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==Introduction==
==Introduction==
[[File:Dog teeth occlusion 2.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Occlusal assessment – mandibular incisors occlude on the palatal aspect of the maxillary incisors (known as a scissor bite), the mandibular canine interdigitates half way between the maxillary canine and third incisor, and the premolars interdigitate in a “picking shear” effect.<small>''© Lisa Milella 2013''</small>]]
[[File:Dog incisor occlusion.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Occlusal assessment of the incisors of a dog.<small>''© Lisa Milella 2013''</small>]]
By definition, malocclusion is an abnormality in the position of the teeth.
The ideal occlusion can be described as the perfect interdigitation of the upper and lower teeth. In the normal dog, the ideal tooth positions in the arches are defined by the '''occlusal, inter-arch and interdental relationships''' of the teeth.
The ideal occlusion can be described as the perfect interdigitation of the upper and lower teeth. In the normal dog, the ideal tooth positions in the arches are defined by the '''occlusal, inter-arch and interdental relationships''' of the teeth.
The length of a dog's jaw is most importantly determined by its '''genetic background'''. Problems exist commonly in dogs mainly due to the great variation in skull types within the species. Other factors can influence jaw length during growth, such as diet, metabolism, trauma, infection and forces within the mouth.
The length of a dog's jaw is most importantly determined by its '''genetic background'''. Problems exist commonly in dogs mainly due to the great variation in skull types within the species. Other factors can influence jaw length during growth, such as diet, metabolism, trauma, infection and forces within the mouth.
The clinical significance of malocclusion is that it may cause discomfort and sometimes pain to the affected animal. In some cases, it may be the direct cause of severe oral pathology.
==Signalment==
With the mesocephalic skull shape, the mandible is shorter and less wide than the upper jaw. Dolicocephalic breeds have a longer than normal upper jaw. The increased jaw length results in interdental spaces that are wider than normal. Brachycephalic animals have a shorter than normal upper jaw. A short jaw results in reduced interdental spaces with rotation and/or overlap of teeth.
Malocclusion is common in the dog, but also occurs in cats.
==Class 1 malocclusion==
==Class 1 malocclusion==