hi there folks
has anyone had there dogs teeth braced inorder to correct them
how much did it cost ???
and how long are they on for and what problems did it bring you ???
my 7 month old staffs lower canines are just strarting to want to go infront of his upper teeth
as i want to show him i would like some advice on the pro's and con's
many thanks
mav

I think if that were possible you wouldn't be able to show him afterwards because you'd altered his natural conformation.

Please tell me this is a wind-up ... ...

Does that apply to taping ears, JG ?

Daisy

I don't know, Daisy. I emailed the KC some time for clarification on that and they never replied.

It's always intrigued me where people will alter the natural ear position in order to meet the breed standard and show. Do they then breed from the dog and hope that the puppies don't inherit the ear problem ? Can't help thinking that it's cheating really :)

Daisy

If you do put a brace in then you can't show because you have alterd the natural conformation of your dog (and if people have done this I very much they would doubt would say in public!!!)

All you can do is hope that the teeth go back, unfortantly, at this age, unlikly!

Edit: Just relised to say Canines infrount of upper teeth?  What do you mean???  Lower Canines are ment to be infrount of upper canines, if the lower canines are infrount of upper inscisors that I don't think even a brace could sort that out!

Hi Mav

Have you had a recommendation to have this done from a canine orthodontist?  I think probably not as if so I assume you'd have been given a cost so was it just your regular vet who suggested it?  Certainly it doesn't sound like something anyone would put their dog through unless it was for the benefit of the dog and I'd be inclined to think only if it was causing pain in the mouth would intervention be appropriate.  Even at that I think it would be cruel to brace a dogs mouth and probably better to have any tooth or teeth that caused pain extracted.

Sorry can't be more positive about the outlook but then again at only 7 months his mouth and jaw will not be fully developed so perhaps it's something which will improve naturally if it's not too bad at the moment.  If you haven't had a specialist referral then perhaps you'd be best to request one  :(  Teri

ps. would add that you'd obviously have to forget exhibiting him :( 

i know it sounds weird i had not thought of haveing this done but i went to the vets and they said this is becoming more avalible and works the same same as if your kids teeth where starting to misalign i do it for my kids so why not my dog i love them both the same

If his teeth aren't hurting him then leave well alone. You could make it worse, and if you alter their natural position you can't show him at all.

How are the top and bottom incisors positioned?

Hi Mav,

I'd be surprised and really disappointed if your vet's info was accurate about such procedures being "more available" :( but that's not your fault so I'm not shooting the messenger ;)  BUT I personally think this sounds like a cruel procedure and not comparible with what is done for children's teeth.  If you look at Isabel's point re. the cleaning problems with a child's brace you'll realise what we're getting at.   I'd wait and see how his mouth develops over the next few months and if he's in any obvious discomfort anywhere around his lips, gums etc have him referred to a specialist to see if any of his teeth need to be removed for his future wellbeing.

Also let your breeder know what's been happening too as mouth faults such as this should not be bred on from and he/she may have only just bred in a problem previously unknown to him/her.  It is disappointing for you if that's how things pan out but better to have a happy and comfortable much loved pet than put the poor little guy through any procedure not designed for his benefit.  Good luck, Teri :)

Children who wear braces have to be scrupulous about cleaning them to avoid rot when the brace meets with enamal.  I can't see how that level of hygiene could possibly be achieved with a dog therefore the dog may end up with no teeth at all rather than in the correct place!  I don't think it should be allowed for showing either as you are really displaying potential breeding stock in the ring and, sadly, this dog is never going to be that :(
I believe it would be cruel too as you cannot explain to a dog the discomfort is a means to an end nor does it matter to him what people think about his appearance.

And when the braces are fitted or tightened - it HURTS :( You can explain this to a child, but what about a dog ?

Daisy

Edited - Sorry, Isabel - I didn't read your last line :)

That's 'cos I sneaked it in later Daisy :p :D

:-p :-p

Daisy