Management of oral mucosa injuries related to orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances

Abstract

Traumatic oral lesions and tissue irritation are expected as a side effect of orthodontic treatment due to the contact of the appliance components with the oral mucosa. The orthodontic appliance also represents a source of biofilm accumulation and may lead to inflammatory tissue mass. Most lesions caused by orthodontic appliances heal without treatment. However, as they are the source of symptoms such pain, they can impact patient motivation and the orthodontic therapy duration. It is important that the orthodontist is able to identify, perform the differential diagnosis of oral lesions caused by fixed orthodontic appliances. The objective of this manuscript is to review the literature regarding the most common mucosal lesions in users of fixed orthodontic appliances, highlighting their differential diagnosis and clinical management.