When we think of a dog with braces, it may seem like a big exaggeration and another argument to put on the list of animal humanization problems. But the truth is that, in some cases, this instrument is extremely important to solve problems in the teeth of dogs that cause discomfort and pain. The Paws of the House has prepared a guide with everything you need to know about the dental braces.braces dog!

When is braces indicated for dogs?

It has not been long since the canine dental appliance began to be used here in Brazil, the estimate is that this type of treatment started around 15 to 20 years ago. Made with resin or metal wires, the purpose of the canine orthodontic appliance is not the aesthetics of the animal smile, but to correct poor dental alignment.

Malocclusion is the name given to the abnormal contact between the teeth of the upper and lower arch, that is, when the teeth are not aligned correctly. Due to poor alignment, dogs may have difficulty chewing, as well as the appearance of infections, mouth sores and other more serious dental problems. The dog with toothache is also a sign.

It is worth remembering that the use of orthodontic braces for dogs is not always indicated. This is a resource used as a last resort, so it is important to take the animal to a veterinarian specializing in dentistry to evaluate the alternatives.

Types of dog braces

Braces can be made of different materials and shapes, such as metal or plastic, and each case will require a different type. In some situations, for example, there is no need to put the braces on all the animal's teeth, but only on the ones that are causing the malocclusion. The decision is made by the veterinarian, who evaluates each case and takes into account issues such as the animal's temperament, the animal'sOnce the best device has been decided, the dog is anaesthetised to undergo the procedure.

Dog in braces: keep an eye out for signs that your pet needs to wear them

Before the diagnosis given by the veterinarian, there are some signs that may indicate that your dog has malocclusion, perhaps requiring the use of orthodontic braces:

• Sores on the inside of the dog's mouth
• Excessive salivation
• Bleeding
• Strong mouth odor
• Loss of appetite
• Reddened and swollen gums
• Swelling of the muzzle

These symptoms are common to other oral diseases, so it's important to always keep an eye out for abnormal dog behavior and take your dog to the vet if more than one sign is noticed.

What are the main causes of dog teeth malocclusion?

Some dogs, due to their own anatomy, are susceptible to dental alignment problems, as is the case with brachycephalic dogs. Because their jaw is retracted, the teeth of these animals can end up growing in different directions due to lack of space.

Another cause of malocclusion is the delay in the fall of the milk teeth. The change of teeth of the dog usually occurs between 4 and 7 months of life, but if this fall does not occur, the permanent teeth are born on top, misaligning the arch and damaging the bite of these animals. In these cases, it is indicated the extraction of the milk teeth that have not fallen.

Owners of dogs who love to bite toys and hard objects should also be wary of this practice, as there is a risk of the dog breaking the tooth. In addition to the difficulty of chewing caused by extreme pain, the fracture can generate serious infections and injuries in the animal's mouth.

In some cases, some dogs are born with a greater or lesser number of teeth in the mouth, which can disturb the fit of the arch due to poor dental positioning. Due to the lack of space in the animal's mouth, the teeth end up growing crowded, requiring orthodontic correction with the use of dental braces.

Falls and trauma can also lead to problems with your pet's dental alignment. In all cases, it is necessary to have your dog examined and diagnosed by a veterinarian.

How is the placement and maintenance of the dental appliance in the dog?

It may seem very strange to imagine a dog with braces, but the whole process is very similar to that of humans. If it is decided that the use is indispensable for your pet to have more quality of life, first a series of tests will be carried out to ensure the viability of the process, such as blood, liver and kidney tests, and in the case of the elderly, electro and echocardiogram.

If everything is ok and the procedure is cleared, the animal's teeth are molded. From the mold, the professional can better define the type of correction that will be made.

How much do dog braces cost and how long is the treatment?

Speaking of cost, the approximate value for placement is R $ 5 thousand, but the good part is that the treatment is usually relatively fast, on average it lasts from two to four months. Usually dogs adapt without much difficulty to treatment, but it is extremely important to observe your pet's behavior and prohibit chewing hard objects.

The dog's teeth need care after the procedure

From a young age, it is important to maintain a dental care routine with your pet to prevent plaque buildup and the onset of oral diseases such as tartar.

After the placement of the dental appliance, this care must be redoubled, since the accessory provides the greatest accumulation of food debris and bacteria. The indicated is to brush the teeth daily, or at least three to four times a week, with the aid of a dog toothbrush with soft bristles so as not to hurt the animal.

If your dog is not used to brushing his teeth, you need to get him used to the brushing process, with a lot of patience and persistence. Check out some tips!

• Before you start brushing, show and allow the animal to see the brush. Do not hold the dog and traumatize it right away.
• If the dog does not allow the use of the toothbrush at first, use a gauze with toothpaste to get used to the movements inside the mouth. The key is not to rush the process and allow the dog to adapt in his own time.
• Choose a time when your pet is calmer, such as at the end of the day, so the process can go more smoothly.
• Remember that following a brushing routine is important to maintain the quality of life of the animal. Little by little, the dog gets used to the practice.

Mouth diseases in dogs that deserve the attention of the owners

Even if your dog doesn't need braces, it is essential to maintain a routine of care for the mouth and teeth of the animal to avoid some serious diseases, such as:

1. gingivitis in dogs

The main cause is the accumulation of plaque due to lack of tooth brushing. Its main symptom is swelling and redness of the gums.

2. periodontal disease

If gingivitis is not treated properly, gingivitis can develop into periodontal disease, which has no cure. In this case, as plaque develops, the tissue in the animal's mouth begins to be destroyed and even the bones can be affected, which can result in a fractured jaw.

3. broken tooth

It occurs when there is a fracture of the dog's teeth and bacteria enter through the inside of the animal's tooth, reaching the bone. This inflammation can spread throughout the animal's body and reach other organs.