Our dogs and cats end up becoming another member of the family, and as such, we seek to give them the highest possible quality of life. Caring for their oral health is undoubtedly a key piece for their well-being and, in the long term, can help prevent much more serious diseases. On some occasions, orthodontics turns out to be the most appropriate treatment for their bite to be correct and functional.
Orthodontic solutions exist for both dogs and cats. At first, it may seem shocking, but it is not a measure taken for aesthetic reasons; rather, it is truly useful for correcting dental malpositions that may have more serious consequences. Furthermore, it has the advantage of being less invasive than performing a tooth extraction.
The duration of the treatment is relatively short, from a few weeks to a couple of months, unlike in humans, where correction can take years.
This type of oral procedure must be recommended by a specialist veterinarian, and they must be the one to perform the placement of the orthodontics.
What Dental Problems Require the Use of Orthodontics?
Orthodontics, in both dogs and cats, stems from the appearance of a series of visible problems such as misaligned teeth or difficulty closing the mouth.
The conditions that need to be corrected by placing appliances are malocclusions. This refers to the incorrect fit of the maxilla with the mandible, which can be skeletal or dental.
Our loyal friend may have difficulty eating when the bite is not adequate. Malocclusions also lead to irregular wear of the teeth, which, being misaligned, come into contact with each other (dental attrition) or with the mucosa. Continuous rubbing and contact can end up causing lesions (self-trauma).
In addition, the poor position of the teeth can also cause hygiene problems due to the accumulation of dirt or food debris in the interdental spaces, favoring periodontal disease.
Skeletal malocclusions that occur due to a difference in length between the mandible and the maxilla are usually of genetic origin and may have preventive treatment. Brachycephalic breeds are more prone to suffering from this type of problem.
On the other hand, dental malocclusions (or Class I) refer to a poor position of a tooth and are not considered to have a hereditary component. Dental malposition can be due, for example, to trauma, alterations in tooth eruption, persistence of deciduous teeth, etc.
One of the main causes of Class I malocclusion observed in dogs is the lingualization of the mandibular canines. The lower canines deviate and erupt towards the tongue, and the teeth can impact the gums and palate, generating ulcers and increasing the risk of infections, even leading to oronasal fistulas. In these cases, orthodontics may be the most appropriate treatment.
Considerations Prior to Orthodontic Treatment
The placement of the appliance is carried out under anesthesia, so the animal must be in good health and able to tolerate the procedure.
It is not recommended for all dogs and cats. Therefore, a prior specialized study must be carried out using intraoral radiographs and/or CT scans to verify that there are no alterations that contraindicate this treatment.
Considerations During and After Orthodontic Correction
To care for our animal's dental health, the best recommendation is to be rigorous in maintaining their hygiene. This involves daily brushing, especially in small breed dogs with smaller tooth surfaces. This also prevents the accumulation of plaque.
The usual procedure after placing the appliance is that the diet is somewhat softer, and emphasis is placed precisely on controlling oral hygiene. Daily brushing is a very important, irreplaceable part, but it is not the only one to consider, as there are other preventive options based on antiseptic products. It will also be necessary to monitor our dog or cat to prevent them from biting or playing with any object that could damage the appliance.
In conclusion, a healthy mouth is one of the most effective ways to prevent health problems. Orthodontics is never a treatment option when the problem is merely aesthetic; rather, its purpose must be to avoid discomfort and pain in our patients.
At IVeM, we have a team of specialist veterinarians for your furry friend's dental check-ups, and they are always at your disposal to answer any questions.
