Can Dogs Get Braces?

By the Can Dogs Get editorial team · Checked against AKC and veterinary sources

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Short answer Yes, dogs can get braces, but only for medical reasons.

Vet dentists fit braces to correct a painful or harmful bite, never for cosmetic straightening.

Yes, dogs really can get braces. Veterinary dentists sometimes fit them to correct a bite that is causing pain or damage, not to make a dog's smile look neater. Doggie braces help when misaligned teeth make it hard to eat, injure the mouth, or interfere with a young dog's development. They are always placed under anesthesia by a trained professional, just as a medical ID tattoo is.

✅ For a painful or harmful bite, fitted by a vet dentist ❌ Never for cosmetic straightening or looks

Yesfor medical reasons

Vet dentistonly, under anesthesia

Weeks-monthstypical treatment time

On this page

Why a dog might need braces
What to expect
Cost and alternatives
FAQ

Why a Dog Might Need Braces

Genuine medical reasons

Teeth that dig into the gums or the roof of the mouth
A bite that makes eating or closing the mouth painful
Baby teeth that stay too long and push adult teeth out of line
Misaligned teeth that risk injuring the mouth

What to Expect

Dental exam and x-rays. Your vet checks the bite and looks below the gumline.
Referral to a specialist. A board-certified veterinary dentist plans the treatment.
Fitting under anesthesia. The device is placed while your dog is safely asleep.
Regular checkups. The dentist adjusts and monitors progress and keeps teeth clean.
Removal. The braces come off once the teeth have moved into a healthy position.

Braces are one of several less-obvious ways vets keep dogs comfortable; some dogs are even fitted with prescription glasses or protective goggles for eye problems.

Cost and alternatives Dog braces are not cheap, and they are not the only option. In some cases simply removing a problem tooth is quicker and kinder. Never attempt any DIY orthodontics at home, and always work with a qualified veterinary dentist. For another vet procedure owners are often surprised by, see whether dogs can get a vasectomy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would a dog need braces?

Braces are used when misaligned teeth cause a real problem, such as teeth digging into the gums or the roof of the mouth, trouble eating or closing the mouth, or baby teeth pushing adult teeth out of line. The goal is always comfort and health, never appearance.

How much do dog braces cost?

It varies widely by case and region, but treatment by a veterinary dentist, including anesthesia, imaging and follow-up visits, often runs from several hundred to a few thousand dollars. Your vet can refer you to a specialist for an accurate quote.

Do dog braces hurt?

Fitting is done under anesthesia, so the dog feels nothing during the procedure. Afterward there may be mild soreness, much like people feel, but correcting a painful bite usually makes the dog far more comfortable in the long run.

Can dogs get braces just to straighten their teeth?

No. Reputable veterinary dentists only fit braces for medical reasons. Straightening a dog's teeth purely for looks is considered unethical and is not offered, since it puts a dog through anesthesia and treatment for no health benefit.

⚠️ Emergency? If your dog may have swallowed something toxic or is seriously unwell, contact your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately (in the US, the Pet Poison Helpline is 855-764-7661).

Sources: American Kennel Club (akc.org), VCA Animal Hospitals (vcahospitals.com) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (avma.org). This guide is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own veterinarian. See our editorial & review policy.