Horses between the ages of 2 and 5.5-years have mixed incisor dentition. Careful examination and charting of the usual sequential eruption of the permanent first, second, and then third maxillary (101-3; 201,3) and mandibular (301-3; 401-3) incisor teeth during this period allows early identification and intervention for any malocclusion. An abnormal event should be considered if the deciduous and permanent teeth are both visible during the oral examination. Two teeth occupying the same dental arcadespace violates the rule of dental succession. In this situation, the deciduous tooth is considered persistent and immediate extraction is recommended. Extraction of the deciduous tooth will provide an opportunity for the permanent tooth to drift into position. This intervention is an example of an interceptive orthodontic procedure used to prevent a potentially permanent malalignment or malocclusion.
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