Orthodontics

Treating Overbite, Underbite, and Other Malocclusions in Dogs and Cats

The goal of orthodontic treatment is to provide the pet with a functional, pain-free bite. Malocclusion is the term used to describe the incorrect alignment of the teeth and can be the result of a discrepancy in jaw length or a tooth or teeth that are out of place. In a young patient with malocclusion, extraction of deciduous (baby) teeth can alleviate pain and prevent problems when the adult teeth erupt. Treatment options for adult teeth include using an appliance to move teeth, crown reduction with vital pulp therapy or selective extractions to achieve the functional bite.