Pet Orthodontic Treatment
Pet orthodontic treatment focuses on improving your pet’s oral health and comfort by addressing dental issues caused by misaligned teeth. Unlike braces commonly used in human dentistry, our methods are tailored to alleviate pain and prevent trauma, not for cosmetic purposes. Malocclusions, or improper alignment of the teeth or jaws, can lead to complications such as palate punctures, difficulty eating, and chronic discomfort. Our specialized treatments at Aggie Animal Dental Center help restore proper alignment and functionality for your pet’s teeth.
When Is Orthodontic Treatment Needed?
Orthodontic treatment is typically recommended when misaligned teeth cause:
- Pain or trauma to the gums, palate, or other teeth
- Dysfunction in chewing or closing the mouth
- Chronic issues that could lead to further oral health problems
We commonly treat issues such as lower canine teeth puncturing the roof of the mouth or teeth that are misaligned due to hereditary conditions. Left untreated, these problems can worsen, leading to infections, difficulty eating, or significant discomfort for your pet. Early intervention ensures that your pet maintains proper oral function and avoids complications that may require more extensive treatment in the future.
Treatment Methods at Aggie Animal Dental Center
Our approach to pet orthodontic treatment includes:
- Composite inclined planes or ramps: These are applied to guide teeth into proper positions and prevent trauma, such as punctures to the roof of the mouth, ensuring your pet’s oral tissues remain protected.
- Orthodontic buttons and elastic bands: These tools gently reposition misaligned teeth into their correct alignment over time, minimizing discomfort and promoting effective functionality.
Each treatment plan is customized to address the specific needs of your pet while ensuring their comfort and safety throughout the process.
Key Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic care for pets goes beyond aesthetics, focusing on improving their quality of life by addressing functional and health-related dental concerns. Here’s how it helps:
- Relieves Pain in Teeth: Orthodontic care reduces discomfort, allowing pets to live pain-free.
- Prevents Trauma to Oral Tissues: Misaligned teeth can cause significant harm to the gums, palate, and other structures, which orthodontic treatment effectively addresses.
- Reduces Discomfort While Eating: Proper alignment ensures pets can eat comfortably and maintain their overall health.
Orthodontic treatment at Aggie Animal Dental Center emphasizes health over aesthetics. We require clients to sign a treatment agreement that includes recommendations against breeding animals with hereditary malocclusion to prevent passing these traits to future generations. Please read the mandatory contract we require clients to sign prior to commencing treatment. For more information on malocclusions and their treatment, please see this handout.
Our experienced veterinary team provides compassionate care using advanced techniques tailored to each pet’s unique needs. At Aggie Animal Dental Center, we prioritize your pet’s comfort and well-being, ensuring effective results and long-term oral health.