If the lower incisors and the dental pad do not meet together properly the incisors will keep on growing. Sometimes they may be seen protruding through the lips.

If the top and bottom molars do not fit together correctly some of the teeth may become too long. These protuberant teeth grow into the opposing gum and are very painful. The animal in this photo would have been in a lot of pain as you can see the gap forced between the upper teeth and the bone is also damaged.

Males generally have large, well developed fighting teeth designed to rip and tear, causing serious damage to their opponent during fights for supremacy. These teeth must be trimmed for the safety of their paddock companions and their handlers.

Sometimes we see alpacas with two sets of incisors. The deciduous (or baby) teeth have not fallen out as the new permanent teeth have grown. The retention of the deciduous teeth may prevent the permanent teeth from meeting the dental pad correctly.