, head tossing
- Lack of flexion or extension of the poll
- Short stride or inability to extend forelimb
- Lack of proprioception, including: tripping and balance issues, inability to travel straight and balanced, and bending to both sides with equal ease
- Trouble picking up leads, flex and extend
- Hind End issues; lack of impulsion, bucking, bunny hopping when in canter
- Weight loss or gain
- Organ dysfunction such as colic, liver or kidney issues
- Chiropractic, osteopathic or other forms of bodywork don’t seem to have a lasting effect
Incisors first ? Why ?
- Incisors are the point of beginning and the most important part of a horse’s dentition.
- They support and guide the TMJ, which in turn influences how a horse will move and stand.
- The horse’s individual structure must be taken into consideration, and the teeth balanced accordingly.
- When the incisors allow for complete lateral motion and anterior/posterior motion, the horse’s whole body will also have a full range of motion!
- The mechanism of the body is set up in such a way that the head leads a movement and the body then follows
Observations/Results of Natural Balance Dentistry/NeuroMuscular Dentistry:
- increased body/muscle mass
- improved stride length
- increased sense of awareness of the position of the parts of the body (proprioception)
- corrected postural changes
- decreased TMJ sensitivity
- a more calm, relaxed behavior
- general condition of buoyancy and freedom
- improved mastication and digestion
- increased tooth life
The message for any horse owner is:
“ Get it right the first time”.
By putting the Natural Balance Dentistry™ objectives into practice, you help your horse to achieve and maintain natural dental balance, enhancing overall movement and performance and reducing negative tension retained in the body.
You are setting your horse up for success and less work will need to be done over time to maintain the balance and health of your horse.
To learn more about Natural Balance Dentistry™, visit www.neuromuscularhorsedentistry.com