When it comes to taking care of your canine companion, you may consider dental hygiene an important part of their overall health and wellness. Braces have become a common solution for humans to realign and reposition their teeth, but can dogs get braces too? This post will dive into this topic and explore whether or not braces are a viable option for our furry friends.
From traditional braces to the newer Invisalign options, the world of orthodontics has evolved to provide a range of solutions for humans to enjoy beautiful smiles. But many pet owners are curious to know if these same orthodontic options are available to their canine companions. It’s understandable to be curious about this subject, as we want to ensure our four-legged friends always look and feel their best. In this post, we will explore the answer to the question, ‘Can dogs get braces?’, and provide insight into this popular topic.
Health Issues That Require Dog Braces
Dogs who are dealing with anything from crowded teeth to cancer can benefit from braces.
The condition known as linguoversion, in which the teeth are pushed back toward the tongue, is one of the most frequent problems they’re used to treat. Breeders refer to the linguoversion on the lower teeth as “base narrow” ”.
The dog’s mouth roof may chafe against the teeth in this position. At best, this can cause major discomfort. In the worst case scenario, the teeth could pierce the mouth’s roof and cause severe and persistent sinus infections.
An overbite, which occurs when the lower jaw is shorter than the top, and lance teeth, which occur when the upper canines point upward rather than downward, are other conditions that may cause problems.
In the event that the dog’s canine teeth do not fall out properly, braces may also be used. The mouth gets more crowded as the adult teeth erupt, increasing the risk of infections.
After a portion of the jaw has been removed for cancer treatment, braces may also be used in more severe situations. This helps minimize tooth drift.
The veterinarian’s job is to determine whether the dog’s teeth are simply out of alignment or out of alignment and creating issues. They will not apply braces for cosmetic reasons.
Our ultimate treatment objectives, according to Carmichael, are to restore the mouth’s health and functionality rather than make it perfect.
Diagnosing When a Dog Needs Braces
The majority of dog braces diagnoses take place when the animal is young. Typically, any issues can be identified when the dog’s permanent teeth erupt, which occurs between the ages of four and six months. Some puppies show no signs of mouth discomfort. Others may appear a little head shy.
There are several options for shifting the teeth into a less painful position, depending on the state of the mouth.
This can be achieved in minor cases using what Carmichael refers to as “rubber ball therapy.” “Lacrosse balls are placed in dogs’ mouths by their owners; the pressure can help the teeth move into a more desirable position. The least expensive and riskiest choice, but it calls for a very obedient dog and a very patient owner.
Other options for treatment include filing down or extracting the problematic teeth. Although these quick fixes are frequently less expensive than braces, there are risks involved. Shortening the teeth requires annual checkups and potential future adjustments. Extraction is a complicated and sometimes painful oral surgery.
Doctors will examine the dog and determine whether he is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia before deciding whether the dog is a good candidate for orthodontic treatment. Depending on how well the teeth respond, the process might require multiple rounds. Doctors typically perform any necessary x-rays and cleanings while the dog is sedated. Applying the braces takes anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes.
Dog braces come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There’s even an Invisalign of sorts called PetAlign. Unlike Invisalign, the goal isn’t to look good during treatment. With PetAlign, veterinarians can create a model of an anesthetized animal’s teeth and create a series of interchangeable aligners without the need for further anesthesia.
Regardless of the tools used, moving dog teeth is a fairly quick procedure. Dogs frequently only need to wear their braces for a few weeks or months, depending on the state of their mouth.
Linguoversions
A linguoversion is a type of dental malocclusion that’s one of the most common reasons dogs get braces. Linguoversions occur when one or both of the lower jaw’s canine teeth erupt (grow out) toward the inside of the mouth. Severe cases can be painful, cause the abnormal teeth to poke holes in the roof of the mouth, and prevent the mouth from closing adequately. Orthodontic treatment can include braces or crown extensions.
Another typical malocclusion in dogs is two different types of crossbites. When one or more of the incisors are out of place, causing the lower incisor(s) to sit in front of the upper incisor(s), this is known as a rostrol crossbite. The misalignment of one or more carnassial teeth (the chewing teeth along the cheek), is known as a caudal crossbite. As a result, the upper tooth is positioned so that it is inside the lower tooth.
When treating cancer, partial jaw removal may be followed by the use of braces. After surgery, the braces prevent the dog’s teeth from shifting out of position.
FAQ
Can dogs get Invisalign?
Applying the braces takes anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. Dog braces come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There’s even an Invisalign of sorts called PetAlign.
How can I straighten my dogs teeth?
Dogs frequently have misaligned canine teeth, which are the long, curved teeth next to the incisors. A hard rubber ball or rubber chew toy (Kong toy) may be sufficient to align your dog’s teeth if they are only slightly out of alignment. Most pet stores and online retailers carry Kong toys and balls.
Why would a dog get braces?
Dogs with overbites, dogs with misplaced teeth, and dogs with overcrowding of the mouth (i.e., too many teeth crammed into a small space) can all benefit from braces. For example, a misplaced tooth can dig into the hard palate, causing pain, bleeding, and infection.
Should I get a brace for my dog?
Your dog may experience severe pain as a result of ligament tears, sprains, and other injuries. The dog’s leg injury can be braced to provide pain relief and possibly improve the dog’s ability to bear weight on the injured limb. They can increase a dog’s range of motion and relieve arthritis pain.