Why Occlusal Equilibration Is the Foundation of Equine Dentistry.

And Why Every Veterinarian Should Understand It First

In equine dentistry, every procedure, from routine maintenance to advanced interventions, is only as good as the occlusal foundation beneath it. Yet, many dental professionals are taught what to float, without fully understanding why certain teeth wear the way they do, or how small imbalances can lead to major long-term consequences. That's where Occlusal Equilibration becomes not just a technique, but a philosophy.

Occlusal Equilibration Treats the System

Floating removes sharp enamel points. Occlusal Equilibration, on the other hand, balances the entire occlusal plane so that chewing forces are distributed evenly throughout the mouth. Horses have hypsodont teeth that erupt continuously throughout life. Normal chewing creates wear across the arcades, but when occlusion becomes imbalanced, certain teeth or regions begin to bear excessive force.

These imbalances may start subtly:

• A single tooth contacting too early

• A slight height difference between arcades

• A restriction in lateral excursion

  
  

  

Over time, these small changes can lead to:

• Accelerated or uneven wear

• Periodontal disease

• Wave mouth, steps, or ramps

• Reduced chewing efficiency

• Pain that may present as behavioral or performance issues

Equilibration isn't about doing more dentistry; it's about doing dentistry correctly and intentionally.

Floating vs Equilibration: A Critical Distinction

Floating removes sharp enamel points that can injure soft tissue. Occlusal equilibration goes deeper by addressing how and where teeth contact during mastication.

Without equilibration:

• Sharp points may be removed, but forces remain

• Teeth continue to wear unevenly

• The same issues reappear year after year

Equilibration is not about removing more tooth; it's about strategic, conservative adjustment based on function and diagnostics.

Diagnostics Drive Every Decision

One of the most significant gaps in equine dental education is diagnostic reasoning.

Why is this tooth overgrown? Why is this arcade wearing unevenly? Why does this horse repeatedly develop pathology in the same area?

Understanding why a tooth is overgrown or why a wear pattern exists is crucial in determining whether an adjustment will help or harm the mouth.

Good diagnostics allow the practitioner to:

• Identify primary vs secondary dental issues

• Understand how one region of the mouth affects another

• Predict how adjustments will influence future wear

• Preserve tooth structure while improving function

This diagnostic mindset transforms dentistry from routine maintenance into intentional, preventive care.

Why Occlusal Equilibration Comes First

Every advanced dental procedure relies on a balanced occlusion:

• Corrective floating

• Periodontal treatment

• Extractions

• Long-term dental planning

Without understanding occlusal relationships, advanced procedures become reactive rather than strategic. Occlusal equilibration provides the framework that guides decision-making throughout the horse's lifetime.

The Bigger Picture

When occlusion is balanced:

• Chewing becomes more efficient

• Abnormal wear slows

• Pathology is reduced

• Dental comfort and longevity improve

This is why occlusal equilibration is not considered an "advanced add-on," but rather the foundation of ethical, high-quality equine dentistry.

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Interested in learning more?

For Veterinarians who want to develop a stronger diagnostic framework and a deeper understanding of occlusal function, our Occlusal Equilibration & Diagnostics Module 1 is designed to build this foundation step by step.

This module focuses on understanding why changes occur in the mouth, not just how to address them, and serves as the cornerstone for advanced dental education at Moore Equine Education.

Module 1 Information

Questions? Contact Us!