Oral mucosal lesions during orthodontic treatment.
BACKGROUND
Oral mucosal lesions can result from irritation caused by orthodontic appliances or malocclusion, but their frequency is not known.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the frequency of oral mucosal lesions in wearers of orthodontic appliances in comparison to children with malocclusion.


METHODS
This study comprised 111 subjects: 60 wearers of orthodontic appliances and 51 controls (aged between 6 and 18 years). Type and severity of mucosal lesions, their topography, gingival inflammation, and oral hygiene status were determined by using clinical indices.


RESULTS
Mucosal lesions were more present in wearers of orthodontic appliances than in children with malocclusion. Gingival inflammation, erosion, ulceration, and contusion were the most common findings in orthodontic patients. The severity of gingival inflammation was in correlation with oral hygiene status; the poorer oral hygiene, the more severe gingival inflammation was. Better oral hygiene status was found in children during orthodontic treatment than in children with malocclusion.


CONCLUSIONS
Orthodontic treatment carries a higher risk of mucosal lesions and implies greater awareness of better oral hygiene as shown by the results of this study. Oral hygiene instructions and early treatment of oral lesions are important considerations in better patient's motivation, treatment planning, and successful outcome.
Department of Oral Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia. mbaranov@inet.hr
Marinka
M
Baricevic
Marinka
M
Mravak-Stipetic
Martina
M
Majstorovic
Marijan
M
Baranovic
Denis
D
Baricevic
Bozana
B
Loncar
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D003288:Contusions / Q000209:etiology; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D005260:Female; D005881:Gingiva / Q000293:injuries; D005882:Gingival Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D005884:Gingival Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000150:complications; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000293:injuries; D009911:Oral Hygiene Index; D019226:Oral Ulcer / Q000209:etiology; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009968:Orthodontic Appliances, Removable / Q000009:adverse effects; D016910:Orthodontic Brackets / Q000009:adverse effects; D009969:Orthodontic Wires / Q000009:adverse effects; D012737:Sex Factors