Perhaps your dog has crooked or misaligned teeth, and you’re wondering whether she can get braces. Well, dog braces do exist, and in this article, we’ll show you the basics about getting braces for dogs, and instances where they are required.
Can Dogs Get Braces?
Dog braces can help with a variety of dental issues, including crowded teeth, misaligned teeth, and lance teeth, which are upper canine teeth that point out of the mouth rather than down. Braces have also been used to treat the following conditions in dogs:
- Linguoversion: occurs when one or both canine teeth in the lower jaw erupt on the inside. Linguoversion is a condition that occurs in dogs with long and narrow noses, such as collie breeds. It is painful and prevents the mouth from closing properly. In severe cases, the abnormally positioned canine teeth can poke holes in the roof of the mouth. Linguoversion requires braces or the removal of abnormal canine teeth.
- Overbites: happen when the lower jaw is shorter than the upper jaw.
- Baby teeth that are still present: When a dog’s baby teeth fail to fall out, it can cause dental crowding, bite problems, and periodontal disease.
- Following Surgery: Braces can prevent teeth from drifting out of position when cancer treatment necessitates the surgical removal of a portion of the jaw.
How Do I Know If My Dog Requires Braces?
If your dog is dropping food, acting shy, has an overbite, or you notice any changes to its teeth, it’s time to see your veterinarian. Your veterinarian is the best person to tell you if your dog needs braces or if he has another dental problem. They will perform a full physical and dental exam and will alert you to any problems.
Most dogs with orthodontic problems are diagnosed when they are young, usually between 4 and 6 months of age when the adult teeth appear. If your veterinarian notices a problem, they may refer you to a veterinary dentist who specializes in canine orthodontia, just like a human dentist. Even if you’re skeptical about dog braces, if your vet notices a problem in your dog’s mouth, you should always consult with a veterinary dentist to learn about treatment options and ask questions.
Other Factors That Determine If Dogs Can Get Braces
Other factors to consider when getting your dog fitted for braces include:
Health
One important consideration is whether your dog is healthy enough to undergo general anesthesia, which is required to apply dog braces. If necessary, veterinary dentists will also X-ray and clean the dog’s teeth while the dog is sedated. Several rounds of anesthesia may be required depending on your dog’s condition and how quickly his teeth move. The good news is that the process isn’t nearly as long or as involved in dogs as it is in humans: most dogs wear braces for a few weeks to a few months, whereas humans wear braces for a few years.
Cost
Dog braces can range in price from $2,000 to $5,000. However, the cost is determined by several factors, including your dog’s size, dental condition, and the length of time your dog must wear braces. Enrolling in pet dental insurance is one way to reduce the cost of dog braces.
Diagnosing When A Dog Needs Braces
The majority of dog brace diagnoses occur when the animal is young. Any problems are usually detectable when the dog’s permanent teeth appear around the age of four to six months. Some puppies exhibit no symptoms of mouth discomfort. Others may appear to be a little timid.
The Price of Dog Braces
Dog braces can cost between $1,500 and $4,000, depending on the condition of the teeth and the number of rounds of anesthesia required. Throughout the process, owners will need to bring their dogs in for weekly or biweekly visits.
How Do I Look After a Dog Who Has Braces?
Caring for a dog with braces isn’t difficult, but it does necessitate that you brush and inspect your dog’s teeth on a regular basis. Fortunately, that is something you should do on a regular basis! Brush your dog’s teeth, use an oral antiseptic, and inspect the braces on a daily basis if he has braces. Furthermore, your dog may require soft food while wearing braces, and they should not have access to chew toys or bones to avoid breaking off the dental appliances.
When your dog’s braces are removed, they no longer require a retainer to keep their teeth in place, and they can resume their normal food and chewing routine.
Read Also: Why Is My Dog Chattering Its Teeth?
How Do I Straighten My Dog’s Teeth?
#1. Using a Ball or Toy
Purchase a hard rubber ball or a Kong toy. Canine teeth (the long, curved teeth between the incisors) are frequently misaligned in dogs. If your dog’s teeth are only slightly misaligned, a hard rubber ball or rubber chew toy (Kong toy) may suffice to correct the problem. Kong toys and balls are widely available in pet stores and online. However, because there are so many options, consult with your veterinarian to determine which option is best for your dog.
#2. Making Use of an Orthodontic Device
Consult your veterinarian about orthodontic devices. Your veterinarian may advise you to place a device in your dog’s mouth to realign the abnormally positioned teeth. The inclined plane, also known as a bite plate, is a popular orthodontic device for dogs. It is commonly recommended when the lower canine teeth are angled slightly outward rather than straight up into the mouth (‘base narrow canine teeth’).
#3. Crown Reduction Techniques
Request that your veterinarian perform the crown reduction. Crown reduction surgery is performed. Your veterinarian will remove a portion of the crown. The pulp, the sensitive material inside the tooth, will be exposed as a result. Your veterinarian will extract some of this pulp and apply medication to the remaining pulp to promote healing and prevent infection. Finally, your veterinarian will apply a protective barrier to the pulp (like filling a human cavity).
Read Also: The 10 Easiest Dogs to Take Care of
Do Braces For Dogs Hurt?
If your dog moves in a way that the brace does not want them to, the brace will help teach them not to do so. Consider them a type of training exercise that promotes healthy habits and joints.
Pros and Cons Of Braces For Dogs
Pros:
- Your dog will look adorable.
- You can save money on chew toys and bones, which are both bad for dogs who have braces.
- Dogs, unlike humans, do not require retainers.
- You can avoid unnecessary pain and discomfort.
Cons:
- Puppy braces can be costly; sets of dog braces can range from $1500 to $4000.
- You will need to learn how to properly care for your dog by using antiseptics and new brushing techniques.
- Your dog may need to eat soft foods.
Once your dog has braces, you must take them for regular checkups, either once a week or every two weeks. This will help to ensure that there are no complications and that the treatment is effective.
Why Do Your Dogs Require Dental Care?
Dog oral care is an important part of overall wellness. Proper dental care can help prevent the many issues that cause misalignment in a dog’s teeth, thereby reducing the need for braces.
Canine Dental Care
According to Dr. Gaddis, a healthy canine mouth should have pale pink gums with a knife-like edge where they meet the tooth surface. He claims that an unhealthy mouth has a distinct appearance—and odor.
“The first stage of dental disease is gingivitis or red and inflamed gums caused by plaque and tartar buildup,” he says. “Odor and bleeding gums are signs. Gums become swollen, inflamed, and eventually recede due to bone loss as a result of periodontal disease.”
The best dog dental care includes regular at-home scrubbing with a dog toothbrush and toothpaste, and professional cleanings to prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Dental Care at Home
Dr. Gaddis explains that when you clean your dog’s teeth at home, you use the mechanical action of applying a dog toothbrush’s bristles to his teeth to remove food, bacteria, and plaque before it hardens, calcifies, and hardens into difficult-to-remove tartar.
“You should brush your dog’s teeth daily or every other day because plaque is easily brushed away and hardens and calcifies in 48-72 hours,” he says. “Once it’s calcified, a professional must scrape it off.”
Dr. Gaddis says that dog toothpaste, such as Sentry Petrodex Veterinary Strength Enzymatic Poultry Flavor Dog Toothpaste, supplements mechanical brushing by introducing bacteria-busting enzymes and a delicious-to-dogs flavor to the mix.
“Pet toothpaste has enzymatic action, so just getting in the mouth can help,” he says, adding that never use human toothpaste on dogs. “Human toothpaste contains detergents and fluoride that should not be consumed.”
Brush your dog’s teeth with your finger or a finger brush at first, then progress to a dog toothbrush and toothpaste once they’re used to having their mouth handled. As a reward for good behavior, make sure to provide plenty of treats. Find out how to brush your dog’s teeth step by step.
In Conclusion,
Overall, braces are an important treatment option for dogs who are at risk of developing serious dental complications. Similar to deworming, getting your dog checked for dental issues while he or she is still young is a good idea.
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