Braces (orthodontic therapy) for pets

Braces (orthodontic therapy) for petsWe provide orthodontic care for pets.  Braces are orthodontic appliances used to reposition teeth that are imporperly aligned or mal-occluded.  The initial oral examination involves a bite or occlusal evaluation.  If the bite isn't right, consideration is focused on wheter the bite is functional and comfortable.

When the occlusion causes trauma, we refer to it as a traumatic occlusion.  The consequences of traumatic occlusions can be substantial.  Teeth striking teeth or soft tissues may result in tooth fracture, tooth inflammation (pulpitis), periodontal inflammation, pain and death of the tooth (non-vital tooth).  Traumatic malocclusions can contribute to the development of periodontal disease and as stated above, non-vital teeth.  Anachoresis is a term used to describe the spread of bacteria through the blood stream.  Anachoresis is a major reason for the spread of infection from non-vital (dead) teeth and infections around the teeth (periodontal disease) to important organs such as the heart, kidney or liver.  Malocclusions should be evaluated carefully to ensure pets have comfortable, functional bites and to avoid serious consequences from the spread of bacteria.