Spear Tooth

Normal interdigitation of teeth, or "the bite", of a dog depends on proper jaw length and width. A scissors bite is preferred in which the lower jaw is slightly shorter and narrower than the upper(maxilla). The upper incisors should slightly overlap the lower incisors. The lower canine tooth should be centered between the upper lateral incisor and canine tooth without touching.

A rostrally deviated canine tooth, or "lance tooth", impairs a pet's ability to prehend objects. It may contact other teeth or gingival tissue causing discomfort and periodontal disease. In fact, plaque retention develops rapidly at this site. If left untreated, gingivitis and gingival recession is common.

Orthodontic correction of a lanced tooth is accomplished with elastic traction using orthodontic buttons on the maxillary fourth premolar and first molar as anchor teeth. An orthodontic button is placed at the tip of the affected tooth. Two buttons are placed on the fourth premolar and first molar teeth. These teeth are then bonded together with an dental acrylic to serve as the "anchor" for tension to be applied to the misdirected tooth.

The tooth is slowly moved into place over 8-16 weeks. The elastic chain is replaced every two weeks to provide gradual gentle tension. Genetic counseling is indicated to discourage repeat breeding and the patient should be neutered at or prior to therapy.