A malocclusion is the abnormal orientation of one or more teeth. It can often cause discomfort and a weaker bite, due to abnormal contact with other teeth or gums. It makes it more difficult for the dog to close his mouth properly, potentially causing difficulties in eating and swallowing. There are several therapies to choose from; the right one for your dog depends on the severity of his condition. To learn more, start reading from Step 1.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using a Ball or Toy
Step 1. Buy a hard rubber ball or toy
If your puppy's jaw and teeth problem is minimal, this easy and inexpensive therapy to put in practice might be enough. A hard rubber toy of the right size, used during play, can act as an orthodontic tool and help align the canines.
You can buy such toys at most pet stores and online. Since there are several types, however, it is advisable to speak to your vet first, or at least a store employee, and ask what is the best option for a puppy with misaligned teeth
Step 2. Have your dog play with the toy for at least 15 minutes three times a day
Present it to him as a special gift, which he can play with only if he behaves well; or offer it together with treats, to encourage him to use it. Do not interrupt it after the canonical 45 minutes; let it play for as long as you like, it is more likely to take effect.
This technique, illustrated in the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, showed signs of correction in 28 out of 38 cases of young dogs of different breeds, as well as partial improvements in three other dogs. In all cases where this technique was unsuccessful, not only a badly positioned tooth was present, but also a malocclusion of the skeleton
Step 3. Monitor his progress to make sure the toy is effective
This is the least invasive option for realigning the canines. For a dog suffering from severe to moderate alignment issues, however, that probably won't be enough. After a couple of weeks, take a look at his teeth. Do you notice any differences? If not, it may be time to consider other solutions.
Take a picture of your dog's teeth on a regular basis. This will make it easier to notice small changes. It will also make it easier for your vet to understand the situation, in case you need to bring him to him for confirmation
Method 2 of 3: Using a Sloped Plane
Step 1. Talk to your vet about orthodontic devices
Your vet may advise you to insert a device into the dog's mouth to realign the misplaced tooth. A common option is the so-called "inclined plane", usually recommended when the lower canine points up, rather than when it points slightly outward.
It is typically inserted at the age of 7 or 9 months. It is generally made with a composite material, which acts with a "sliding" effect. The device acts on the lower canines when the mouth is closed, causing slow lateral movement of the canines and helping them to return to their correct location
Step 2. Ask the vet if he can do the incline for your dog
The vet will anesthetize the dog to take the shape of the upper tooth and create the device accordingly. First of all, he will thoroughly clean the tooth.
It may also do what is generally called a "telescopic inclined plane," which does not prevent the dog's jaw from growing
Step 3. Keep the incline clean
This device requires good maintenance and thorough cleaning. It could also end up out of the office if your dog chews on hard objects with the device inserted. Observe what your dog chews and brush his teeth regularly to make sure the device remains effective.
Discuss with your vet to find out how much and how to brush your dog's teeth. You certainly don't want to take the device out of the office by brushing it: it is best to have a professional explain how to proceed
Step 4. Have the incline plane replaced
If you notice that the plan has gone off-site, take your puppy to the vet for a replacement. The severity of the plan displacement will determine the invasiveness of the procedure.
Step 5. If you prefer, use the device as a restraint appliance
Once the tooth has been placed in the desired position, you can still continue to have your dog hold the braces to make sure the tooth does not move again, or you can have a new brace installed in the space between the teeth for a few months. to prevent them from returning to their original position. Talk to your vet.
Method 3 of 3: Choose a Crown Reduction
Step 1. Talk to your vet about crown reduction
The crown is the visible part of the tooth. Damage to the crown of a canine tooth can be painful and potentially damaging to the palate. Crown reduction is useful for various types of malocclusion, as well as for thin teeth.
Step 2. Choose to perform a crown reduction
Since the removal of even a small part of the crown will lead to exposure of the pulp (i.e. the root and the gum) this procedure is performed with an aseptic technique and, once the crown has been reduced to approximately the height of the adjacent third incisor, a portion of the coronal pulp is removed to create the space necessary for the insertion of medicines and filling material.
- If your dog's lower teeth are misaligned, the vet will remove a portion of the crown so the teeth no longer touch the roof of the mouth.
- Removing a portion of the exposed pulp and applying a dressing and protective barrier is an operation called live pulp therapy.
Step 3. Have your dog have a dental x-ray twice a year
Although this procedure can be completed in one session and with only one dose of anesthesia, dental radiography monitoring is recommended 6 months after the operation and every 12 months thereafter. This is an essential step in ensuring that your dog's teeth remain in place and that the crown has not been too damaged.
