How Much Do Teeth Braces for Dogs Cost? 2024 Price Update

Dogs experience many of the same dental issues as humans, but veterinary specialists take a different approach to treating canines than dentists or orthodontists treat humans. Veterinarians are not concerned with making cosmetic improvements but are focused on improving the dog’s comfort and preventing severe conditions, such as periodontal disease. Braces may not seem like a normal procedure for a dog, but veterinarians have been using them since the 1980s. If your furry friend has dental issues, we’ll explain how orthodontic treatments can help.

You can expect to pay between $1,500 and $5,000 for teeth braces for dogs. Here are the details:

 

The Importance of Canine Dental Health

Maintaining healthy teeth is vital for the animal’s health. When a puppy is 8 weeks old, they typically have 28–30 baby teeth. The deciduous teeth are replaced by 42 adult teeth when the dog is around 6 months old. If some of the baby teeth do not fall out, overcrowding can occur. Braces may be necessary to correct the problem to ensure the dog has a comfortable bite.

Another common problem that may warrant braces is linguoversion. This occurs when the dog’s teeth are pointed inward towards the tongue. When the lower teeth are affected, the dog can experience extreme pain when the teeth hit the roof of its mouth and cause injuries. Holes in the top of the mouth can lead to chronic sinus infections. Other dental problems that may require braces are overbites and lance teeth. An overbite is when the lower jaw is much shorter than the top jaw, and lance teeth occur when the upper teeth point out rather than down.

In severe cases, braces may be applied to a patient with part of the jaw removed from cancer. In this situation, the braces can reduce tooth drift. If your pet has crooked teeth but does not have problems chewing or experiencing pain, braces may not be necessary. Veterinarians will only conduct orthodontic procedures to improve the animal’s health but will refuse requests to straighten teeth for aesthetic reasons.

How Much Do Teeth Braces for Dogs Cost?

Installing braces on a dog is expensive, but the cost will depend on your dog’s age and condition, the geographic location of the veterinary clinic, and the size of the animal. Treatments for large dogs typically cost more because they require more rounds of anesthesia. The estimated cost of braces for dog teeth is $2,750. However, the price will vary at each vet clinic, and the cost can range from $1,500 to $5,000.

Humans all have similarly shaped jaws, but dogs can have long muzzles or short ones. Estimating the cost of orthodontics for people is much easier because there is less variation in the jaw’s structure. If you have a Pug or Pekinese, the price of braces will not be the same for a German Shepherd or Great Dane. The animal’s age is also a crucial factor, and some dogs may not be healthy enough to handle several rounds of anesthesia.

Additional Costs to Anticipate

A veterinary specialist can install braces in 90 minutes or less, but the procedure requires several weekly or bi-weekly follow-up visits. Veterinary checkups can cost $100–$300 depending on the clinic’s pricing and if any additional work must be performed to treat an issue. If your pet experiences complications or infections after the procedure, the cost will increase. Patients living close to the clinic will pay less than those who travel several hours or more. Since the treatment does not end with the procedure, some pet parents may have to stay in hotels to take their pets to multiple follow-up appointments.

If the doctor can extract teeth to correct the bite rather than apply braces, the cost could be $600 or more. However, the prices for extractions can increase if infected portions of the gums must be removed. For extractions with gum removal, the cost can soar to over $2,500.

How Long Do Dogs Have to Wear Braces?

Humans often have to wear braces for several months or even years, but the orthodontic procedure for dogs is much shorter. Most dogs will only have braces for 2-3 months, but recovery depends on how well the treatment progresses. The veterinarian will assist in the recovery process with frequent checkups, but the treatment’s success depends on the pet parent’s ability to provide adequate care. If an infection or inflammation occurs, the recovery may take longer. Following the doctor’s instructions for home care and notifying the clinic of any changes or additional symptoms is essential for a successful recovery.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Braces?

Unfortunately, pet insurance does not cover orthodontic procedures. Insurance companies do not cover most dental work unless an injury causes it. Some insurers will require a separate policy for dental treatments, but you have to research the companies thoroughly to understand the costs involved. Most insurers will not cover dental cleanings, extractions, or surgeries required for a preexisting condition. However, the firms with the most comprehensive policies may cover these costs:

Treatments not covered include dental cleaning, orthodontic work, and supplies like toothbrushes and toothpaste.

What to Do for Your Dog’s Teeth at Home

Caring for a dog with braces requires considerable effort by the owner. If the animal eats hard food or chews on a toy or shoe, the braces can become damaged. Most pets will be on a soft food diet for at least several weeks to keep the apparatus in place. Frequent inspections of the dog’s teeth every day are vital for recovery, and dog owners must brush the teeth around the braces and sanitize the area with an oral antiseptic. After the braces are removed, the veterinarian will recommend periodic cleaning treatments to ensure the teeth stay healthy.

 

Conclusion

Orthodontic procedures are pricey, but they can correct the dog’s bite and eliminate the pain from inflammation and rubbing teeth. Keeping the braces intact and frequently cleaning the dog’s teeth are some of the vital duties of the owner, and some people may have issues taking time off work or rearranging their schedules. However, the disruption that the recovery period may cause is worth the trouble. Dogs with healthy teeth will no longer suffer pain or discomfort.

• See Also: How Much Do Dog Teeth Implants Cost?

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