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ORTHODONTIC CARE FOR YOUR PET:
Most of us are familiar with orthodontics for our children and ourselves. It is quite common to see people of all ages wearing braces or clear aligners. Although many choose orthodontic treatment for cosmetic reasons, it is also very important for oral health.
Recently, veterinarians and many pet owners have become more aware of the importance of oral health in animals. In fact, veterinary dentistry is the fastest growing area of animal care. For dogs, whose teeth are not just used for chewing but also like hands to pick up and carry objects, a healthy bite is an absolute necessity. Certain orthodontic problems in dogs can lead to serious and painful conditions in the dog's mouth and cause a marked decrease in the quality of life. In cases of malocclusion, or poorly aligned teeth, pets can suffer damage to the gums, excessive tooth wear, pain in the jaw joint, and even infections in the roof of the mouth.
Not too long ago, the offending teeth would have been extracted, but aligning them into the proper position provides your pet with a functional bite, leading to healthier teeth and better overall health. Only recently have veterinarians realized that these problems can be treated with the use of orthodontic appliances including braces, elastics, inclined planes and aligners. While orthodontic care is usually recommended for pain relief and medical reasons, there is often a cosmetic benefit as well.
If your pet appears to have mouth tenderness, difficulty eating, or a swollen area on the face, please call us at 561-439-7900 to schedule an appointment for consultation about possible orthodontic problems.
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