Overbite question - Page 1

With overbite, do you mean his maxillary (upper) jaw is longer than the lower jaw? If so, check on the fit of his lower canine teeth. If there is a serious discrepancy the lower canine teeth may be gouging holes into the upper palate, either into the gums next to the upper canine teeth or into the palate behind them.

A malocclusion of this nature, where the lower canines are damaging the tissue of the maxillary jaw, will require correction by a canine dentist. The discomfort to the dog is considerable.

These photos are of a 6 months old puppy with a malocclusion of the lower jaw which is just a bit too short. The third image in the first row shows the hole made by his lower canine. Treatment involved a procedure called 'camouflage orthodontics' whereby a dental material is shaped over the lower canine teeth in such a way as to elongate them slightly outward. When the dog closes his mouth the new famgs <G> now fit over the outside of the upper jaw. It is hoped that this method pushes the teeth into their proper position much as an orthodontic appliance would do.

It seems to be working. The drawback is that he's not allowed to play tug which is really limiting our training and playing.

We consulted with two veterinarians and a specialist and the consensus was that dogs do not outgrow this. I'm hoping your pup's overbite is in no way as severe as our little guy's.

Overbites do sometimes come good but 1/2' is a fair amount. Could you post a photo so that we can have a look, then we maybe able to offer you some advice?
The upper and lower jaw do grow at different rates so it might not be as bad as you think.

In one litter I have had slight overbites (but less than 1/2") at 4-5 months but they corrected themselves by 6-7 months (they were fine at 8 weeks). 1/2 inch is a lot and 8 months is quite late so I would be rather concerned. I once saw a female of this age compete in a show with this problem and the judge said it was possible but not very likely that it would correct. I know that in that case it did not, however this dog did already have a slight overbite when tatooed at 8 weeks, and in her case it got worse. Your male is obviously still growing so maybe there is still a chance the lower jaw will catch up, I have heard that it can lag behind in growth. I have also read somewhere that if the bite is Ok at 8 weeks then it will go back to being OK, but I am not sure how true this is. FIngers crossed!