I have a 5-month-old with a slight overbite and a 4-year-old with a slight underbite. In both, the front teeth still touch so the over and underbites are not that pronounced. Is this normal or should you expect that all equine teeth should match perfectly?
Incisors should meet nearly perfectly with the poll in neutral flexion; that is with the head in a more or less resting position (not elevated to the viewer’s eye level.) A small difference of 1 to 2 millimeters probably won't make much of a functional difference if regular dental examinations correct any minor overgrowths. If these problems are ignored, the discrepancy may get worse over time. As far as the 4-year-old goes, all growth potential, and therefore change in jaw length is pretty well over by this age. However, just removing any minor dental overgrowths can allow soft tissues to readjust and the jaws may line up a bit better even though no change in jaw length occurs.
As far as the 5-month-old goes, this is the time to jump on it and give him or her the best chance at normal jaw alignment. Have an equine veterinarian experienced in equine dentistry examine the weanling to see if there are any dental overgrowths that may be inhibiting lower jaw elongation. Minor cases don’t usually require orthodontic intervention, but this is the time to consider that if it appears warranted.
Mary Delorey, DVM, Kettle Falls, Washington
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