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Malocclusion
Malocclusion is abnormal tooth alignment that can cause pain, periodontal disease, and soft tissue damage. It can be genetic or acquired from trauma, retained baby teeth, or tug-of-war games.
Key Facts
- Types: overbite, underbite, anterior/posterior crossbite, wry bite, base-narrow canines, open bite
- Overbite (parrot mouth): lower jaw shorter than upper; genetic in all breeds
- Underbite: normal in some short-muzzled breeds (Boxers, Bulldogs); abnormal in medium-muzzled breeds
- Retained deciduous teeth are a major cause of acquired malocclusion
- Crowded, rotated, or tilted teeth cause early infection, soft tissue damage, and abnormal wear
- Orthodontic treatment uses brackets, retainers, and elastics; accomplished in months (not years)
- Orthodontic care is for pain relief, not cosmetics; treated pets should not be bred
- Interceptive orthodontics (removing baby teeth by 10 weeks) corrects 50% of minor jaw problems
- Species: dogs and cats