Can Dogs Get Braces? - All About Dogs

Can Dogs Get Braces?

Can dogs get braces

Each dog has 42 teeth. The number of teeth will be the same whether a dog is a small, medium or large breed. There are 12 incisor teeth which are very sharp and there for a purpose aside from biting. These sharp incisors were perfect for hunting down and tearing food apart. Braces are orthodontic appliances used to reposition teeth that are improperly aligned or mal-occluded. Braces are only put on a dog’s teeth in certain situations.

About Braces

Braces are typically worn for 6 months to 1 year. In cases of extreme malocclusion, braces may need to remain in place for up to two years. A dog can have a small set of braces, such as a bridge type layout that crosses over 1 or 2 teeth. Options also include orthodontic buttons with elastic chains or invisible braces.  With many dogs, the teeth stay in proper alignment once the braces are removed and a retainer will not be worn afterward. Once it is determined that your dog would benefit from wearing braces on their teeth, the dog’s veterinarian or a referred dog orthodontist will take an impression of your pet’s bite. The dog is given anesthesia while the braces are being put on.

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Effects are positive. A dog must get used to having this new apparatus in their mouth. Dogs are very resilient and adapt very quickly. Once the misalignment is corrected, a dog will be out of pain and given back their good health.

Do dogs get braces? 

The braces are not put on a dog for cosmetic reasons. Braces are only implemented when a dog’s medical health is at risk. When the occlusion causes trauma, we refer to it as a traumatic occlusion. The consequences of traumatic occlusions can be substantial. Teeth striking teeth or soft tissues may result in tooth fracture, pulpitis, periodontal inflammation, pain and death of the tooth. Traumatic malocclusions can contribute to the development of periodontal disease and as stated above, non-vital teeth. te to the development of periodontal disease and as stated above, non-vital teeth. Anachoresis is a term used to describe the spread of bacteria through the blood stream. Anachoresis is a major reason for the spread of infection from non-vital (dead) teeth and infections around the teeth.

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Why would braces necessary?

Dental care is very important for all dogs. Aside from fixing individual teeth, there may be and a malocclusion issue. This is a misalignment or incorrect relation between the teeth the two dental arches where they meet each other as the jaws close.A dog’s tooth may grow so out of place that it severs into the dog’s mouth. One or more teeth may grow out of line. A tooth can grow to the side and if intervention is not taken. A tooth can grow up into a dog’s mouth. This can also cause infections as a skin is slowly punctured, bacteria can grow quickly and cause many health issues. The teeth can cause great discomfort for dogs with can lead to impaired ability to eat. This situation needs a veterinarian.

Are braces appropriate for all faces?

Braces are not appropriate for all faces! the fundamental principles and orthodontic techniques are complicated by the variety of facial shapes in veterinary patients. Think about the variety of cat and dog breeds. Some breeds have long narrow noses, some shorter wide faces, the mid-length noses and others with very short noses. Pets’ temperament is very important in the determination of whether braces are appropriate for a pet. Will the animal tolerate an orthodontic appliance? Is the pet an aggressive chewer, and how will restriction of this behavior affect the pet?

It is important to clearly understand the procedural risks associated with orthodontic care, to establish realistic expectations and to discuss the prognosis. We provide an initial orthodontic consultation to perform an initial occlusal evaluation, discuss all concerns, and help with treatment planning.

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