# Dog Teeth Braces: Do Dogs Get Orthodontics? Most dogs never need braces, but some do. Dog teeth braces and other orthodontic devices correct malocclusions that cause pain, trauma, or trouble eating. This article explains when canine orthodontics is truly needed, what treatment looks like, and what it costs in time and care. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - Braces are not cosmetic for dogs. They are used when a tooth is hitting the palate, lip, or another tooth and causing damage or pain. - The most common condition treated is linguoverted mandibular canine teeth, where the lower canine teeth point inward and dig into the roof of the mouth [1]. - Timing matters. Interceptive treatment in puppies is often done between 6 and 12 weeks of age, though this window carries some risk to developing permanent teeth [2]. - Treatment usually takes about 6 to 7 weeks with a passive device, or roughly 60 days with combined active and passive appliances [3][1]. - A board-certified veterinary dentist or a veterinarian with advanced dental training should evaluate and treat malocclusion. ## What Dog Teeth Braces Are and Why They Are Done Dog teeth braces are orthodontic appliances that move teeth into a better position. They are not the same as the metal brackets people wear. In dogs, orthodontics usually means inclined planes, acrylic devices, elastic power chains, or a combination of these [1][3]. The goal is function and comfort, not appearance. A dog does not care if his teeth look straight. He cares if he can close his mouth without a tooth stabbing his palate. ### Understanding Dog Malocclusion Treatment Malocclusion means the teeth do not line up correctly when the mouth closes. A study of CT scans found malocclusions in 46.7% of dogs examined, so these problems are common and often underdiagnosed [4]. Brachycephalic breeds had the highest rates, with Shiba Inus at 66.7%, while Golden Retrievers and Akitas had the lowest at 16.7% [4]. Malocclusions are grouped into classes: - Class I: the teeth are crowded or a single tooth is out of position. Linguoverted mandibular canine teeth are a common example [5]. - Class II: an overbite, where the lower jaw is too short. - Class III: an underbite, where the lower jaw is too long. Class I malocclusions with dental crowding were the most common type found in one CT study, followed by Class II and Class III [4]. ### When Braces Are Actually Needed The clearest reason for orthodontics is trauma. When a lower canine tooth points inward, its tip can contact the palatal mucosa. That contact can cause ulceration, inflammation, infection, and possibly an oronasal fistula, which is an abnormal opening between the mouth and the nasal cavity [1]. That is a painful problem, and it does not fix itself. A second reason is interlock. When deciduous (baby) canine teeth are malpositioned, the upper and lower teeth can lock together. This may affect growth and development of the mandibles [2]. A third reason is that misaligned teeth trap plaque and raise the risk of periodontal disease. Periodontitis is irreversible and leads to permanent loss of tooth support [6]. Straightening teeth can make home care and professional cleaning more effective. Good daily care matters here, and you can read more in [Preventative Dental Care For Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/dental-care/preventative-dental-care-for-dogs). ### When Braces Are Not the Right Choice Some malocclusions are breed standards, such as the underbite in a Bulldog or a Boxer. If the bite is not causing trauma, infection, or pain, many veterinarians leave it alone. Extraction is sometimes a better option than moving a tooth. This is especially true for teeth that are dead, fractured, or sitting in a position where movement would be risky. Nonvital incisor teeth are a real concern in small breed dogs, and Class III malocclusion significantly increased the likelihood of nonvital incisors in one study [7]. If a tooth is already dead, moving it does not help. ## How to Prepare for Canine Orthodontics Preparation starts with a full oral examination. Your veterinarian will look at how the teeth meet, which teeth are contacting soft tissue, and whether any teeth are loose, discolored, or damaged. ### The Pre-Treatment Workup Most cases need dental radiographs (X-rays) to see the roots and the bone around them. This is standard in veterinary dentistry, and the technique matters. You can learn more in [Dental Radiography Positioning and Interpretation in Dogs and Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/diagnostic-imaging/dental-radiography-positioning-interpretation-dogs-cats). Your dog will likely need blood work and a general anesthesia plan. Orthodontic devices are placed under anesthesia, and the pet must be healthy enough to handle it. ### Timing in Puppies If your puppy has a linguoverted deciduous mandibular canine tooth, your veterinarian may recommend interceptive orthodontics. Historically, extraction of these baby teeth was recommended as early as 6 to 8 weeks of age and no later than 12 weeks of age [2]. That timing comes with a tradeoff. Early extraction of deciduous teeth risks damage to the developing permanent canine teeth, which can cause enamel defects sometimes called a Turner's tooth [2]. So the decision is not automatic. Your veterinarian weighs the pain and interlock risk against the risk to the permanent tooth. One study followed 28 dogs treated with extraction of linguoverted deciduous mandibular canines before the permanent teeth erupted. Of those, 78.6% (22 of 28) ended up with a normal permanent occlusion [5]. The 6 dogs that still had permanent malocclusion were all diagnosed between 20 and 29 weeks of age, and 5 of them were treated with gingivectomy and gingivoplasty [5]. ### Questions About Cost Dog braces cost varies widely. It depends on the device, the number of teeth involved, how many recheck visits are needed, whether radiographs and anesthesia are included, and where you live. No single price applies. Ask your veterinary dental office for a written estimate that lists anesthesia, radiographs, the appliance, and every follow-up visit. ## What Happens During the Procedure Your dog is anesthetized for the entire procedure. The veterinarian examines the full mouth, takes radiographs, and then builds or bonds the appliance. ### Passive Appliances A passive appliance does not push a tooth with constant force. Instead, it changes how the mouth closes so the tooth is guided into a better position over time. An inclined plane is a common passive device. It is often made from acrylic resin. One newer method uses a doughy acrylic resin form that is shaped inside the mouth but fabricated outside it, which makes the process easier and less technique-sensitive [3]. In that report, 8 small breed dogs with palatal trauma were treated for 6 to 7 weeks, and all treated canine teeth were in the correct position 1 year after the appliances were removed [3]. ### Active Appliances An active appliance applies controlled force. Elastic power chains are one example. They pull a tooth in a specific direction. Active force orthodontics depends on anchorage, which means using other teeth as an anchor. The ratio of root surface area between the anchor teeth and the tooth being moved is the main factor that determines how the tooth will move [8]. This is why veterinarians sometimes bond the maxillary fourth premolar and first molar together to create a stronger anchor when moving a maxillary canine tooth [8]. ### Combined Approaches Some cases need both. One report described treating linguoverted mandibular canine teeth in 2 Shiba Inu dogs using an active appliance (elastic power chain) plus a passive appliance (inclined plane). Treatment took about 60 days in both dogs, and follow-up exams confirmed stable, functional, and atraumatic occlusion [1]. ## Recovery Timeline and Home Care Recovery is mostly about monitoring and keeping the mouth clean. Your dog will wake up from anesthesia and go home the same day in most cases. | Timeframe | What to Expect | What You Do | |---|---|---| | Day of procedure | Groggy from anesthesia, may drool or paw at the mouth | Keep him quiet, offer water, follow feeding instructions from your vet | | First 3 to 7 days | Mild soreness, possible soft stool from anesthesia or medication | Feed soft food if directed, give any prescribed medication exactly as instructed, check the mouth daily | | Weeks 1 to 3 | Appliance in place, tooth starting to move | Keep up daily home care as directed, watch for loose or broken appliances | | Weeks 4 to 8 | Most treatment courses finish in this window | Attend every recheck visit, do not try to adjust anything yourself | | After removal | Tooth should be in a stable position | Continue dental home care and routine professional cleanings | Most reported treatment courses run about 6 to 7 weeks for passive devices [3] or roughly 60 days for combined active and passive treatment [1]. Your dog's timeline may differ based on which tooth is involved and how it responds. Home care during treatment usually means keeping the mouth clean without disturbing the appliance. Your veterinarian will tell you which products are safe. Do not use your fingers to test or wiggle the device. If something looks loose, call the clinic. After treatment ends, the work is not over. Periodontitis usually begins at 4 to 6 years of age and progresses to tooth loss if untreated [6]. Straight teeth are easier to keep clean, but they still need daily care. See [Prevent Dog Dental Disease](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/dental-care/prevent-dog-dental-disease) for practical steps. ## Possible Complications and Warning Signs Orthodontics in dogs is generally well tolerated, but problems can happen. ### Problems With the Appliance - The device comes loose, breaks, or falls out. - The appliance rubs the gums or lip and causes a sore. - Food or hair gets trapped under the device. ### Problems With the Teeth - A tooth becomes loose or changes color, which can signal that it is no longer vital. - The gum around a moved tooth becomes red, swollen, or bleeds. - The tooth moves too far or in the wrong direction. ### Problems That Were Already There Enamel defects can occur after early extraction of deciduous canine teeth, which is one reason timing decisions are made carefully [2]. Nonvital teeth can also be present before treatment starts, and they need their own treatment because infection and pain may follow if they are left alone [7]. ### Warning Signs to Watch For - Refusing to eat for more than 24 hours - Drooling more than usual, or drooling blood - Pawing at the face or rubbing the muzzle on the floor - Bad breath that gets worse - Swelling around the eye, nose, or jaw - A tooth that looks gray, pink, or dark Call your veterinarian if you see any of these. Some are urgent. ## Questions to Ask the Veterinarian Bring a written list. These questions help you understand the plan and the cost. 1. What exactly is the diagnosis, and which class of malocclusion is it? 2. Is this causing pain or tissue damage right now, or is it a watch-and-wait situation? 3. What are the treatment options, including orthodontics, extraction, or doing nothing? 4. What are the risks of treating now versus waiting? 5. How long will treatment take, and how many recheck visits are included? 6. What is the full cost, including anesthesia, radiographs, the appliance, and follow-ups? 7. What happens if the appliance fails or the tooth does not move as planned? 8. Who will perform the procedure, and what training do they have? 9. What home care do you want me to do during treatment? 10. What should I watch for at home, and when should I call you? If your veterinarian is not comfortable with orthodontics, ask for a referral to a veterinary dental specialist. Malocclusion is often underdiagnosed, so a second opinion from a dentist is reasonable [4]. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian No article can tell you whether your dog needs braces. That requires an oral examination, radiographs, and a veterinarian who can see your dog's mouth in person. Individual cases need a veterinarian. Contact your veterinarian the same day if: - Your dog stops eating or drinking - The appliance breaks, loosens, or disappears - You see bleeding from the mouth that does not stop - Your dog is pawing at the face constantly or seems painful Go to an emergency clinic now if: - Your dog has trouble breathing - There is heavy bleeding from the mouth - The jaw looks broken or badly swollen - Your dog collapses or cannot stand after anesthesia Schedule a routine visit if: - You notice a tooth pointing the wrong way - Your puppy's baby teeth are not falling out on schedule - You see a gray, pink, or dark tooth - Your dog has bad breath or tartar buildup Puppies have 28 deciduous teeth that begin erupting at 3 to 5 weeks of age, and permanent teeth usually start appearing around 4 to 5 months. All permanent teeth are typically present by 7 months of age [9]. If something looks off during that window, get it checked. Early evaluation gives you more options. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Do dogs really get braces? Yes, but only when a malocclusion is causing harm. The devices are usually inclined planes, acrylic appliances, or elastic chains, not the brackets people wear. Most dogs never need them. ### Is dog orthodontics painful? The procedure itself is done under anesthesia, so your dog feels nothing during it. Afterward, mild soreness for a few days is common. The malocclusion being treated is often more painful than the treatment. ### Can I just wait and see if it corrects itself? Sometimes a mild problem resolves as the jaw grows, and sometimes it does not. Waiting is only safe if your veterinarian has examined the mouth and confirmed there is no tissue trauma. A canine tooth digging into the palate will not fix itself. ### Will my dog need to be put under anesthesia? Yes. Appliances are placed, adjusted, and removed under general anesthesia. Your dog must be healthy enough for it, which is why blood work and a pre-anesthetic exam come first. ### Does pet insurance cover dog braces? Coverage depends on your specific policy and whether the treatment is considered medically necessary. Many plans exclude orthodontics or treat it as cosmetic. Call your insurer and ask directly before you schedule anything. ## Related Articles - [Preventative Dental Care For Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/dental-care/preventative-dental-care-for-dogs) - [Prevent Dog Dental Disease](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/dental-care/prevent-dog-dental-disease) - [Dental Radiography Positioning and Interpretation in Dogs and Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/diagnostic-imaging/dental-radiography-positioning-interpretation-dogs-cats) - [Dental Disease In Dogs And Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/dental-care/dental-disease-in-dogs-and-cats) - [Dog Dental Disease: Signs, Stages, and What You Can Do](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/preventive-and-routine-care/dog-dental-disease-signs-stages-and-what-you-can-do) - [Orthopedic Bed For Dog](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/orthopedic-bed-for-dog) - [When Do Dogs Get Their Adult Teeth? A Timeline](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/dental-care/when-do-dogs-get-adult-teeth) - [Do Puppies Lose Teeth? Teething Timeline and What to Expect](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/dental-care/puppy-teething-losing-teeth) - [Healthy vs Unhealthy Dog Teeth: Signs and What to Do](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/dental-care/healthy-vs-unhealthy-dog-teeth) ## References 1. [Combination of Active and Passive Orthodontic Appliances for Treatment of Linguoverted Mandibular Canine Teeth in 2 Shiba Inu Dogs](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42405650/). Journal of veterinary dentistry, 2026. 2. [Incidence of enamel defects on permanent canine teeth following extraction of linguoverted mandibular deciduous canine teeth in dogs](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39323874/). Frontiers in veterinary science, 2024. 3. [A novel acrylic orthodontic device for treatment of linguoverted mandibular canine teeth in small dogs](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38694731/). The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne, 2024. 4. [Breed-Specific Dental Variations in Dogs Assessing Malocclusions Using Computed Tomography (CT)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42188950/). Veterinary sciences, 2026. 5. [Outcome of Permanent Canine Teeth Following Extraction of Linguoverted Deciduous Mandibular Canine Teeth in 28 Dogs](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37817553/). Journal of veterinary dentistry, 2024. 6. [Dental Disorders of Dogs - Dog Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/digestive-disorders-of-dogs/dental-disorders-of-dogs). Merck Veterinary Manual. 7. [Radiographic Prevalence of Nonvital Incisor Teeth in Small Breed Dogs: A Retrospective Study (2017-2021)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42206998/). Journal of veterinary dentistry, 2026. 8. [The Root Surface Areas and Ratios of the Maxillary Canine, Fourth Premolar, and First Molar Teeth in Mesaticephalic Dogs](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42334327/). Journal of veterinary dentistry, 2026. 9. [Dental Development of Dogs - Dog Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/digestive-disorders-of-dogs/dental-development-of-dogs). Merck Veterinary Manual. ## Further Reading - [Merck Veterinary Manual: Dog Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners) - [Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center: Canine Health Information](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information) - [American Veterinary Medical Association: Pet Care](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare)