Malocclusion in cats and dogs

A malocclusion is a discrepancy of alignment in opposing dental arches or an abnormal relationship between teeth when the mouth is closed. These discrepancies may be congenital, developmental or acquired. This article discusses the development of malocclusions and their associated consequences, describes ideal occlusion and reviews classification of malocclusions. It also discusses the most common malocclusions seen in cats and dogs, and describes potential treatments.