Changes

[[File:Dog incisor occlusion.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Occlusal assessment of the incisors of a dog.<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 [[:Category:Teeth - Anatomy & Physiology|teeth]]. The clinical significance of malocclusion is that it may cause discomfort and sometimes pain in the affected animal. In some cases, it may be the direct cause of severe oral pathology.  

By definition, malocclusion is an abnormality in the position of the [[:Category:Teeth - Anatomy & Physiology|teeth]]. The clinical significance of malocclusion is that it may cause discomfort and sometimes pain in the affected animal. In some cases, it may be the direct cause of severe oral pathology.  

 

===Normal Occlusion===

===Normal Occlusion===

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.  

===Skeletal Malocclusion===

===Skeletal Malocclusion===

'''Mandibular Prognathic Bite''': In the mandibular prognathic bite <font color="red">(pic4 malocclusion)</font color>, often called ‘undershot’, the [[Skull and Facial Muscles - Anatomy & Physiology|mandible]] is longer than the [[maxilla]] and some or all of the mandibular teeth are rostral to their normal position. If the dental interlock prevents the mandible from growing rostrally to its full genetic potential, lateral or ventral bowing of the mandible may occur to accommodate the shortening in length. This results in an open bite and is characterized by increased space between the premolar cusp tips. In addition, the caudal angle of the mandible is caudal to the temporomandibular joint to accommodate the extra length of the mandible.

'''Mandibular Prognathic Bite''': In the mandibular prognathic bite, often called ‘undershot’, the [[Skull and Facial Muscles - Anatomy & Physiology|mandible]] is longer than the [[maxilla]] and some or all of the mandibular teeth are rostral to their normal position. If the dental interlock prevents the mandible from growing rostrally to its full genetic potential, lateral or ventral bowing of the mandible may occur to accommodate the shortening in length. This results in an open bite and is characterized by increased space between the premolar cusp tips. In addition, the caudal angle of the mandible is caudal to the temporomandibular joint to accommodate the extra length of the mandible.

'''Mandibular Brachygnathic Bite''': A mandibular brachygnathic bite, often called ‘overshot’, and occurs when the mandible is shorter than normal. This often results in the mandibular canine [[Category:Teeth - Anatomy & Physiology|teeth]] contacting the [[Hard Palate|palate]], causing trauma. <font color="red">(pic 5malocclusion)</font color>

'''Mandibular Brachygnathic Bite''': A mandibular brachygnathic bite, often called ‘overshot’, and occurs when the mandible is shorter than normal. This often results in the mandibular canine [[Category:Teeth - Anatomy & Physiology|teeth]] contacting the [[Hard Palate|palate]], causing trauma.  

'''Wry Bite''': A wry bite occurs if one side of the head grows more than the other side. In its mildest form a one-sided prognathic or brachygnathic bite develops. In more severe cases, a crooked head and bite develop with a deviated midline. An open bite may also develop in the incisor region so that the affected teeth are displaced vertically and do not occlude. <font color="red">(pic6 malocclusion)</font color>

'''Wry Bite''': A wry bite occurs if one side of the head grows more than the other side. In its mildest form a one-sided prognathic or brachygnathic bite develops. In more severe cases, a crooked head and bite develop with a deviated midline. An open bite may also develop in the incisor region so that the affected teeth are displaced vertically and do not occlude. <font color="red">(pic6 malocclusion)</font color>