Balance
Balanced dentistry is dedicated to realigning the jaw to achieve optimal neuromuscular, proprioceptive and physical function in a horse’s whole body. It involves not only removing sharp points from the teeth, but also looking at the whole horse's response to the pathologies in the mouth. An interference in the mouth, whether it be uneven wear on the teeth or excessive enamel will affect the chewing action of the horse. This makes it not only uncomfortable for the horse but will cause pressure and rotation to the TMJ. The end result is to maximize the surface-to-surface contact of the teeth, resulting in centric occlusion to restore bio mechanical function and guidance to the TMJ anatomically correct to that individual. “Less is more” philosophy achieves maximum results.
The incisor angles, molar tables' angles, and the angle of the TMJ, all must be taken into consideration when balancing a horse's mouth. The rotation of the TMJ is guided by the incisors, which in turn dictates the wear pattern of the molars. Equilibrating occlusal surface-to-surface contact allows full lateral excursion and anterior- posterior guidance to the mandible (jaw). Thus, restoring full biomechanical range of motion, increasing tooth life, enhancing performance, and improving overall body mass and posture. Treating the cause (an unbalanced mouth) avoids the symptoms (extreme pathology).
Cranial Nerves
When there is an imbalance in the mouth, not only is the TMJ being effected, so is all of the cranial nerves. The trigeminal nerve is the largest of cranial nerves. It is responsible for motor functions such as biting and chewing. By maximizing surface to surface contact, you improve neurological stimulus.
Proprioception
The TMJ is highly involved in proprioception. Proprioception simply means one’s internal sense of self. The proprioceptive nervous system has a direct link to the brain. It involves giving the body information about what is happening internally within the body. These sensory nerve endings send impulses to the brain giving it information on body position, muscle tension, joint activity movement and equilibrium. When the mouth is out of balance, the horse is out of balance and tries to compensate elsewhere as a means of self-preservation (to escape threats). Compensations can affect distant areas of the body.
