# Can Dogs Get Braces? Needs & When To Get Them - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/can-dogs-get-braces-needs-when-to-get-them/ - Published: 2024-02-22 - Author: Savanna Read - Categories: [Dog](https://33rdsquare.com/category/dog/) --- Can Dogs Get Braces? A Comprehensive Guide to Canine Orthodontics When you think of orthodontic braces, you probably picture tweens and teens sporting metal brackets and colorful rubber bands on their teeth. But did you know that dogs can get braces too? That‘s right, our canine companions sometimes need orthodontic treatment to fix dental issues – and dog braces are more common than you might think. As a veterinarian and dog lover, I‘m passionate about educating pet parents on all aspects of canine health, including dental care. While most dogs will never need braces, for some pups with significant orthodontic problems, braces can vastly improve their oral health and quality of life. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll tell you everything you need to know about dog braces and orthodontics. Let‘s get started! What are dog braces? Braces for dogs serve the same basic purpose as human braces – to gradually shift teeth into proper alignment in order to correct dental irregularities. The specifics of how they look and work can vary. Here are a few common types of dog braces: - Metal braces: Similar to traditional braces for humans, these involve attaching metal brackets to the teeth with dental cement. The brackets are connected by a thin archwire, which puts pressure on the teeth to slowly move them over time. The braces are adjusted every few weeks by the veterinary dentist. - Acrylic aligners: For some dogs, removable acrylic aligners (similar to human Invisalign) can be used instead of fixed metal braces. A series of custom plastic trays is made to progressively shift the teeth. The aligners are worn for 20+ hours per day and switched out every 2 weeks or so. - Orthodontic buttons/chains: Small metal or ceramic buttons are bonded to the teeth, then connected with elastic chains to put tension on the teeth and move them into alignment. The chains are replaced/tightened at regular adjustment visits. So in summary, dog braces use brackets, wires, trays, and/or elastic chains to put steady, gentle pressure on the teeth and shift them over a period of weeks to months. Most dogs tolerate braces quite well. The goal is to correct the positioning of the teeth while causing minimal discomfort to the dog. What dental problems can dog braces correct? Dog braces are used to fix malocclusion (misalignment of teeth), similar to in humans. Some of the most common orthodontic issues seen in dogs that may require braces include: - Overbites and underbites: With an overbite, the upper jaw extends too far past the lower jaw. With an underbite, the lower jaw juts out beyond the upper jaw. A significant overbite/underbite can make it difficult for a dog to bite and chew properly. - Linguoverted teeth: This is when the mandibular canine teeth are displaced inward towards the tongue, often painfully digging into the soft tissues of the mouth. It‘s a common problem, especially in smaller breeds. Without correction, linguoverted teeth can cause chronic pain and increase the risk of infection. - Overcrowding: Sometimes the jaw is too small to accommodate all the adult teeth, leading to overcrowding. The teeth may overlap, rotate, or erupt at odd angles. Overcrowding can make it difficult to chew and increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. - Misaligned teeth: Individual teeth that grow in crooked or out of line with the rest of the dental arch are considered misaligned. Misaligned teeth can cause pain, interfere with proper chewing/biting, and lead to uneven wear on the teeth. - Stabilizing teeth after oral surgery: Occasionally, braces are used to anchor and stabilize teeth after a dog has undergone oral surgery, such as to remove a tumor from the jaw. An important thing to note is that not every overbite, underbite, or crooked tooth requires braces. Plenty of dogs have somewhat wonky smiles and do just fine. Veterinary dentists only recommend orthodontic treatment when the malocclusion is severe enough to negatively impact the dog‘s health and quality of life. If misaligned teeth are causing chronic pain or making it difficult for the dog to eat, then it‘s time to consider braces. Signs your dog may need an orthodontic evaluation So how do you know if your pup could potentially benefit from braces? Here are some signs to watch out for that could indicate an orthodontic issue: - Difficulty eating, chewing, or picking up food - Frequently dropping food while eating - Chewing on one side of the mouth only - Excessive drooling - Visible misalignment, crowding, or crookedness of teeth - Reluctance to have the face/mouth touched - Abnormal jaw alignment (overbite or underbite) If you notice any of these signs, it‘s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. They can assess your dog‘s teeth and bite and refer you to a veterinary dental specialist if needed. The earlier orthodontic issues are identified and treated, the better the outcome tends to be. What‘s the process of getting braces for a dog? If you suspect your dog could benefit from braces, the first step is scheduling a consultation with a veterinary dentist. These specialists have advanced training in animal dentistry beyond vet school, including orthodontics. There are only a few hundred board-certified veterinary dentists in the U.S., so you may need to travel to see one. At the initial orthodontic consultation, the veterinary dentist will thoroughly examine your dog‘s mouth, teeth, and jaw alignment. They‘ll likely take X-rays and digital impressions of the teeth to get detailed measurements and make treatment plans. If your dog‘s misaligned teeth are determined to be severe, painful, or detrimental to their health, the veterinary dentist will walk you through the options and give their recommendation. For some cases, braces may be the way to go. In others, alternatives like tooth extraction or crown height reduction could be the more appropriate treatment. If braces are deemed the best course of action, your dog will be scheduled for the installation procedure. This is done under general anesthesia for the safety and comfort of your pet, and to allow the veterinary dentist to work with precision. The specifics of installation depend on the type of braces, but may involve bonding brackets to the teeth, taking impressions for aligners, and/or placing spacers between the teeth. After the braces are placed or the aligners delivered, you‘ll be given detailed instructions for home dental care during the orthodontic treatment process. Most dogs need to come back for regular checkups and adjustments every 2-6 weeks, so be prepared for some recurring vet visits. You may be sent home from the initial brace installation with pain medication and/or antibiotics for your dog as well. How long do dogs wear braces? In general, the orthodontic treatment time for dogs is quicker than for humans. Rather than 1-2 years, dogs usually wear braces for just a few weeks to a few months at most. This is because we‘re often addressing more isolated dental issues in dogs, rather than trying to perfectly align every tooth like with human braces. The specific treatment time depends on the severity of the misalignment as well as how quickly the dog‘s teeth respond to the adjustments. Some dogs with very minor malocclusion may only need to wear braces for 4-8 weeks. More complex cases, like correcting a significant overbite or underbite, may take 3-6 months. Your veterinary dentist will evaluate your dog‘s progress at each adjustment appointment and give you a time estimate. Caring for a dog with braces One of the factors a veterinary dentist will consider when deciding if braces are right for a dog is the ability of the owner to commit to any necessary aftercare. Caring for a dog with braces isn‘t hard, but does require some extra steps: - Daily brushing: You‘ll need to brush your dog‘s teeth and braces at least once a day, ideally after every meal, to prevent plaque and food debris from building up around the orthodontic appliances. Your vet may prescribe a special toothpaste or oral rinse to use. - Periodic checks: In between adjustment appointments, you should periodically check your dog‘s braces for any issues like loose bands, broken wires, or irritation to the mouth. Contact your vet right away if you notice any problems. - Restricted chews: Dogs with braces shouldn‘t have access to very hard chews and toys that could damage the orthodontics. Opt for softer dental chews and toy options instead. With some extra vigilance and care, most dogs do very well with braces and get through the orthodontic treatment process without any complications. Cost of dog braces Now for the question all dog owners want to know – how much do braces cost for dogs? As you might expect, braces aren‘t cheap. The cost depends on your location, the specific veterinary dentist, the complexity of the case, and the type of orthodontic appliance used. On average, dog owners can expect to pay anywhere from $1500 to $5000 for braces treatment. Before you balk too hard at the price, consider how much untreated dental problems can cost over your dog‘s life. Severe malocclusion makes it difficult for dogs to eat and can lead to a host of other oral health issues, from tooth decay to jaw pain to gum disease. The cost of addressing these secondary problems over the years can easily exceed that of braces. If the cost is still prohibitive, ask your vet about payment plan options or alternative treatments. Depending on your case, it could be more affordable to extract problem teeth or correct malocclusion with crown height reduction (carefully shaving down the height of overgrown teeth) rather than orthodontics. Do all dogs with dental issues need braces? Braces are just one of the tools veterinary dentists have in their toolbox to address canine orthodontic issues. Many dogs with mild malocclusion may not need any intervention at all, or may benefit from alternatives to braces such as: - Tooth extraction: For serious cases of overcrowding, extracting one or more problematic teeth can allow the remaining teeth to shift into better alignment naturally. - Crown height reduction: When teeth are overgrown and causing issues, selectively shaving down the height of the crowns can help even out the bite and relieve pain. - Ball therapy: Some dogs with linguoverted mandibular canines can be trained to pick up and hold a toy ball, which can help naturally push the teeth outward over time. The goal of braces is to correct malocclusion and relieve pain, not to give dogs a movie star smile. Veterinary dentists will always choose the most conservative treatment that gets the job done for the benefit of the dog. Never ask a vet to give your dog braces unless it‘s medically warranted. Preventing dental problems in dogs The best way to avoid the need for orthodontics is to be proactive about your dog‘s dental health throughout their life. With good preventative care, many common dental problems in dogs can be avoided: - Brush your dog‘s teeth regularly (ideally every day) at home - Use dental chews, treats, and toys to promote oral health - Feed a high-quality, balanced diet for optimal tooth and gum strength - Visit the vet annually for dental checkups and professional cleaning as needed - Know the signs of dental disease and get problems checked out early While you can‘t control genetic factors like a dog being born with a misaligned jaw, staying on top of oral hygiene can prevent many acquired orthodontic and dental issues. If an issue does arise, swift intervention can keep it from getting worse. No dog (or owner) wants to deal with braces, so it‘s well worth investing in preventative dental care. The bottom line on dog braces Dog braces are a safe and effective treatment for severe canine dental misalignment, but aren‘t necessary for every case of malocclusion. Trust your veterinarian and veterinary dental specialist to determine if orthodontic correction is right for your dog. The goal of braces is never to give dogs an artificially perfect smile, but to relieve pain and restore normal oral function. While they might not be thrilled with their new metallic look, dogs with braces often experience a dramatic improvement in quality of life once their orthodontic issues are resolved. As a loving dog owner, you play an important role in maintaining your pup‘s dental health. Brush regularly, provide dental chews, schedule annual cleanings, and don‘t ignore signs of oral discomfort. Together with your vet, you can help keep your dog smiling for years to come – with or without braces! --- Source: [Can Dogs Get Braces? Needs & When To Get Them](https://33rdsquare.com/can-dogs-get-braces-needs-when-to-get-them/)