Understanding Overbite in Cats: Can It Self-Correct?
An overbite, medically termed as Class II skeletal malocclusion or mandibular brachygnathism, occurs when a cat's lower jaw is shorter than the upper jaw. Although rare in felines, this condition can cause significant issues when present, particularly trauma and discomfort due to malalignment of the lower incisors or canines with the upper palate or soft tissue.
What Is Normal Occlusion?
To understand overbite, it's helpful to recognize what normal dental alignment (occlusion) looks like in cats:
- Incisors: The upper ones should just overlap the lowers in a 'scissor bite'.
- Canines: The lower canine should sit precisely between the upper third incisor and the upper canine tooth.
Any deviation from this structure, where teeth interfere with normal function or tissue integrity, is considered malocclusion.
Types of Malocclusion
- Class I – Dental Malocclusion: Normal jaw length with individual teeth misaligned.
- Class II – Skeletal Malocclusion (Overbite): Lower jaw is too short.
- Class III – Skeletal Malocclusion (Underbite): Lower jaw extends beyond the upper jaw.
- Class IV – Asymmetrical Malocclusion: Jaws develop unevenly, causing skewed midlines or open bites.
Causes of Overbite
Overbites in cats can be hereditary, particularly in breeds with shortened faces like Persians or British Shorthairs, or due to environmental factors, including:
- Trauma: Injury to facial bones during development.
- Delayed loss of deciduous teeth: This may obstruct proper positioning of the permanent teeth.
- Developmental anomalies: These may result in disproportionate jaw growth.
Can an Overbite Resolve on Its Own?
Spontaneous resolution of a true skeletal overbite is highly unlikely. Once jaw development is complete, the bone structure does not change without external influence. In kittens, some mild malalignments might appear to improve during growth, but true Class II malocclusion typically persists or worsens without treatment.
Symptoms to Watch For
Signs that an overbite is causing problems include:
- Visible misalignment of teeth or jaw
- Pain or soft tissue trauma
- Drooling or difficulty chewing
- Bad breath and buildup of plaque and tartar
- Behavioral changes or reluctance to eat
How Is an Overbite Diagnosed?
A veterinarian performs a comprehensive physical and oral exam, often with the cat under anesthesia to allow careful inspection. Dental X-rays may be recommended to assess the alignment and structural health of bones and teeth.
Treatment Options
The treatment plan depends on the severity of the overbite and whether it's causing trauma:
- Monitoring: Mild cases may not require active treatment but do need regular checkups.
- Dental extraction: Misaligned teeth that harm soft tissue may be removed.
- Orthodontic appliances: In select cases, braces or devices may reposition teeth—usually during juvenile growth stages.
- Crown reduction: This reduces tooth height to alleviate trauma.
- Oral surgery: Reserved for severe structural issues or obstructions.
Can Prevention Help?
Some overbites are inevitable due to genetics, but early detection can reduce complications:
- Schedule early dental checkups during kittenhood.
- Monitor for retained baby teeth beyond six months.
- Feed a chewing-supportive diet and provide dental toys.
- Avoid breeding cats with confirmed malocclusion issues.
Conclusion
While mild misalignments may go unnoticed or not lead to serious problems, a true skeletal overbite in cats will not self-correct and can severely affect quality of life if left unmanaged. Veterinary evaluation and, if needed, intervention are key to ensuring your cat remains comfortable and healthy.
