Veterinary Dentistry - Malocclusion Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the difference between occlusion and malocclusion?

Occlusion is misalignment

Occlusion is the normal position of teeth when jaws are closed (correct)

Malocclusion is the normal positioning of jaws

Malocclusion is a normal position of teeth

What are the consequences of malocclusion?

Abnormal contact with other teeth or soft tissues, pain, accumulation of debris, chronic pain, changes in behavior, and difficulty in mastication.

How can malocclusion be prevented?

Oral examination starting at the initial puppy/kitten first visit.

What treatments can be done if malocclusion is detected early?

Simple extraction, crown amputation, or orthodontics treatment. Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if malocclusion is not detected early?

It may result in permanent teeth malocclusions requiring extensive extractions or multiple-procedure orthodontics. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in recognizing abnormal occlusions?

Knowing normal anatomy. Signup and view all the answers

The wild phenotype of domestic dogs and cats has interdigitating teeth that create a _____________ effect.

pinking shears Signup and view all the answers

A _ tooth interdigitates with the _ tooth in a normal occlusion.

mandibular canine, maxillary 3rd incisors Signup and view all the answers

What is diastema?

Space or gap between two teeth. Signup and view all the answers

Mandibular incisors that rest on the ______ of the maxillary incisors indicate a scissor occlusion.

cingulae Signup and view all the answers

What is a cingulae?

Flat area of the maxillary incisors. Signup and view all the answers

What are the six points to evaluate occlusion in most dogs?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes incisor scissor occlusion?

Mandibular incisors that rest on the cingulae. Signup and view all the answers

What is a proper canine interlock?

Mandibular canine fits into the diastema between maxillary 3rd incisor and upper canine. Signup and view all the answers

What does PM interdigitation refer to?

Cusp tips of PM pointing to the interdental space. Signup and view all the answers

Occlusion affects what types of teeth?

Cusp Signup and view all the answers

What is a mesocephalic head?

A head where the mandible is shorter and less wide than the maxilla. Signup and view all the answers

How many classes of malocclusion are there?

Three classes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a lance tooth?

One or both of the maxillary canine teeth deviating rostrally. Signup and view all the answers

What may happen as a result of lance tooth?

Closed diastema and potential periodontal disease. Signup and view all the answers

What is one method to correct lance tooth?

Orthodontic movement or extraction. Signup and view all the answers

What defines an anterior (rostral) crossbite?

Reverse scissor bite of one or more incisors displaced lingual to the lowers. Signup and view all the answers

What is a posterior (caudal) crossbite?

A condition where the PM and M are lingual to the lower ones. Signup and view all the answers

In a level bite, incisor teeth meet exactly in a ____________ manner.

surface to surface Signup and view all the answers

What can cause crowded or rotated teeth?

Toy breeds have crowding of their incisors; brachycephalics crowd their PM. Signup and view all the answers

What is brachygnathia?

Excessive shortness of one or both jaws. Signup and view all the answers

What is prognathism?

Abnormal protrusion of one or both jaws. Signup and view all the answers

What is a mandibular brachygnathic bite also known as?

Overbite. Signup and view all the answers

What is a mandibular prognathic bite also called?

Underbite. Signup and view all the answers

What happens in a narrow mandible?

Lower canines impinge on the maxillary gingivae or hard palate. Signup and view all the answers

What is an open bite?

The teeth do not meet properly, creating a space. Signup and view all the answers

What is a wry bite?

A condition where one jaw quadrant grows differently from the other. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Occlusion and Malocclusion

Occlusion (Class 0): Normal positioning of teeth when jaws are closed.
Malocclusion: Misalignment of teeth leading to various oral issues.

Consequences of Malocclusion

Leads to discomfort and pain due to abnormal contact with teeth or soft tissues.
Increases risk of periodontal disease, tooth loss, and chronic pain, often resulting in behavioral changes.
Causes difficulty in mastication (chewing).

Prevention and Early Detection

Conduct oral examinations starting at the first veterinary visit for puppies and kittens to spot malocclusions early.

Treatment Options for Early Detection

Simple dental procedures like extraction or crown amputation.
Orthodontic treatments, including braces and acrylic plates.

Consequences of Untreated Malocclusion

Untreated malocclusion can result in permanent changes needing complex orthodontics or multiple extractions.

Recognizing Abnormal Occlusions

Understanding normal dental anatomy is essential to identify malocclusions and prevent serious diseases.

Pinking Shears Effect

Domestic dogs and cats display an interdigitation of teeth that creates a "pinking shears" effect, essential for normal function.

Normal Occlusion Characteristics

Features include scissor incisor relationships, canine interlocks, premolar interdigitation, alignment of developmental grooves of carnassial teeth, consistent freeway space between arcades, and head symmetry.

Types of Occlusion

Incisor Scissor Occlusion: Mandibular incisors rest on the cingulae of the maxillary incisors.
Proper Canine Interlock: Mandibular canine fits into the diastema between maxillary 3rd incisor and upper canine.

Premolar Interdigitation

Cusp tips of premolars should align with interdental spaces, allowing for efficient mastication.

Cusp Definition

Cusp refers to the raised points on the crowns of teeth that facilitate occlusion.

Historical Context

Human influence has led to new phenotypes in dogs and cats, sometimes compromising dental health and quality of life.

Mesocephalic Head Traits

Characterized by a shorter mandible, proper interdigitation of canine teeth, and specific interaction between maxillary and mandibular teeth.

Types of Malocclusion

Three classes exist (Class 1, 2, 3) based on genetic and environmental factors, classified as dental or skeletal malocclusions.

Class 1 Malocclusions Explained

Lance Tooth: Maxillary canine(s) may be deviated and displaced, leading to dental crowding and occlusal problems.

Anterior and Posterior Crossbites

Anterior Crossbite: Common occurrence where one or more incisors are displaced lingually to normals; linked to retained deciduous teeth.
Posterior Crossbite: Characterized by lingual occlusion of premolars and molars; often inherited, noted in breeds like Borzoi.

Level Bite

Represents an edge-to-edge contact of incisor teeth; this may lead to abnormal wear and inflammation if not addressed.

Crowded or Rotated Teeth

Common in toy and brachycephalic breeds due to smaller jaw sizes and tooth crowding.

Understanding Brachygnathia and Prognathism

Brachygnathia: Excessive shortness of one or both jaws.
Prognathism: Abnormal protrusion of one or both jaws.

Specific Malocclusion Types

Mandibular Brachygnathic Bite: Upper jaw significantly overextends over the lower jaw (overbite).
Mandibular Prognathic Bite: Lower jaw protrudes forward, resulting in an underbite with specific tooth interactions.

Open Bite Definition

An open bite occurs when teeth do not come together properly, creating spaces.

Wry Bite Characteristics

Caused by asymmetrical growth between jaw quadrants, leading to dental malocclusions and loss of symmetry.

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Description

Explore essential concepts related to occlusion and malocclusion in veterinary dentistry through this set of flashcards. Understand the impact of misaligned teeth on animal health, including potential consequences and behaviors. Perfect for veterinary students or professionals looking to reinforce their knowledge.