A retrospective evaluation of 204 diagonal incisor malocclusion corrections in the horse.

The research article discusses an evaluation of 204 corrective procedures of diagonal incisor malocclusion (DIM) in horses. The study aims to identify any common patterns before and after these corrections that might help predict the outcomes of future DIM corrections.

Objective and Methodology

• The study mainly focuses on the direction of the diagonal incisor malocclusion (DIM), which is a dental misalignment condition in horses, and Excursion to Molar Contact (EMC) distances both before and after the DIM correction.
• The researchers collected and compared pre-correction and post-correction data from 204 incidents of DIM correction.
• The aim was to determine if the corrections provided any benefit to the patient and if there were any general trends that could be used as guidelines for future corrections.

Findings

• The research revealed a few general trends though asymmetry in the lateral EMC distances to the left and right was common in cases of DIM.
• The corrective procedures, when carefully done, led to increased symmetry of EMCs.
• In cases of DIM, the side with the shorter EMC was more likely to remain unchanged after correction.
• Reductions in EMC in one or both directions were more frequent than increases in EMC post-correction.
• In quadrant 100-300 DIMs, the EMC to the right was likely to decrease, and in quadrant 200-400 DIMs, the EMC to the left was expected to diminish.

Conclusion

• The study provided substantial data that could help predict the outcome of DIM corrections. However, their findings also suggested the presence of multiple causes and evolving compensatory mechanisms. These may complicate the ability to predict correction outcomes quite precisely.
• Despite this, the trends and findings unearthed from the study can equip veterinary oral practitioner with basic guidelines for managing DIM correction in horses.