Seven Years

Viewed from in front, the teeth may appear whiter due to wearing of the cement although some teeth remain stained. In profile, the dental table of the lower corner incisor is narrower than that of the upper; this results in a notch upon the upper corner incisor, the seven year hook or notch. The incident angle of the incisive arcades is less perpendicular than at six years. The dental tables of the lower centrals and intermediates are smooth, cups for practical purposes are no longer present. The ring of central enamel is narrower from side to side and nearer the lingual border. The lower corners still retain their cups.

Fifteen Years

Viewed from in front, the lower incisors may appear shorter than the uppers depending upon the angle from which they are observed. (This will vary depending upon height of horse and examiner.) In profile, the incisors appear to be about the same length. Galvayne’s groove extends halfway down the labial surface of the upper corner incisor; the corner notch is often present. The dental tables of the lower centrals appear triangular, the intermediates are round to triangular and all lower incisors show in their center a dark, distinct, round dental star.

Glossary of Terms

Cup. The dark or dark-brown to black cavity in the infundibulum.
Deciduous teeth. Temporary, fetal, milk or baby teeth. They are characterized primarily by their smaller size, constricted neck and shallow cup.
Dental star. The darker dentin that fills the pulp cavity as the tooth wears. It is dark yellow to yellowish-brown.
Dental table. The table, masticatory or occlusal surface.
Eruption. Pertains to the period when a tooth breaks through the gum.
Galvayne’s groove. The longitudinal depression on the labial surface of the upper corner (I3) incisor. The cementum remains in the groove as a dark line; the rest of the surface is worn to expose the white enamel.
Incisor teeth. Starting at the midline incisors are designated as centrals(I1), intermediates (I2) and corners (I3).
Infundibulum. The deep invagination of enamel which is filled with a variable amount of cement. Commonly referred to as the “cup.”
Labial surface. Surface toward the lips.
Lingual surface. Surface toward the tongue.
Permanent teeth. Second dentition or adult teeth.