By Dr. med. vet. Christian Spirig
Braces for dogs and cats? What may sound unusual at first is, in certain cases, an important part of veterinary care. When dental misalignments cause pain or impair chewing, targeted correction using braces can be beneficial.
When Are Braces Necessary?
Braces are used in dogs and cats strictly for medical reasons. The focus is always on the animal’s well-being.
Common indications include misaligned canine teeth in young animals or a mismatch between the upper and lower jaws where the teeth interfere with each other. Such misalignments can hinder jaw closure, cause pain, and lead to further problems over time.
What Are Braces for Dogs?
Braces for dogs are individually fitted devices designed to gently move one or more teeth into a more functional and pain-free position. The goal is a pain-free and functional bite.
Treatment duration is usually short – often just one to three weeks until the brace can be removed.
What Methods Are Used?
Several methods are used in veterinary dentistry:
Inclined planes (bite plates): These alter tooth positioning via targeted pressure surfaces.
Elastic devices: These apply gentle force to shift individual teeth into the desired position.
Tooth reduction: In some cases, a problematic tooth is shortened to bring immediate relief.
What Should Pet Parents Know?
Timely assessment is key – ideally when the dog is still young. Each brace requires two short anaesthetics, one to place and one to remove it.
This allows early detection and correction of misalignments before they cause significant discomfort. Throughout the treatment, we provide individual care to ensure your pet feels safe and well-supported.
Do you have questions or suspect your dog has a dental misalignment?
Get in touch – we’ll be happy to provide personal advice.
