Can a Dog’s Canine Underbite Be Corrected? Expert Treatment Options

“My dog has a severe canine underbite. He’s only a puppy, and he can eat okay, but it’s very messy and takes him a while. Is there something that can be done for him, or will he just always be a slow, messy eater? I worry that he isn’t getting enough to eat. He doesn’t seem to be in any pain, but he looks really weird.”  – Bobbi, New Jersey

“You don’t mention what is your puppy’s breed.  Canine underbite is a common genetic issue with many of the brachycephalic breeds (Boxers, Pugs, English Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus as examples).  An underbite is a situation where the teeth on the lower jaw, or mandible, protrude in front of the teeth on the upper jaw (maxilla).  Because it is genetic in origin for most dogs, the trait can be passed down to future generations.  In some pets, the cause is not genetic, but from previous jaw trauma.  The trauma results in a change in the normal growth of the jaw and a malocclusion.”

Canine Underbite Doesn’t Always Have to be Corrected

Not every dog with canine underbite needs treatment. This bulldog’s teeth are considered normal for the breed.

” Even though you stated your dog has a severe underbite, it may actually be normal.  A normal bite occurs when the teeth have perfect interdigitation between teeth.  When the teeth don’t meet appropriately, the dog is more likely to develop pain or chronic dental disease.  This can include abnormal wear of the teeth or damage to lips or gums.  Even in some cases a tooth from the bottom jaw creating a hole in the roof of the mouth.”

Canine Braces May Be Necessary for Severe Underbite

“Unfortunately, if it is needed, there may be no simple, magic fix for your dog’s canine underbite.  For adult dogs the primary treatment could be simple teeth extractions or filing down one or more teeth.  Because the jaw of a puppy is still growing, other options may be available.  In addition to extraction options, braces may be an option.  Just as braces can be used to adjust teeth placement in children, this same technique can be used in animals.  Veterinary dentists have been utilizing braces since the 1980’s.  However, braces are not used for cosmetic reasons in veterinary dentistry.  There are only used to correct a medical problem.  Once the veterinarian determines your dog may need braces, they must also decide whether your pet is healthy enough for the procedure.  Braces require general anesthesia for radiographs (x-rays) and placement of the braces.  Additional anesthetic procedures may be required for adjustment or removal of the braces.  In between anesthetic episodes, your pet may need rechecks where the mouth is examined without sedation.  Obviously, a behaved pet makes this much easier.  So, behavior may be one more factor in the decision to use braces.”

No Chew Toys

“Once braces are placed you will have to help care for them at home.  This means brushing their teeth!  And of course, no chew toys, no tug of war, and no stick playing.  Remember, you don’t want to go through the time and expense of correcting canine underbite twice.  As you can see, there is a lot to digest here.  I recommend you see your veterinarian about the problem.  They can help you make decisions or refer you to a veterinary dentist as needed.  Veterinary dentistry is its own specialty and you can find more information on their website https://www.avdc.org/

To learn more about Dr. Kevin Winkler, visit our Contributors page under the “About” tab at the top of this page.