Interceptive Orthodontics

In puppies with mandibular brachygnathism or Class 2 malocclusion (short mandible) the lower canines may embed in the palate or the incisors may occlude against the incisive papilla. This causes an abnormal interlock, thus preventing the mandible from growing to its genetic potential.

A puppies jaw length is primarily determined by hereditary. Minor variations in jaw length may also be caused by diet, trauma, infection, metabolic disease, and orthodontic forces.

An early diagnosis (6-9 weeks of age) of this condition will offer the pet the opportunity to have interceptive orthodontic extraction of involved teeth. These extractions will relieve the pets discomfort and remove the abnormal interlock. Now the mandible is free to grow unimpeded. The end result may be an improvement or further deterioration of the malocclusion.

Care should be taken during these extractions to minimize the risk of damage to the permanent tooth buds (*see radiograph) as they lie adjacent to the deciduous roots. Also it is important to avoid fracture of deciduous teeth resulting in retained root fragments.

Pet owners should be counseled on the genetic aspects of this condition and neutering should be recommended. Monitor the position of the permanent teeth as they erupt between 4-6 months of age. These pets may require further orthodontic therapy such as an acrylic inclined plane, active force appliance, crown shortening/ pulp capping or extraction(s) between 6-9 months of age.