Use of an intraoral scanner to evaluate orthodontic treatment for dental malocclusion in a dog.

OBJECTIVE: In human dental practice, intraoral scanners (IOSs) are increasingly used to evaluate the oral cavity. However, there have been no reports concerning evaluation of the canine oral cavity using IOSs in veterinary dentistry. In this case, optical impressions obtained with an IOS were used for 3-D evaluation of the orthodontic treatment outcome. Additionally, few reports have addressed the optimal orthodontic force for canine teeth. Therefore, this case explored whether sufficient tooth movement into the extraction site could be achieved with a lighter orthodontic force than previously reported.

ANIMAL: An 8-month-old spayed female dog.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION, PROGRESSION, AND PROCEDURES: A retained right maxillary third deciduous incisor (503) caused distoversion of the right maxillary third permanent incisor (103), leading to dental malocclusion that involved contact between 103 and the right mandibular canine teeth.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: All retained deciduous teeth were extracted. Mesial tipping movement of 103 into the extraction site of 503 was achieved with light orthodontic force using an elastomeric chain. An IOS was used to construct 3-D optical impression data from oral stone models taken before and after treatment, and tooth movement was evaluated. The results showed that 103 had sufficient tipping movement and no anchorage loss; comfortable occlusion was achieved. In addition to crown length extension, labioversion and mesioversion of maxillary incisors (other than 103) were observed.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Detailed intraoral evaluation with optical impressions was beneficial in the orthodontic treatment of a dog. Light orthodontic force may be sufficient for movement into the extraction site.