Correct and incorrect dental bite in dogs - underbite in a puppy photo

A dog's teeth are of particular importance. It is snow-white, healthy and strong fangs that are the key to a dog’s excellent appetite, ideal digestion, and, as a result, excellent health. Direct bite in dogs is also of unconditional importance - it is this sign of health that will be discussed in the article. We will find out how important it is for a dog to form a correct bite, learn the main types of bites, and figure out how to correct improper jaw closure.

Correct bite. Snack. Underbite.

Bite in dogs is the relationship between the dentition of the upper and lower jaw. The type of bite in a dog is determined by the nature of the closure of the dentition and can be of four types: scissor-shaped (“scissors”), straight (“pincers”), overshot, undershot. The bites listed above depend on the length and position of the jaws. In addition, the bite can change for various reasons, and be, for example, floating (a temporary phenomenon in puppies due to a soft, undeveloped jaw), skewed (improper tooth growth, trauma, congenital anomalies) or alveolar (improper inclination of the teeth) .

Chinese crested bite

The normal bite of a Chinese Crested dog is described by the standard as a scissor bite (or, as dog lovers call it, “scissors”). With this type of bite, the upper canines slightly cover the lower ones. In this case, the lower canines should enter the interdental space between the upper extreme incisor and the upper canine, but the surfaces of the teeth should not touch.

CORRECT BITE

DIRECT BITE

Straight bite in an adult dog

CHILDREN'S UNDERBITE

The bite should be formed by the age of 45-50 days (about 1.5 months) - at the time of activation of the puppy. Sometimes, however, there are puppies whose lower jaw seems to be slightly pushed back. This is the so-called “children’s underbite” or it is also called “deep bite”.

The reason for puppy underbite can be explained very simply - baby teeth are very small and take up relatively little space on the jaw. The gap that remains between the jaws, and which is so similar to an underbite, is free space for larger molars. As you grow, after changing teeth, this deficiency is corrected without any intervention.

Children's underbite, which will improve with age

UNDERBITE

Underbite is a pronounced gap between the incisors of the upper and lower jaw. Underbite is an unacceptable form of bite for the Chinese Crested. Such dogs should be excluded from breeding activities and sold without the right to participate in exhibitions and breeding.

A very severe underbite can cause the fangs of the lower jaw to injure the gums of the upper jaw. In this case, it is recommended to remove the lower canines and the dog can lead a normal life. Underbite no longer affects the dog's health in any way.

Since we are talking about underbite, dogs also have another form of overbite - compensated underbite. Compensated underbite is characterized by some shortening of the lower jaw in combination with an alveolar inclination of the incisors and canines. Thus, the lower jaw is significantly shorter than the upper jaw, but the incisors and canines on the lower jaw are located at such an angle that they come into contact with the upper teeth and form a tight scissor bite.

SNACK

An underbite is a form of bite in which the incisors of the lower jaw are located in front of the incisors of the upper jaw (the so-called “bulldog” or “bulldog jaw”). Overbiting is an unacceptable form of overbite for a Chinese Crested. Such dogs should be excluded from breeding activities and sold without the right to participate in exhibitions and breeding.

A very pronounced undershot can be noticeable when looking at the dog’s face - the lower jaw protrudes, the tongue or fang sticks out. In this case, you can remove the protruding teeth, or contact a veterinary dentist.

Very often, a puppy’s malocclusion can form when the owner allows the change of baby teeth to molars to happen. Due to impaired tooth growth, the puppy’s teeth change process incorrectly and an incorrect bite is formed. For example, a primary canine does not allow the molar to grow properly, which causes the molar to move the incisors. Read the article - Changing baby teeth in a puppy.

Correction of canine position disorders in dogs and cats

F. Genne

Violation of the position of the canines is a change in the bite, which affects their functional state.

Incorrect canine alignment can be caused by a misalignment of the primary teeth or an abnormality in the size of the mandible.

The categories of these deviations from the norm are determined by the orientation of the canines in space.

The first part of the article presents a classification of violations of the position of the canines, while the second discusses the issue of ways to eliminate defects.

Classification

Abnormalities in the position of the teeth In the transverse projection An anomaly in the position of the fangs is much more often noted in the transverse projection. It is mainly found at the level of the lower canines, the position of which has a pronounced direction towards the tongue.

This anomaly, called canine convergence, refers to linguoversion (severe inclination of the canines towards the tongue) or linguoposition (severe displacement of dental implants towards the tongue). The etiology of these dental disorders is not well understood. If in small breeds of animals the persistence of primary canines is the main factor of these disorders, then in others this cause of defect is encountered much less frequently. Also, the lower canines may have a pronounced inclination in the lateral direction (vestibular version), which is also called divergence.

As for the upper canines, violation of their position is much less common. We can observe their deviation towards the palate (due to the persistence of baby teeth).

In lateral projection In dogs and cats, rostral deviation (rostroversion) of the upper canines can also be observed. This is most often observed in small breeds of dogs (Yorkshire terrier, poodle, dwarf dachshund, etc.) due to the persistence of primary canines. In addition, depending on the breed, the persistence of primary canines causes a more or less pronounced disturbance in the position of the permanent canines. This feature is typical for Italian and Scottish Italian greyhounds (photo 1). In any case, particularly in these breeds, it is very difficult to establish whether the persistence of the primary canine is the cause of this type of disorder or whether it provokes rostroversion of the primary canine.

In cats of brachycephalic breeds (Persians, exotics), these disorders are of a specific nature. If there is rostrodeviation of the upper canines in association with the persistence of primary teeth, then it should be borne in mind that one of the reasons for the intensity of this pathology is the maxillary-facial modification that we observe in brachycephalic breeds. As for the lower canines, the violation of their position is caused by the rostral deviation of the upper canine or a skeletal anomaly, characteristic of brachycephals.

Vertical projection A fairly common anomaly in the position of the canines in the vertical projection is egression (progression of one or more teeth that do not have antagonists), and it is observed mainly in small breeds of dogs. Egression is also noted with malocclusion.

Violation of the position of the teeth associated with changes in the structure of the skeleton In the transverse projection As for the violation of the position of the main teeth at the level of the lower canines (“convergent canines”), it is recommended to introduce the term mandibular endognathium (narrowing of the lower jaw). This skeletal anomaly in transverse view corresponds to a pronounced "internal" displacement of the position of the canines in relation to the maxilla.

In the lateral projection In the case of upper or lower prognathism (or brachygnathism), a violation of the position of the upper canines in relation to the lower canines is noted, due to the shortening of one of the jaws.

These two anomalies are regrouped because they are predominantly volumetric anomalies (transverse and sagittal projection), in which the mandible is narrower or shorter (micromandibularia). In this case, the lower canines have a more internal and caudal position.

Guide to action

Reason for consultation and medical history There are two reasons for consulting a doctor:

1. mainly rostral deviation or divergence of the lower canines (the aesthetic factor plays a role here);
2. indications for treatment in case of anomaly of the lower canines in the transverse projection (convergent canines) or in the case of rostroversion of the upper canines or micromandibulia.

The main causative factors that must be taken into account are: breed, how long ago the anomaly occurred, the state of occlusion due to the replacement or spontaneous loss of primary teeth, the presence of primary teeth, as well as the presence of anomalies during the growth period.

Determining the severity of the violation The main significance is the violation of the position of the lower canines. Due to their size, changes in the position of these teeth, mainly in the transverse projection, negatively affect the condition of the gums or palate. Sometimes the disease develops before the change of baby teeth, but becomes more pronounced from the moment the permanent teeth appear (from the age of five months). Treatment should be carried out before the age of one year (photo 5, 6).

Rostral deviation of the upper canines provokes a more or less complete closure of the space between the teeth (forming the shape of an angle) into which the lower canines lie. Consequently, the lower canine, subject as a result of the above changes to a certain degree of lateral (vestibuloversion) and/or rostral (rostroversion) deviation, provokes injury to the upper lip or covers it.

Making a diagnosis At the beginning of the consultation, it is necessary to carry out a differential diagnosis, if possible, between skeletal anomalies and a violation of the position of the tooth.

An external clinical examination of the patient allows one to assess the degree of symmetry of the skull and facial surface of the head, as well as the position and shape of the main elements of the skeleton.

An oral cavity examination allows you to evaluate:

• occlusion of incisors, canines and premolars; • position of premolars (overfilling, rotation or displacement); • the shape of the mandible (straightness and parallelism in terms of occlusion or curvature with an open bite or gaping at the premolar level).

Before starting treatment, it is necessary to very carefully and completely examine the oral cavity under general anesthesia, which also makes it possible to conduct radiographic examinations inside the oral cavity. Radiography makes it possible to identify remaining fragments of the roots of primary teeth (photo 2), as well as to assess the stage of development of the roots of the corresponding teeth.

Treatment

Lower canines Lingual deviation of the lower canines Lingual deviation of the lower canines is most often accompanied by disturbances in the position of the teeth (linguoversion or linguoposition), the orthodontic treatment of which is quite well developed.

If baby teeth are still present, it is recommended to remove them immediately with care so as not to damage the root. In case of doubt, X-rays are used.

The decision for orthodontic treatment can be made when the lower canines have grown to half their height, which corresponds to the animal's age of approximately six months. The therapeutic option (choice), depending on the situation, is to install an active appliance between the lower canines or a passive one, which is also called functional, used on the upper jaw (at an angle).

If treatment is carried out before the full growth of the canines (at the age of 7 months), it is recommended to use:

• active flexible, usually hinged apparatus, so as not to change the direction of divergent growth of the lower canines; • functional appliance (angled), removable, designed for the upper jaw, which does not put pressure on the lower canines.

In addition, the transverse growth of the maxilla should not be inhibited during this period, which requires the use of an inclined hinged or “telescopic” appliance that meets these requirements (photo 7, 8). In adults it can be used with a fixed inclination.

Lingual and caudal deviation of the lower canines • Orthodontic treatment If the anomaly seen in the sagittal projection (caudal deviation) is not so pronounced, then a functional appliance (at an angle) can be used to correct the tooth(s) while simultaneously performing rostroversion (moving forward) or vestibuloversion (lateral displacement). During the examination, we can determine the boundary of the first third of the length of the upper canine (photo 6). The lower canines, which extend beyond its limits when the jaws are clenched (Figure 1, Photo 8), should be treated primarily in a different way: with the help of an active, more complex orthodontic apparatus (Photos 9, 10) or by amputation of the crown.

• Crown amputation Endodontic therapy is a priority when orthodontic treatment is contraindicated or undesirable. It allows you to avoid injury to the palate caused by the fangs if they are incorrectly positioned (photo 4, 8). This method of treatment is resorted to when the animals are over seven months old, because this corresponds to the period of formation of secondary, that is, more durable dentin at the crown level. This treatment is based on amputation of the upper part of the crown (approximately half). The tooth is then subjected to partial devitalization by eliminating the pulp (pulpotomy or partial pulpectomy). As a result of the manipulation, the formation of secondary dentin in the tooth crown is suspended. And vice versa, in its radicular (root) part the pulp is preserved: for this purpose we place a biological coating (“pulp combing”), which allows us to maintain its vital activity (normal root maturation) and in particular the closure of the apex (apexogenesis) and thickening of the root part of the wall tooth (secondary dentinogenesis). X-ray control for an objective assessment of its physiological formation is carried out after four or six months (photo 11, 12).

Rostral and vestibular deviation of the lower canines In case of deviation of one or two lower canines outward (lateral) and forward (rostral), the upper lip is captured, which is the reason for consultation. If the deviation is mild, then the canine(s) may rest against the upper lip.

This positional imbalance, either unilateral or bilateral, is common in brachycephalic cat breeds in association with skeletal disharmony. In this case, orthodontic treatment is not recommended, since the disorder occurs not at the level of the teeth, but at the skeleton. In cases where a violation of the position of the teeth is not associated with a skeletal abnormality, it is often unilateral (one-sided) in nature. The lower canine may be in a state of rostroversion due to that of the upper canine or an incorrect inclination of the tooth.

Orthodontic correction of canine alignment disorders involves the use of an active device that has an elastic module. Anchoring should be performed at least at the level of the lower premolars and molars to ensure secure anchorage.

Upper canines Rostral deviation In cases of severe rostroversion of the upper canines, the therapeutic choice is focused on tooth extraction or orthodontic treatment.

Treatment of this tooth pathology cannot be neglected, since the lack of its functional activity predisposes to the development of periodontal disease.

Due to the fact that this anomaly is mainly found in small breeds of dogs, this already indicates a high predisposition to the development of periodontal disease in them. Orthodontic treatment involves moving the upper canine back. This manipulation, due to the large volume of the root and, therefore, reliable fixation of the canine, requires a delicate approach.

Another difficulty is that the lower canine is in the path of the upper canine when it is displaced back and, if the anomaly is pronounced, then the visible part of the crown of the upper canine is very limited in size (photo 1). Finally, to ensure stability of the anchoring, multiple teeth must be involved. In this case, the active apparatus may consist of several buckles and/or elastic modules (photo 13, 14). The force of the elastic modules is adjusted using an orthodontic dynamometer.

An approximate standard when working with a cat is the force it produces, which is approximately 150 g (photo 15). The found normal occlusion of the upper canine relative to the caudal aspect of the lower canine may reduce the phase of natural retention provided by the interdigitation (cohesion) of these teeth.

Root maturation is regularly monitored using radiographic examination, which makes it possible to ensure the quality of orthodontic treatment, which does not have a negative effect on the pulp and root of the tooth (photo 3, 4).

Hygiene of the vestibule of the oral cavity and teeth is very important, and during the treatment period it must be carried out regularly. For this purpose, chlorhexidine gel is used, which is used daily by applying it to the teeth and gums.

Deviation of the palate, causing a violation of the position of the upper canines Deviation of the palate, causing a violation of the position of the upper canines, is an extremely rare anomaly in brachycephalic breeds of cats. It occurs due to the persistence of primary fangs. These teeth often cause aggression.

Malocclusion can be corrected very early orthodontically from the moment the canine reaches one third of its height. In this case, an active mini-device in the form of an elastic buckle is used, which makes it possible to tilt the upper canine in the lateral direction (photo 16). Treatment does not always allow achieving complete egression of the tooth.

Conclusion

Violations of the position of the canines are common and are the cause of a violation of their occlusion, which is responsible for the disruption of their functional activity, which should not be neglected.

The clinician must offer adequate treatment. Scientific knowledge and its practical application in the treatment of animals are constantly evolving in veterinary medicine. Lack of treatment or tooth extraction is currently not the only solution to this problem. The veterinarian, depending on the wishes of the animal owner and his capabilities, either independently chooses the method of treatment or consults with his colleague.

SVM 4/2005

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Odontostomatology Orthodontic system Bite

Prevention

Malocclusion is not always a congenital genetic feature. In most cases, simple preventive measures will help avoid this defect. We will talk about these measures further.

First of all, you need to pay attention to the proper nutrition of your pet. It is important to ensure that his diet contains enough calcium, vitamin D3 and other important microelements. Dry food must be selected strictly according to the age category of the animal. If you feed your puppy natural food, take care of additional vitamin and mineral supplements.

Bring your dog to the veterinarian regularly. This issue should be given particular importance when baby teeth are replaced by molars. During this period, the bite is often disturbed due to captive baby teeth: therefore, if necessary, the latter are removed. Sometimes the dog's chewing of hard toys and objects can help the rapid loss of baby teeth.

If your puppy has started to develop an incorrect bite, a rubber ring installed by a veterinarian will help correct the situation at an early stage. It is only important not to let the situation take its course, and take measures to correct the problem as early as possible.

Attention : all preventive measures should be taken when the dog is still a puppy: the earlier, the better.

So, we have learned what a correct bite in dogs is, and how such a defect can be eliminated. As you can see, the incorrect position of the teeth has a negative impact not only on the dog’s appearance, but is also harmful to its health. Pay attention to the position of your pet’s teeth, and be sure to contact a competent veterinarian in a timely manner if there is a need to correct the bite.

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Consequences of malocclusion in dogs

In each individual case, the need and expediency of correction must be determined by a veterinarian. If we start from the facts, then the wrong consequences of a malocclusion in a dog, indeed, often lead to injuries to the palate, tongue, gums and other dental problems. And poor-quality chewing of food unnecessarily loads the digestive system.

But sometimes a slight deviation does not prevent the animal from living a full life and does not cause harm. Then there is no need to correct the bite. In any case, such dogs no longer participate in exhibitions and are not used for breeding.

How does the deviation develop?

• Games that put a lot of stress on your teeth. This mistake is often made by owners of fighting breed dogs, for some reason believing that from early childhood the animal should carry bricks, rays in its teeth or hang from a stick.
• Impaired development of the jaw and teeth can be caused by poor nutrition, or rather, a lack of minerals in the diet.
• Jaw trauma sustained in childhood often leads to impaired bone formation and changes in bite.
• And, of course, heredity plays an important role.

A dog that has even minor pathologies is not allowed to breed.

Puppies are always born without teeth. The first baby tooth appears only after a few weeks. True, in just two to three months the deciduous row is fully formed and has 28 teeth. Almost immediately the change from dairy products to indigenous ones begins.

At the age of 7-8 months, the animal should have a fully formed dentition, which consists of 42 permanent teeth. But in some animals this amount may be less, then they speak of partial teeth (oligodontia). If there are more teeth, then polyodontia or polyodontia.

The danger of malocclusion

A bite that requires correction is a matter of both aesthetics and health. Due to dental diseases, which are a consequence, internal organs and the oral mucosa suffer, and sinusitis may develop.

It is especially important to have a good bite for animals that attend exhibitions and are involved in breeding work. The anomaly can be inherited, and such offspring will not have the required value.

Why does the bite develop incorrectly?

• hereditary factor;
• disturbed sequence of tooth changes;
• injuries;
• lack of minerals in the diet;
• “overload” of growing teeth;
• excessively large molars.

You can detect a malocclusion in a dog that has reached a certain age. As a rule, the owner notices pathology in the puppy’s jaws after four months. You should immediately begin to correct the bite before it is too late. In dogs after a year, it is much more difficult to achieve the desired result due to the compaction of the jaw bones and overgrown molars.

Correct and incorrect bite in dogs

First, let's get acquainted with the norm. The small teeth that are located between the canines are called incisors. Fangs and incisors are used to capture food. Immediately following the canines are the premolars and molars, or molars. Their function is to chew.

The correct bite in dogs is scissor bite.

, is the standard for most breeds. When the jaws are closed, the lower incisors slightly extend beyond the upper ones, and the canines are in close contact with each other, while the lower canine should fit into the gap between the upper and the incisor. If we talk about malocclusion, there are several types:

1. Underbite – the lower jaw is underdeveloped or the upper jaw is overdeveloped, which is why the lower incisors do not touch the upper ones.
2. Overshot - the lower jaw is longer, and, accordingly, the lower incisors protrude forward. For some breeds, such as boxers, shih tzus, French and English bulldogs, this overbite is normal.
3. Direct bite (pincer-shaped) - when, when the jaws are closed, the surfaces of the teeth touch end-to-end. This leads to premature wear and early loss of teeth.
4. An open bite is when the mouth is closed and the teeth do not touch.
5. Crooked bite is considered a severe hereditary defect and appears when one side of the jaw develops faster. One of the lower canines is often displaced inward and causes damage to the upper palate.

Scissor bite

Representatives of the canid genus are known to belong to the group of predators. In the wild, such animals hunt other animals in order to feed themselves. Therefore, the structure of the jaws of canids, including dogs, is designed primarily to grab and hold prey. In this regard, the most physiological is the scissor bite.

This jaw structure is considered normal for most dog breeds. Animals with such a bite have much less wear and pain in their teeth. This structure is considered the norm, for example, for Caucasian and German shepherds, terriers, pinschers, and Dobermans. That is, the correct bite in dogs of most breeds is a scissor bite.

In this case, dogs’ jaws are developed harmoniously. The front surface of the lower incisors is tightly adjacent to the back surface of the upper ones. The canines of dogs with this type of bite meet in a “lock.” In this case, the lower incisors rest against the base of the upper ones. Photos of the bite in dogs of this variety can be seen above.

Video. Showing Teeth - Puppy Training

Recently, more and more dog owners have been turning to the issue of dental pathology in dogs, since dental diseases in pets very often cause chronic damage to the stomach, intestines, skin, joints, kidneys, respiratory organs and even the heart. It is known that the state of an animal’s digestive system affects both the overall well-being of the animal and its economically useful qualities.

Malocclusion in dogs is one of the most common oral pathologies. It makes it difficult to both eat and chew food. In addition, incorrect location and shape of teeth injure the mucous membrane of the gums, cheeks, tongue and lips and can cause sinusitis. Dogs with malocclusions do not participate in exhibitions, and even successful correction of the bite in such animals does not allow them to take part in breeding work, because Any pathology of the jaws is often genetic in nature.

The reasons for the development of malocclusion can be:

Hereditary, genetic abnormalities; — developmental disorder; - games and training with improper load on growing teeth; - lack of minerals in the diet; - injuries; - untimely change of teeth; - discrepancy between the size of the teeth and the size of the jaws, too large molars.

Orthodontics is a branch of veterinary dentistry that deals with the correction and prevention of malocclusions. At the moment, a veterinary dentist has a large number of devices for correcting bites in both puppies and adults. The sooner bite correction in dogs occurs, the easier and faster it is possible to achieve good results. With age, the compaction of the jaw bones leads to a significant slowdown in bone remodeling processes. Braces are special designs for straightening teeth and correcting bites.

Puppies are born completely toothless. At 3-4 weeks from birth, their baby teeth begin to erupt. The first to appear are the incisors (4 – 6 weeks), then the canines (3 – 5 weeks) and premolars (5 – 6 weeks). The total number of milk teeth is 28; after a change of teeth, the normal dental formula of a dog is already 42 teeth; moreover, these teeth differ not only in number, but also in size. They are much larger than their dairy predecessors. But sometimes some animals have incomplete teeth (oligodontia) or the presence of extra teeth (polyodontia, hyperdontia).

The replacement of baby teeth and the eruption of permanent teeth begins at the 4th month in the following order: from 3 to 5 months the incisors change, from 4 to 7 months the canines change. The first premolar first grows from the molars (at 4-6 months) and is not replaced (that is, it has no milk analogue), then three molars grow and also remain forever (5-7 months). Thus, by seven months the change of teeth should be completely completed.

In small decorative dog breeds, false polyodontia (non-loss of milk teeth, double row of teeth) is often observed. The main reasons for this phenomenon: - insufficient development of chewing muscles, - insufficient resorption of the roots of baby teeth, - reduction in the size of the jaws and gums with teeth practically unchanged in shape, - diet errors (soft and liquid food, lack of calcium in the diet).

BITE ANOMALIES

Prognathia (underbite) is the insufficient development of the lower jaw when its incisors do not reach the upper ones. There may be a gap between the upper and lower incisors when the mouth is closed. The upper premolars are displaced at least twenty-five percent anterior to the lower premolars. This malocclusion is not considered normal in any breed.

Progenia (overbite, bulldog bite, reverse scissor bite) occurs when the lower incisors protrude in front of the upper incisors. In some short-faced breeds (boxers, English and French bulldogs, Shih Tzu), this type of bite is considered normal. When the edges of the upper and lower incisors touch each other, the occlusion is called “direct bite.” Constant contact between the upper and lower incisors can cause uneven wear, periodontal disease, and early tooth loss. A straight bite is considered normal in some breeds, although it is actually a variant of progeny.

An anterior crossbite occurs when the canines and premolars on both sides meet normally, but one or more of the lower incisors are positioned in front of the upper incisors. This dental position may be caused by games of tug of war, retention of baby teeth, and is not considered a genetic or hereditary defect.

A crooked mouth, or crooked bite, occurs when one side of the jaw grows faster than the other. A crooked bite is a severe hereditary defect. Internal displacement of the canine teeth occurs when the lower canine teeth point inward and often cause damage to the upper palate. This position occurs either due to retained baby teeth or due to an excessively narrow lower jaw.

An open bite in dogs occurs when some of the incisors are spaced vertically apart and do not touch each other. In this case, the animal’s tongue often hangs out.

Unerupted teeth remaining in the jaw after the time of their eruption are called impacted. This can be confirmed after a clinical examination and x-rays of the jaws. Deep-lying teeth can remain in the jaw for a long time. If they do not put pressure on neighboring teeth, do not cause their resorption or migration, or cause pain, there is no point in attempting to erupt and place them in the dentition.

All types of devices for correcting bites can be divided into removable and non-removable (braces).

The latest advancement in veterinary orthodontics, clear, removable aligners (invisible braces) were originally developed for humans. Their main advantage for animals is a one-time anesthesia for the doctor to take accurate impressions of the jaw. The ability to remove the aligners during meals and for hygiene procedures is also a significant convenience of this new technique.

Invisible mouth guards, made of acrylic, fit closely to the dog's teeth and press them in the desired direction. Once every one or two weeks, the aligners are replaced with others that differ by 1-2 mm, thus gradually moving the teeth in the desired direction. The laboratory prepares a series of sequential impressions to move the teeth in small increments.

The dog should wear the mouth guard for as many hours a day as possible. Pet owners should wash and brush these removable acrylic braces with toothpaste every day. In veterinary practice, the use of removable acrylic braces is still very limited, due to the high cost of this technology. More often, modified removable braces in the form of a rubber ring are used, which gives good results in small puppies.

Fixed structures are fixed for the entire period of bite correction. In this case, the orthodontist periodically tightens the plates, adjusting the degree of inclination and rotation of the tooth being corrected. Thus, by changing the pressure on individual teeth and the dentition as a whole, it is possible to quickly correct the bite.

A brace (from English - bracket) is a complex orthodontic device consisting of clasps and wires. Locks or braces are fixed to the teeth using a special glue. The wire can be of different shapes and, depending on this, exerts different pressures to solve specific orthodontic problems. The wire can be changed. The thicker its diameter, the greater the pressure exerted on the molars.

The key to success when using braces is following the rules of caring for them, avoiding mechanical damage when playing, avoiding solid foods and bones. Contraindications for installing braces include allergies, periodontitis, neoplasms, and ulcerative stomatitis.

Effective management of orthodontic problems in dogs involves making the correct diagnosis, determining the optimal treatment method (with a minimum amount of anesthesia) and advising owners about the possibility of their animal participating in breeding.

Occlusion is the position of the lower incisors relative to the upper ones. Correct - the upper jaw extends 1-2 mm forward above the lower jaw. Malocclusion in dogs is when the lower jaw is longer or shorter, which means it comes forward or remains at a considerable distance behind.

Malocclusion can be a defect for some breeds, and be the norm for others.

There is no one general norm for all breeds. For different breeds of dogs, different positions of the front teeth are considered standard. Hence another position - that for one breed it is a defect, for another it is a standard. Animals with malocclusion are not allowed to develop the breed. The defect is transmitted genetically and can appear after several generations. This situation is dangerous for maintaining the purity of the breed.

Veterinarians name several points that affect the correct bite.

If we ignore genetics, malocclusion develops in childhood. The position of teeth in adult animals depends on care - food, load on the jaws and teeth. Dog handlers monitor the development of teeth and consult with veterinarians at the slightest irregularities.

Puppies are characterized by a floating jaw position. This is due to bone growth. At 1.5 months, the teeth are finally formed.

Jaw abnormalities are affected by:

• improper metabolism;
• untimely replacement of baby teeth;
• jaw box injuries;

It is impossible to detect malocclusion in a puppy that is not yet 4 months old.

Important! It is impossible to detect malocclusion in an animal under 4 months of age.

Metabolic disorders

Lack of calcium and vitamin D leads to problems with teeth and jawbone. A growing body must receive the amount of vitamins and microelements required for the breed. If this process is not controlled, and with it an incorrect bite, the pet is guaranteed to suffer.

Untimely replacement of baby teeth

Untimely replacement of baby teeth leads to the fact that permanent teeth begin to grow on top of children's teeth. This leads to deformation and incorrect position. At the same time, the jaw remains correct. The bite is disturbed, the teeth become crooked. To prevent this from happening, take care of your baby teeth. As soon as the gums become inflamed and there are prerequisites for the appearance of permanent teeth, the milk teeth are removed if they have not fallen out on their own by this time.

Jaw box injuries

This situation is typical for mobile and active puppies. Games and chewing brains lead to injuries. Babies require close supervision. , furniture, household utensils. This habit is harmful not only to the home, but also to the health of the animal. The dentition is damaged and the jaw is injured. The result is an incorrect bite.

An incorrect bite can form due to trauma to the jaw suffered by the puppy during the change of teeth.

This situation is not very common for adult dogs. They are more careful. The cause of injury in an adult animal can be a blow to the head or jaw with a blunt object. Depending on the force of the blow and the degree of injury, there may be consequences for the dog. In some cases, the veterinarian cannot help the animal.

Many owners play tug of war without calculating their strength. The puppy's fragile jaw and weak teeth are irreparably damaged during such fun. If the bite is disturbed by such entertainment, it is difficult to correct it.

What parents need to pay attention to

Ages 3 to 6 years

It is necessary to pay attention to early signs that contribute to the occurrence of improper development of teeth and dentition.

Let us list the points that help a child’s teeth grow crooked:

• early loss of baby teeth,
• breathing disorders,
• closing of the child's lips during sleep,
• sluggish, slow chewing and swallowing,
• speech disorders,
• poor posture,
• bad habits - sucking fingers, tongue, objects.

When studying the survey data, it was revealed that the majority of patients (95%

) were referred to an orthodontist after 6 years.

I don’t doubt for a second that if you knew that your child could develop a malocclusion, you would immediately begin to follow the doctor’s advice: change your diet, eliminate bad habits, and perform therapeutic exercises. This relates to the question of how early you should see an orthodontist.

Why do something now, when it’s already clear that “the teeth are crooked, when they grow, then we’ll put braces on him”

In the modern world, orthodontics plays a huge role. The desire for a beautiful, even smile, the desire to have snow-white, straight teeth becomes the norm of life. Thus, it is obvious that by referring children in early childhood to an orthodontist, who can give professional advice on the prevention of dental anomalies, it is possible to prevent the formation of malocclusion in children. And avoid dental problems in adulthood.

My doctoral daily practice in communicating with children and parents shows a fairly good awareness of orthodontic treatment methods. About the existence of dental plates and braces

, we don’t have to talk about trainers for a long time - these types of orthodontic structures are the most common, widely known to both the small and adult population.

Early treatment takes advantage of progressive, irreversible tissue changes during tooth growth and eruption, targeting them to stop the development of the anomaly before significant dental and morphological compensation occurs.

The main task facing the orthodontist is the following: it is necessary to give the teeth the correct vector of development

, create conditions around the teeth for their optimal growth!

Dear friends, in early childhood, the orthodontist, together with the parents, is the coordinator of the correction of dental anomalies that form during the period of active growth of the child’s teeth. The consequences of inaction - that is, waiting until the child grows up and you install permanent braces or any other aggressive devices - are more difficult to treat and retain, and maintain the achieved result.

By using early orthodontic treatment, you and I have the unique ability to manage tooth eruption to minimize the need for future tooth movement.

Why are records needed?

Most practicing orthodontists find it difficult to determine exactly when it is worth interfering with the formation of malocclusion, and when Nature should still “do its thing.” This is because experience only comes after years of careful observation, and the decision to intervene is often driven by parental demands to “do something.”

Orthodontic care for a child consists of the use of preventive and therapeutic measures - myogymnastics, hardware and surgical treatment. The most common of them is the hardware method.

A dental plate is a passive removable orthodontic device, and if a screw or various spring elements are added, the design becomes an orthodontic device with active mechanical action. The activity and strength of the device depends on how many millimeters the doctor has extended and activated the spring, tightened the screw, etc. The fulcrum in them is the teeth and the alveolar process under the base, the regulating active part is a screw, a spring, and the clasp is a fixing part.

How to sleep with dental plaques, will my child swallow them at night while sleeping?

There is no reason to panic, dear friends, the orthodontic device (plate) in the correct individual high-quality production is sufficiently tightly fixed due to the hooking metal elements, as well as the anatomical shape.

When putting on the dental plate, you can hear a characteristic click - this is a positive thing. It is very important to properly remove and put the plates on your child’s teeth so as not to bend their wire elements, and also carefully monitor their cleanliness and maintain hygiene.

Bite correction in dogs

What to do if you decide to cure your dog’s malocclusion? Veterinary orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that specializes in the prevention of bite pathologies and studies possible treatment methods. Some breeders say that the bite can be corrected through massage.

But let's face it, this is stupid. Neither a massage of the upper jaw nor a massage of the lower jaw in any way affects the position of the teeth, much less the development of the bone. Correcting the bite is the task of an orthodontist in veterinary practice; if an incorrect bite requires the intervention of a doctor, removable and non-removable systems are used. Fixed staples or braces, similar to those used in medical dentistry. Special locks are fixed on the enamel and connected with a tensioned wire, thus creating the necessary pressure on the tooth, which corrects its direction. During the entire period of wearing the system, the doctor, as necessary, changes the tension of the plates.

Periodic inspections

To prevent the development of malocclusion in a pet, owners should also periodically check its oral cavity. In particular, this procedure often needs to be performed during the change of the puppy’s milk teeth. If the owner discovers that they are interfering with the growth of permanent ones, the pet should be immediately taken to the veterinarian. The specialist will remove the puppy’s baby tooth, and the permanent one will grow in the correct position.

For older puppies, the oral cavity is examined to identify abnormally growing teeth. Correcting a bite in young dogs is much easier than in adults. In order to achieve the correct position of the teeth, puppies usually simply wear a special rubber ring.

Elimination methods

No matter the age of the animal, you cannot solve the problem yourself. The anomaly can be corrected before the animal reaches 5-12 months of age.

Important! Only a veterinarian will correctly decide how to correct the defect and determine the treatment method. The owner’s task is to strictly follow the specialist’s instructions.

For puppies, this may include increased nutrition with the inclusion of various vitamin supplements. There may be special massages and exercises to develop certain muscles and bones.

Dogs get braces. They come in 2 types. Removable – silicone. Installed on the incisors for constant, uniform pressure on the teeth. They are tightened as necessary.

Fixed - a system of pins or plates. As the teeth grow, it is tightened. For adults - surgery. In any case, the doctor decides what and how to do.

Before you decide to have your pet's teeth adjusted, you should decide how necessary it is.

Our specialists

Akhtanin Alexander Pavlovich

Orthopedic dentist, implantologist

Experience 35 years

Chief physician of the clinic, Implant Specialist (Boston, USA). He has been installing implants since 1996.

Akhtanin Evgeniy Alexandrovich

Dental surgeon, implantologist

13 years of implantation experience

Certified Straumann Young Professional. Member of the international association of implantologists ITI.

Akhtanin Alexander Alexandrovich

Orthopedic dentist, implantologist

10 years implantation experience

Member of the international association of implantologists ITI. Trained in Germany at the Charite University Clinic.

Malocclusion as a source of health problems in dogs

Full health of a dog means the good condition of all its organs and systems, including teeth. Unfortunately, these friendly animals, which have served man faithfully for a long time, have not been spared many “human” diseases. One of them is an incorrect bite in a dog.

For breeding puppies or service breed dogs, this disease becomes a death sentence, excluding the right to serve or breed. In addition, this deficiency greatly affects the dog’s overall health.

Owner actions

A responsible owner must understand that a corrected bite in a pet does not mean that no matter how good its exterior is, this representative can participate in breeding. A female or male will definitely pass this defect on to her offspring.

After getting braces, your dog needs to be treated daily so that food does not accumulate under the steel mechanism, irritating the gums. The mandatory cleaning ritual takes little time, the animal quickly gets used to it and the teeth remain healthy.

.

a special collar on him.

. The collar is not removed until the dog stops paying attention to the braces.

Dentures for dogs

A pathological bite in a dog, as already mentioned, easily leads to various types of dental problems in the pet. It is often impossible to correct this defect. In this case, dogs' teeth wear down very quickly. And so that the animal does not have problems with the gastrointestinal tract, in this case it is possible to order prostheses for it.

The technology for performing a dental procedure is similar to the technique for installing crowns in humans. Such a procedure is, of course, expensive. But it also helps to maintain your pet’s health very effectively. Unlike people, dogs often have metal teeth inserted into them. After all, such crowns are cheaper than ceramic ones.

Currently, not all veterinary clinics provide dental installation services for dogs. But finding a specialist who has the skills to install crowns on animals in our time will not be difficult, including in Russia.

Consequences of malocclusion for a dog's health

The chewing apparatus is the beginning of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, disturbances in its structure inevitably affect the functioning of the digestive system:

• difficulty in eating and chewing food causes gastrointestinal disorders;
• severe malocclusion can cause oral injuries;
• loose jaw closure leads to constant drooling, which means the appearance of weeping eczema and dermatitis.

At the same time, if minor deviations from the norm do not worsen the quality of life of the animals, then correcting the bite in dogs may not be necessary.

In any case, the final decision on further actions must be made by a veterinarian orthodontist.

Surgical methods for correcting bites

If the pathology of the bite is associated with improper development of the jaws, then often in such cases they resort to surgical methods.

Underbite in a French Bulldog dog

The x-ray shows that underbite is the cause of the short lower jaw (Fig. 1,2.). In this case, only surgical correction of the bite is possible. After the surgical operation, the lower jaw was lengthened (Fig. 3,4.).

Types of bite

Let's consider what types of bites exist (from normal to pathological) and what evil can be expected from the incorrect arrangement of teeth.

The main functions of dog teeth are:

1. Capturing prey. It is carried out by fangs and incisors. Four fangs (2 on each jaw) have an elongated, slightly curved shape. Between them there are smaller incisors.
2. Chewing food. This task is performed by molars (premolars and molars). They are located at the back, behind the fangs.

Normal bite

Normal bite (orthognathia) is also called scissor bite. When the mouth is closed, the lower incisors should press closely against the back of the upper incisors. A scissor bite ensures normal chewing of food, protects the soft tissues of the oral cavity from traumatic disorders, and ensures normal retention of prey.

Purebred dogs that have deviations from this form of jaw closure are always mercilessly disqualified and not allowed for breeding. The reason for this strictness is that bite defects often begin to form as a result of genetic disorders. This pathology can be inherited.

Pathological bite

There are several options for pathological bite:

• A straight (pincer) bite is sometimes considered a normal variant. The incisors of the lower and upper jaws touch with their cutting edges. In this position, these teeth are subject to a large load for which they are not designed. The disadvantage of this bite is the rapid grinding of the incisors. The remaining teeth are not affected.
• Undershot (prognathia). A shortened lower jaw causes the incisors to not touch each other. Canines, premolars and molars take on the entire load, which leads to their rapid wear. Undershot is considered a disqualifying characteristic for all dog breeds without exception.
• Snack (progenia). The peculiarity of the structure of the muzzle is such that the lower jaw protrudes far forward, opening the incisors. Bulldogs and boxers have this skull structure. Therefore, for dogs of these breeds, snacking is not a defect.
• Asymmetrical bite. Formed when one side of the jaw is more developed than the other. May be a common cause of health problems. This is a disqualifying sign that applies to all breeds of dogs.
• Open bite. It is formed due to improper growth of the incisors, which do not close at all when the jaws are closed.

Pincer bite

This type of bite is considered a problem and a defect for most dog breeds. However, it is not considered to be a very significant disadvantage.

In the pincer-shaped form, the upper and lower incisors rest against each other. As a result of this situation, they quickly wear down and the teeth become unusable. Fangs and molars are not affected.

The pincer-like arrangement of the jaws can be congenital or acquired.

Attention! This condition can occur when the puppy is played with a lot of tug games. As a result, the lower teeth may move forward.

Causes of malocclusions

The most common cause of malocclusion, unfortunately, cannot be eliminated. This is a hereditary factor. The only way to prevent its spread to offspring is to deprive genetically inferior animals of permission to breed.

In addition, this pathology can also be acquired. It is most often caused by insufficient care of the puppy. There are several such factors:

1. Repeated heavy loads on the teeth of a young animal during active games of tug are very unhelpful for him. You need to carefully control the force with which the puppy pulls the coveted toy.
2. The consequences of trauma and damage to the jaws when chewing bones and hard objects often lead to malocclusion.
3. Violation of the timing of the loss of milk teeth leads to the fact that the growing molars, bumping into the missing milk teeth, change their direction of growth.
4. Lack of calcium, vitamin D, and an unbalanced diet lead to rickets and gradually deform the bite.
5. Abnormally short labial frenulums cause the teeth to be compressed, causing the bite to become pathological.

Why is the bite deformed?

There are several reasons for malocclusion. This phenomenon may be congenital, or it may become acquired over a period of time. Main reasons:

• Most often it is a genetic problem, which is why purebred dogs suffer, especially small breeds (Papillons, lapdogs, corgis). It is worth noting that puppies are carefully culled and are never used to breed dogs with jaw defects.
• Injuries can cause dental problems. Especially those that occur at a young age.
• Defects can develop due to a lack of nutrients and minerals. At the same time, the lack of such elements in a pregnant bitch will also have a negative impact on the puppy.
• Violent games, when there is a lot of stress on the jaw, can also provoke a problem in the future. As a result, a dog may grow up with teeth forward.

Attention! Malocclusion in pets can also be caused by poor nutrition and lack of nutrients, resulting in dental problems.

Incorrect positioning of teeth causes many problems for your pet.

How to solve a problem

Acquired malocclusions can be corrected. This is not a task for one week or even a year, but the efforts will be generously rewarded. Upon completion of treatment, the dog will be able to take part in exhibitions and will be allowed to breed.

But even if the owner does not have the goal of pursuing a show career, it is necessary to treat his pet’s pathological bite. This is the key to his health and full life. It is better to do this when the puppy is not yet a year old.

Let's look at how to correct a dog's bite. This can be done in several ways, namely:

• removable devices;
• non-removable structures.

Removable devices

These include the so-called transparent removable aligners. They are placed over the teeth and should be worn at all times except when eating and brushing teeth. Their effect is constant and fairly strong pressure on the teeth in the desired direction. Every few months the design is replaced with a new one. It exerts stronger pressure, under the influence of which the teeth take the right direction. The orthodontic veterinarian must monitor the treatment process.

Removable braces can be used for puppies. They are shaped like a hard rubber ring. The principle of their action is the same, but they exert gentler pressure on the teeth.

Fixed structures

These are permanent braces. They are made of dense material and are firmly attached to the teeth using special dental glue. The force of their pressure is regulated using a special wire that connects the clasps that are put on the teeth. If necessary, the wire can be changed, thereby increasing or decreasing the pressure force.

Fixed structures have their contraindications. They cannot be installed if you have periodontal disease, stomatitis, or an allergic reaction to the braces material. Treatment is usually long-term.

Face lift

Let's look at several options for procedures for correcting the lower third of the face and eliminating asymmetry.

Lipolitics

The procedure for modeling the face using lipolytics is called injection lipolysis. Lipolitics are preparations based on natural ingredients, their main action is aimed at the breakdown of subcutaneous fat cells, resulting in a rejuvenating effect.

The effect of the procedure with lipolytics occurs quite quickly, the oval of the face changes, and the subcutaneous tissue structure is aligned. The procedure does not allow the splitting of an extensive layer of fat.

In what cases are lipolytics used?

• if you need to eliminate a double chin,
• form a natural oval face,
• reduce the volume of the cheeks,
• eliminate defects in the shape of the nose,
• correct nasolabial folds

Cost per 1 ml

procedures vary
from 3 thousand rubles
and more, depending on the drug, the number of milliliters administered and the number of correction zones. For a pronounced effect, you need at least six to eight procedures for each zone, which involves serious expenses, reaching 200 thousand rubles and even higher.

The lifting effect is temporary. After some time, the procedure is usually repeated.

Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy consists of therapeutic injections of individually selected cocktails, which are injected into the middle layer of the skin with a very thin needle.

After the mesotherapy procedure:

• complexion improves,
• muscle tone increases,
• you can eliminate “creases” in the skin,
• you can remove nasolabial folds and drooping corners of the lips,
• You can remove your double chin.

The number of rejuvenating procedures during mesotherapy depends on the age and problems that need to be eliminated. Mesotherapy has a cumulative effect, the results of the procedures can be seen in 2-4 weeks. On average, 5 to 7 procedures are required with an interval of 1 time per week; if necessary, the cosmetologist can increase the number of mesotherapy procedures. The cost of the procedure varies from 4000 - 5000 rubles

and higher in one procedure.

Mesotherapy effect

- temporary. To maintain the effect, the procedure must be repeated once every 6-12 months.

Biorevitalization - 3D face lifting with hyaluronic acid

The biorevitalization procedure is currently the most popular. We all know well, according to doctors, that the main property of hyaluronic acid is to retain moisture, maintaining the natural hydrobalance of the skin.

Biorevitalization is carried out in all areas where there are problems - on the face, neck, décolleté, and is also used in other areas of the body, providing the necessary hydro reserve to the skin layers. Injection biorevitalization is comparable in effect to a surgical facelift; the procedure can completely sculpt the face.

Using hyaluronic acid injections, you can correct the lower third of the face:

• remove pronounced nasolabial folds,
• remove flaws, if any, on the chin, that is, change its shape,
• and also adjust the profile along the lower jaw.

Cost of biorevitalization.

The cost of injections depends on the drug used, its density and the number of milliliters required for the procedure. For example, for visual correction of malocclusion (the area under the chin), you may need up to 4 ml of the drug, the cost of 1 ml is from 18-20 thousand rubles. The general course can range from 1 to 5 procedures at intervals.

The effect of biorevitalization

- temporary. After the procedure, there is an immediate, pronounced visual effect that lasts from 5 to 12-15 months; to maintain the effect, the procedure must be repeated.

Kogi threads

Cog mesothreads provide a clear oval face and a pronounced lifting effect. Installed mesothreads contribute to the formation of dense connective tissue, and also help to activate the production of collagen and elastin, which are responsible for skin elasticity.

Kogi threads have notches, thanks to which it is possible to achieve:

• pronounced lifting effect,
• clear contour, tightening of soft tissues and prolonged action of thread lifting,
• They perfectly hold the given shape of problem areas of the face or body.

You may need 4-6 threads for the whole face, the average price is from 5 - 15 thousand rubles for 1 thread.

Effect of the procedure

- longer lasting, but also temporary. Kogi threads have a prolonged effect, the result of the procedure lasts from 2 to 4 years, to maintain the effect the procedure must be repeated.

Mouthguards made of transparent material

A removable product that not so long ago was used only to solve bite problems in people. The mouthguard can be removed while feeding your pet, brushing its teeth and other hygiene procedures.

To take an accurate impression, the specialist only needs to use anesthesia once. The design is easy to use and operate: it fits tightly to the teeth and “presses” on the desired areas.

After 8-12 weeks, the product is replaced with a new one, which is several millimeters larger, which ensures a shift in the dentition. Over time, the teeth end up in the right place. This process is constantly monitored; for this purpose, the doctor periodically makes intermediate impressions.

The dog must wear a mouthguard almost all the time, except for those moments when it needs to be removed. The structure requires regular maintenance - cleaning, rinsing under running water, etc.

Due to the high price and labor intensity, this method of correcting the bite is not very popular.