Do you have a dog with bite alignment issues such as an underbite or overbite, or something less minor and are wondering if there are similar solutions for dogs as there are for people? Some people worry about the comfort and quality of life for their puppy and some just don’t like the look of this type of issue. Good news if you are in either camp, dog braces do exist and have for more than 30 years. There are veterinary dentists and orthodontists who help dogs with painful and sometimes even life threatening conditions. Their main goal is to ensure dogs are able to chew and eat normally
Does Your Dog Need Braces?
If your dog tends to drop its food while eating, has an overbite, or has noticeable discomfort due to their jaw or teeth you should consult your veterinarian. The vet is a great resource for determining whether your dog is in need of braces or other dentist/orthodontist intervention. They will likely perform a full dental exam and give you advice on whether or not to proceed with dental intervention solutions.
It is usually very apparent from a young age if a dog is in need of orthodontic treatment and the earlier the diagnosis the better chances they have at a comfortable life. The most common time this is determined is when your pup is between the ages of 4 to 6 months old. If you want to decrease the chances of getting a puppy that will have these types of problems you should find a quality breeder, before you type in something like Cavapoo puppies for sale, that have great reviews and high breeding standards. Generally this type of breeder will charge more but the ease of mind that comes with these breeders is worth the cost.
Should your puppy end up needing professional intervention, your dentist will be able to refer you to a dog orthodontia specialist. You may be skeptical of the need for this type of intervention but most vets are looking out for the best interests of your dogs and their opinion in these matters should be trusted.
Reasons Your Dog May Need Braces
There are several reasons your dog may end up needing braces that include crowded or misaligned teeth, lanced teeth (upper canine teeth pointing out of the mouth instead of down). Other common issues that may call for dog braces are:
-
Overbites:
Similar to overbites in humans, these usually occur when the lower jaw is shorter than the top jaw, which can cause difficulty in eating.
-
Linguoversion:
Linguoversion is when one or both of the lower canine teeth erupt on the inside. This issue is common in dog breeds with long, narrow noses. This problem is quite painful and may cause issues with the affected dog being unable to close their mouth properly. In some severe cases Linguoversion causes the affected canine teeth to pierce through the roof of the dogs mouth. This issue can be solved with braces or removing the affected teeth.
-
Cancer Complications:
In some severe cases of cancer, part of a dog’s jaw may have to be removed. In these situations braces can keep their teeth in their proper position.
-
Dental Crowding:
Some dog’s baby teeth don’t fall out as easily as others which can lead to there not being enough room in their mouth for their teeth. This can cause crowding, misalignment, and periodontal disease. The sooner you realize your dog’s baby teeth are not falling out the better. You may be able to avoid the need for braces, but if the issue is left for too long that may be your only option.
Conclusion
The answer to the question “Can Dogs Wear Braces?” is yes, but that doesn’t always mean it is the best solution to your dog’s specific issue. It is very important to consult with professionals and even get a second opinion. We hope any issues you and your furry friend face are solved with the least amount of discomfort for both of you.
