Dog Braces: An Orthodontist's Perspective

---

Greenberg Orthodontics & TMJ

You may have heard something about it in the news lately, or maybe you've always wondered why it hasn't happened yet... or maybe, just maybe, something this weird never crossed your mind... but it's true, there are now animal orthodontists!

An Orthodontist's Take on Pet Dental Care

As an orthodontist in the Los Angeles area, I very much understand the need for a beautiful smile. That's why I became an orthodontist, to make people smile both inside and out. Helping someone achieve perfect teeth is a joy for me and I'm grateful to be a part of such an exciting field.

Would I put braces on a dog? That's an interesting question. Apparently, dog braces are all the rage these days. With the choice of having a dog get its teeth pulled vs. a less painful solution like braces, I would say that braces seem much more humane.

Medical vs Aesthetic Reasons

The key difference between human and animal orthodontics is the motivation. As one of the leading pet orthodontists explains:

"We really don't do it for any kind of aesthetic reason, like we do in people," said Huff, the animal dentist at Alameda East Veterinary Hospital. "Marley has a lower canine tooth that's growing into the roof of his mouth."

This highlights an important distinction - while human orthodontic treatment often combines health and aesthetic benefits, animal orthodontics focuses primarily on functional problems and pain relief.

The Future of Pet Orthodontics

Still, I'd love to see a picture of a dog in braces and see that proud owner walking around with them. Aesthetically, I think braces on a dog would be hysterical.

When it does become something for aesthetics, I'm sure they'll choose Invisalign! What do you think?

While the idea of cosmetic pet orthodontics might seem amusing, it's wonderful to see veterinary medicine advancing to help animals with genuine dental health issues live more comfortable lives.