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Getting braces isn't just for teenagers any more. Count the family pooch in, too. Experts say that better dentistry can add years to the life of pets, and can spare them the pain that comes from poor dental hygiene. Some dogs undergo root canals, get crowns and even braces — and none of it is for cosmetic purposes. "Their teeth are their front hands," said Dr. Marty Becker, a veterinarian who is also co-author of Chicken Soup for the Horse Lover's Soul. "Try living without your front arms. And there's also the pain issue. A German shepherd puppy I knew was in so much pain, he had to sleep with a toy in his mouth. So doggie dentistry is not a frivolous thing." One out of two dogs has periodontal disease, so owners should pay much more attentive to dental care, Becker said. Periodontal disease affects the gums, bones, and connective tissue around the teeth, and can cause tooth loss. First, plaque, a soft, clear or cream-colored deposit, forms on the teeth. If it isn't removed,...