In a normal patient the lower canine tips laterally
in the space between the upper third incisor and upper canine
tooth. This is commonly referred to as the dental interlock and
is important in the development of a normal bite.
Palatal contact from a malpositioned mandibular
canine tooth is a common problem in dogs. This condition may occur
due to:
- Lingually displaced canines with a normal width jaw.
In this condition either retained deciduous canine teeth may cause
the permanent teeth to erupt lingually and prevent tipping laterally,
or the permanent tooth may erupt in at abnormal angle.
- An abnormally
narrow mandible may have canines that contact the palate even
though they tip laterally at a normal angle.
- An "Undershot
jaw" or short mandible. The tips of the mandibular canines
may embed in the palate and incisors may become trapped behind
the incisive papilla essentially preventing further mandible growth.
Also, the lower canines typically lie medial or adjacent to the
upper canines and cannot move laterally.
- A patient with a Wry
bite will commonly have one canine malpostioned.
Treatment options include:
- Interceptive orthodontic extractions
of mandibular deciduous teeth prior to 12 weeks of age to relive
discomfort and allow the mandible to grow to its genetic potential.
In some cases this will result in a more favorably positioned
permanent tooth.
- Acrylic inclined plane to allow gradually
lateral and rostral movement of the affected tooth.
- Crown height
reduction and pulp capping removes the palatal contact.
- Extraction
of the affected canine.
All orthodontic problems must be considered
hereditary unless documented trauma is the cause. Use a consent
form to indicate that genetic counseling was discussed and neutering
was recommended.
In this case an inclined plane was applied to
direct the left lower canine tooth into a proper position. The
lower left third incisor was extracted to allow the canine to
move rostrally. The acrylic inclined plane was placed on both
sides. The left canine was directed lateral and rostral while
the right lower canine tooth was entrapped in a its proper position
to prevent lateral movement of the mandible over the 6 weeks it
was in place.
It should be noted that any palatal contact
(minimal or severe ulceration) is quite painful. The majority
of pet owners report a favorable behavioral change or improved
appetite as soon as treatment is started.
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