Common Malocclusion Research Articles

Orthodontic Correction of Lingually Displaced Canine Teeth in a Young Dog Using Light-cured Acrylic Resin

Lingually displaced canine teeth is a common malocclusion condition in dogs, the treatment of which has been described. Several of the previously reported treatment regimens involve the use of potentially harmful (toxic and/or dangerously exothermic) substances (methylmethacrylate) or require separate anesthetic episodes to make impressions and place the appliance. In this case, a dog was treated with directly placed appliances made of non-heat generating light-cured resin. Treatment required only one anesthetic episode to place the appliances and one more to remove them.

Skeletal and functional effects of treatment for unilateral posterior crossbite

Unilateral posterior crossbite (UPXB) is a common malocclusion, frequently presenting a lower midline deviation, accompanied by Class II subdivision relationships in final closure and a very high prevalence of the reverse sequencing (RS) pattern of jaw movement. These features often persist even after the elimination of the crossbite. The purpose of the present study was to examine in detail the morphologic, skeletal, and functional effects of the treatment for this malocclusion category. The experimental group consisted of 24 children in the mixed dentition stage with UPXB who were treated with removable expansion plates and a control group of 10 age-matched children with normal occlusion. Longitudinal follow-up revealed a stable dental maxillary arch expansion of at least 1.5 mm but a complete elimination of crossbite in only 50% of the cases. The frequent persistence of Class II subdivision relations and lower midline deviation that were not due to functional mandibular shift was striking. The pretreatment posteroanterior (P-A) cephalograms indicated reduced facial and maxillary widths. After treatment, the achieved maxillary width increase was greater than expected with normal growth. Longitudinal assessment of the mandibular movement response revealed by the electrognathograph showed a high prevalence of RS, which was reduced after treatment. In conclusion, (1) a higher than expected prevalence of skeletal transverse aberrations at the maxillary and zygomatic levels were found in the UPXB group; (2) the removable expansion appliance induces transverse growth of the maxilla; and (3) an inherent pattern of jaw movement is characteristic to the UPXB and does not change significantly with orthodontic treatment.

Diagnostic Approach to Malocclusions in Dogs

Malocclusions may be associated with any of the cranial shapes recognized in dogs. Orthodontic treatments for malocclusions are frequently reported. However, these reports often lack a diagnostic plan and use confusing terminologies. The purpose of this paper is to describe, using standardized terms, a diagnostic approach to the most common malocclusions found in dogs.

Lingually Displaced Mandibular Canine Teeth: Orthodontic Treatment Alternatives in the Dog

Lingual displacements of mandibular canine teeth often occur following retention of deciduous canine teeth. This condition often results in trauma of occlusion to the lingual aspect of the maxillary canine tooth and the further development of a periodontal pocket or an oronasal fistula. This condition can be corrected using orthodontic appliances. The purpose of this paper is to discuss and illustrate the various alternatives available for correction of this common malocclusion in dogs.