Our youngest dog (16 months) is a lovely dog but just over 3 months ago I noticed that one of her bottom teeth is slightly out....ie; not quite a level bite.  It isn't much but is annoying.  I was at a show at the weekend and the Judge remarked on it and suggested that I obtain some of the rubber dental bands.  I have done just that but how on earth do you fit them?!!!!

How much this matters depends on the breed, some seem to worry a good deal over both the alignment and number of teeth and others are only concerned that they do not detract from the dogs ability to do the job they were used for or eat their food if their teeth were not important in their work.

Have no idea about the bands you talk off but perhaps your dogs breeder could help.

Thanks Nova.  I bred her!!!!  Certainly doesn't affect her in any way.it is only 1 little front tooth that is slightly out not a lot.  I know at ring craft classes one of the guys who takes it says not to bother about it because she is a lovely dog but because I bred her I am conscious of it.  Both her mother and granny have good mouths and also the dog.  Must be a throw back.

You don't know, it could be accidental damage, or a short period of high temperature whilst the bones in the jaw are growing. It it is not going to hold her back in the show ring I would not bother but if it is then give the bands a go if you can find out how to use them. IMO it may be too late but what do I know.

I have seen these used, personally I wouldn't touch them.  Nasty little things that are easily swallowed and can cut gums, I cant possibly see how a one sized band can deliver the correct pressure and direction to fix wonky teeth in different mouth sizes and shapes.  (Oh and didn't help one jot in the case that I know, and the dog found the whole experience quite stressful).  But hey, everyones different, and thats just my opinion.
If it is just one tooth that is out I wouldn't worry too much, as surely the rest of the teeth prove the bite to be correct.

I wouldn't worry either, if the tooth isn't causing her any stress why worry. Afer all IMO a bad topline, weak front etc is far worse than one tooth :)

IMHO if you do use the bands they are as likely to make it better as worse ;)   Unless the bands are not in contact with any other teeth they must be able to affect them - and as the others are perfect, why risk it?     and that's ignoring any other problems with gums etc. ;)

Don't the KC rules say that anything done to affect conformation must be notified to the KC?  wouldn't this be something to notify if the teeth are corrected?

Sounds like you've bred a lovely bitch.  Don't let ONE judge put you off ;)

I have a 10 month old bitch who snapped a bottom incisor and had 2 have it removed (I have contacted KC) which has caused the one beside it to drop slightly foward :( . She has been knocked at every show for it so if you find out how to use them please will you let me know. xx