Pet Orthodontics

Misaligned teeth and jaws, known as malocclusions, can affect a pet’s comfort, ability to eat, and oral health. Calgary Veterinary Dentistry & Oral Surgery provides veterinary orthodontic care focused on creating a comfortable, functional bite while reducing pain and trauma.

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Specialized Pet Orthodontics

Pet Orthodontics in Calgary, AB, can help address tooth and jaw alignment problems that interfere with your pet’s comfort or oral function. Dr. Campbell evaluates each patient’s bite and individual dental anatomy before recommending treatment. The appropriate approach depends on the type and severity of the malocclusion, your pet’s age, and which teeth or tissues are affected.

Understanding Bite Classes in Dogs and Cats

Veterinary dentistry categorizes dog and cat bites into four primary groups:

  • Class 0 (Orthoclusion): A normal, healthy, and functional bite.
  • Class 1 (Neutroclusion): The jaws are appropriately sized, but individual teeth may be crowded, rotated, or displaced.
  • Class 2 (Overbite): The upper jaw is longer than the lower jaw. This can cause the lower canine teeth to contact or penetrate the palate or nasal cavity. A similar problem can occur with base-narrow canine teeth.
  • Class 3 (Underbite): The lower jaw extends beyond the upper jaw. This is a normal and expected characteristic in many flat-faced breeds, including Bulldogs and Pugs.

Pet Orthodontic Treatment Options

Dr. Campbell uses several orthodontic and oral surgical techniques based on your pet’s specific needs. Treatment options may include:

Tooth movement

Gentle forces guide teeth toward healthier and safer positions

Crown modification and reduction

A problematic tooth can be shortened or reshaped when it causes trauma to surrounding soft tissues.

Interceptive orthodontics

Strategic extraction of selected baby teeth in puppies can help prevent adult teeth from becoming displaced.

Strategic extractions

Problematic teeth may be removed to eliminate pain while preserving as much functional dentition as possible.

Gingivectomy and crown extension

Soft-tissue procedures can improve tooth exposure and reduce interference from surrounding gum tissue.

Treating Traumatic Malocclusions in Pets

Some malocclusions cause teeth to contact the palate or other soft tissues, resulting in painful trauma. Pet Orthodontics in Calgary, AB, can provide targeted treatment for these cases.

Custom inclined planes

Particularly useful in young dogs, a temporary custom ramp can gently guide teeth into a safer position while the tissues and jaws are still developing.

Crown reduction and vital pulp therapy

When moving a painful tooth is not practical, the tooth may be carefully shortened. Because crown reduction can expose the living pulp inside the tooth, specialized endodontic treatment is performed immediately afterward. This may include partial pulpectomy, pulp capping, and placement of a sealed composite restoration.

Our Approach to Veterinary Orthodontics

Our approach focuses on your pet’s comfort, oral health, and ability to use their teeth normally. Whenever possible, treatment is designed to preserve natural teeth while addressing painful or traumatic contact. Dr. Campbell will evaluate your pet’s bite and discuss the available treatment options based on their individual dental needs.

Contact Calgary Veterinary Dentistry & Oral Surgery

If your pet has crowded, displaced, or painful teeth, Calgary Veterinary Dentistry & Oral Surgery can evaluate whether orthodontic treatment may help. Contact our team to learn more about Pet Orthodontics in Calgary, AB, and schedule a consultation.