What are malocclusions, and when should they be treated?
Photo 5: Traumatic malocclusion; note the short mandible. Photo 6: Interceptive orthodontics; lower canines and incisors extracted. Malocclusions are occlusions that can be characterized as abnormal or unacceptable for the breed. They should be treated immediately if there is a traumatic occlusion in the deciduous or permanent teeth. In very young patients, early interceptive treatment may be appropriate to maintain the normal canine dental interlock or to release any interlock that will prevent normal development (Photos 5, 6). Alternately, it may be desirable to wait until the patient is 8-10 months when active-force orthodontics is planned. Photo 7: Lance canine; initial force directed ventrally. What are some common malocclusions? • Lance canines are common in Shetland Sheepdogs and some cat breeds. The upper canines are positioned more rostral (or mesial) than normal. The result is a malocclusion where the mandibular canine cannot fit into the space between the upper canine and th
