Referral & Clinical

Orthodontics & Bite Defects

Orthodontics and bite defects are a common reason for referral. Please note that we will not perform cosmetic orthodontics or place braces in show dogs. See below for our policy with regards to ethics.

"Home Orthodontics" is dangerous to your pet. The use of bands and wires without proper supervision often causes teeth to be lost due to highly abnormal forces out of control.

The dog above was referred because of the abnormal position of the lower incisors. Differential diagnoses included trauma with a blunt object or high speed collision with another dog. How wrong we were!

Our radiographs showed no actual trauma but complete avulsion of the teeth out of the sockets. The reason was the use of a powerful elastic band placed to straighten the teeth. The elastic band had slipped down the teeth and below the gum line. Once down there it pulled all five teeth out of theie sockets and caused local bone damage by cutting off blood circulation. Apart from removal of the teeth extensive bone recontouring was required in order to remove dead bone and allow recovery.

Most cases are referred simply for a bite appraisal. Genetic counselling is an integral part of this consultation with written reports are provided for the owner and referring veterinary surgeon. These specialist reports often assist clients in disputes with the breeder and, for breeders, in the future selection of stud animals. These are "expert reports" and can be used in legal disputes. An article written by us was published in Veterinary Times in December 2006. A pdf is available to download here.

The most common defects we see are:

A common condition in Shetland sheepdogs. Upper canines are rostroversion and point forward like a lance. The teeth are often semi-erupted and located across the face with the root apex in the nasal cavity. In most cases surgical extraction is the most reliable course of action. Any oral nasal fistula can be corrected at the time of surgery.

See our Powerpoint file for further information about the procedure

We do not perform orthodontics in these cases as the condition is often due to a combination of long lower jaws (relative to the upper jaw) - undershot , mandibular mesioclusion or class 3 bite - plus excessive crowding of the incisors. Since the the origin is inherited, and does not cause pain or discomfort to the pet, long, involved and expensive treatment cannot be cosidered to be in the pets' best interest in our opinion.

Our primary duty is to the patient and their welfare. Bite defects often cause pain and discomfort and dealing with this is our main concern.

There are a number of ethical concerns that have to be satisfied before undertaking any orthodontic treatment that may change the appearance of an animal with a bite defect. We are obliged to inform the Kennel Club of actions we take to alter the natural conformation of a dog. Potential clients are requted to download the form , complete it and bring it with you on the day. We also need your microchip number.

In the past we have had some clients who have refused to sign this form and have effectively wasted a long journey. It may be worth pre-warning potential referral clients before they travel.

It is very important for the welfare of the breed in general that an individual with a bite defect is not allowed to breed. To that end, major orthodontic work cannot be performed unless the animal has been neutered.

Please also note that the Kennel Club obliges us to submit details of any change in conformation if dentistry changes the appearance of the animal.

If in doubt contact us first before travelling.

The American Veterinary Dental College recently published (on it's website) a list of normal criteria for the bite of the dog. This can be seen at www.avdc.org. To assist you we have provided a link with permission. Occlusion.

Navigate to the page and scroll to the bottom to view the text and images. This nomenclature is now the accepted standard for bite and occlusion.