25 Jul Understanding Malocclusions in Dogs and Cats: A Guide for Pet Owners
As a pet owner, it’s easy to focus on the obvious signs of your pet’s health: eating habits, energy level, and coat condition. But their alignment of teeth may not be something you think about often. Yet the alignment of a dog or cat’s teeth can have a significant impact on their comfort and overall health. When teeth don’t line up correctly, this is known as a malocclusion—and in many cases, pet malocclusion treatment is necessary to prevent pain and long-term complications.
Malocclusions aren’t just a cosmetic issue. In many cases, they can lead to chronic pain, difficulty eating, trauma to the soft tissues of the mouth, and long-term damage to the teeth or jawbone. Understanding the different types of malocclusions, their health impacts, and the role of a board-certified veterinary dentist® can help you make the best decisions for your pet’s oral health.
What Is a Malocclusion?
A malocclusion is a misalignment between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed. In an ideal bite, also called a normal occlusion, the upper incisors sit just in front of the lower incisors. The lower canine teeth fit evenly between the upper third incisor and upper canine teeth. The premolars interlock in a way that resembles scissors.
When this alignment is off, it can lead to problems. Malocclusions can be caused by retained baby teeth, trauma, abnormal jaw development, or genetics.
Veterinary dentists classify malocclusions into two broad categories: skeletal and dental. Skeletal malocclusions are caused by mismatched jaw sizes or shapes, while dental malocclusions involve individual teeth that are in the wrong position, even when the jaws themselves are aligned properly.
Types of Malocclusions
Here are the main types of malocclusions seen in dogs and cats:
- Class I Malocclusion (Neutroclusion)
This is the most common type. The jaws are correctly positioned, but one or more teeth are out of alignment. This might involve a rotated tooth, one that erupts in the wrong location, or teeth that are crowding others.
One frequent example in dogs is a base-narrow canine, where the lower canine teeth angle inward and poke into the roof of the mouth. This can lead to pain, ulcers, and long-term oral trauma if not corrected.
- Class II Malocclusion (Overbite or Distoclusion)
In this case, the lower jaw is shorter than the upper jaw. The lower teeth sit too far behind the upper teeth, which can cause the lower canines or incisors to press into the palate. This type is common in small-breed dogs such as Pomeranians and Shih Tzus.
- Class III Malocclusion (Underbite or Mesioclusion)
This type occurs when the lower jaw is longer than the upper jaw. It’s often seen in brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs, Boxers, and Persian cats. While some underbites are considered normal for certain breeds, they can still cause trauma to the soft tissues or uneven tooth wear if not monitored or treated.
- Class IV Malocclusion (Asymmetric Skeletal Malocclusion)
This is also known as a wry bite. It happens because of asymmetrical growth at the jaw, leading to an uneven bite that may cause the teeth to meet improperly or not at all. This type of malocclusion often results in significant functional problems and can be associated with discomfort or difficulty chewing.
Health Impacts of Malocclusions
It’s a common misconception that if a pet is still eating, there’s no dental issue. In reality, pets are remarkably good at adapting, even when they are uncomfortable. Malocclusions can lead to several health concerns over time, many of which develop gradually.
Potential health effects include:
- Oral trauma: Teeth pressing into the gums, lips, or palate can lead to ulcers, infections, or open wounds.
- Pain: Misaligned teeth can rub against each other or against soft tissue, causing constant discomfort.
- Tooth wear or fracture: Abnormal contact between teeth can wear them down or cause cracks and breaks.
- Difficulty eating: Some pets may have trouble picking up food or chewing properly due to bite misalignment.
- Infections: Ongoing trauma and inflammation can increase the risk of bacterial infections, which may affect the gums, bone, or even spread systemically.
- Behavioral changes: Pain from malocclusions can make pets irritable, withdrawn, or less interested in eating, playing, or being touched near the face.
Pet Malocclusion Diagnosis and Treatment
If your regular veterinarian notices bite abnormalities during an exam, they may recommend a consultation with a board-certified veterinary dentist®. At Animal Dental Specialists, we have advanced training and tools to evaluate and treat complex oral health problems.
Diagnosis usually involves a thorough oral examination under anesthesia. This allows for safe and detailed imaging, including 3D cone beam CT scans and full-mouth dental radiographs. These tools help identify the exact location and impact of any misaligned teeth.
Pet malocclusion treatment options may include:
Orthodontic appliances
In young pets, simple orthodontic devices such as incline planes or acrylic appliances may be used to guide teeth into a healthier position. These treatments require frequent follow-up and careful management but can prevent long-term issues.
Tooth extraction
If a tooth is causing pain and cannot be safely repositioned, removing it may be the most effective solution. This is especially common with lower canine teeth that are pressing into the palate or other soft tissues.
Crown reduction with vital pulp therapy
For specific cases, the crown of a problematic tooth may be shortened to remove trauma risk. This procedure is followed by vital pulp therapy, which keeps the tooth alive and functional.
Monitoring
In cases where the malocclusion is not causing pain or trauma, we may recommend regular monitoring to ensure it does not worsen over time.
When Should You Seek Help?
If you notice anything unusual about your pet’s bite or mouth, such as teeth that don’t line up, difficulty chewing, visible ulcers, or persistent bad breath, it’s a good idea to talk to your veterinarian. Even subtle signs can indicate a problem beneath the surface.
For many pets, early detection and intervention can prevent a lifetime of pain or dental complications. The sooner an issue is addressed, the more options are available for treatment or correction.
Conclusion
Malocclusions in dogs and cats are more than just a cosmetic concern. They can lead to discomfort, long-term dental issues, and reduced quality of life if not managed properly. With the help of a board-certified veterinary dentist®, these conditions can be diagnosed accurately and treated with compassion and expertise.
Whether your pet needs orthodontic correction, extractions, or just careful monitoring, addressing malocclusions early with professional pet malocclusion treatment is one of the best ways to support their lifelong health and happiness. If you have concerns about your pet’s bite or oral comfort, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (07/25/2025) Image by Andrew from Pixabay