If you have a dog with crooked teeth or bite alignment issues, you've probably wondered, "Can dogs get braces?" Or maybe you're looking to learn more about dog braces from hearing about Wesley, a golden retriever puppy who had braces to correct their bite, as Patch reports.

Turns out dog braces exist, and they have for well over 30 years in veterinary dentistry and orthodontia to help dogs with painful or life-threatening dental problems. While humans usually wear braces for cosmetic issues, the goal of doggie orthodontia is to help a dog chew and eat normally.

Can Dogs Get Braces?

Dog braces can help with several dental conditions, including crowded teeth, misaligned teeth and lance teeth, which are upper canine teeth that abnormally point out of the mouth instead of down. Additional conditions that have been treated with braces in dogs include:

• Linguoversion: This is a condition when one or both of the canine teeth in the lower jaw erupt on the inside. Linguoversion is a problem seen in dogs with long and narrow noses, like collie breeds. Linguoversion is painful and doesn't allow the mouth to close properly. In severe cases, the condition can cause the abnormally placed canine teeth to poke holes in the roof of the mouth. Linguoversion requires treatment with either braces or removal of the abnormal canine teeth.
• Overbites: These occur when the lower jaw is shorter than the top jaw.
• Remaining Baby Teeth: When a dog's baby teeth don't fall out, it can lead to dental crowding, bite issues and periodontal disease.
• Surgery Aftercare: In situations where cancer treatment results in surgical removal of part of the jaw, braces can keep teeth from drifting out of position.

How Can I Tell if My Dog Needs Braces?

If your dog is dropping food, acting head shy, has an overbite or if you notice any changes to their teeth, then it's time to consult with your veterinarian. Your vet is your best resource to tell you whether your dog needs braces, or if there's another dental issue. They'll conduct a full physical and dental exam and can point out any issues to you.

Most dogs who have a condition that requires orthodontic treatment are diagnosed when they're young, usually between 4 and 6 months of age when the adult teeth come in. Similar to a human dentist, if your vet spots a problem, they may refer you to a veterinary dentist who specializes in canine orthodontia. Even if you're skeptical about dog braces, if your vet notices an issue in your dog's mouth, it's always a good idea to at least consult with a veterinary dentist to learn about treatment options and ask questions.

What Other Factors Should I Consider?

In addition to the particular dental condition that a dog has, there are other factors to think about when considering getting your dog fitted for braces.

Health

One important factor is whether your dog is healthy enough to go under general anesthesia, as this is necessary to apply dog braces. Veterinary dentists also X-ray and clean the teeth while the dog is under anesthesia, if necessary. Depending on your dog's condition, several rounds of anesthesia may be required, depending on how fast a dog's teeth move. The good news is that the process isn't nearly as long or involved as in humans: Most dogs usually wear braces for weeks to a few months, while humans usually wear braces for a few years.

Cost

Generally, dog braces can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000. However, the cost depends on several factors, including the size of your dog, the dental condition your dog has and how long your dog has to wear braces. One solution to reducing the cost of dog braces is to enroll in pet dental insurance.