Pathological conditions of the oral mucosa caused by orthodontic appliances - Integrative Review

Pathological conditions of the oral mucosa, especially non-neoplastic proliferative processes, have a high prevalence in the dental clinic and are usually caused by mechanical trauma of chronic nature with or without the association of microorganisms. Fixed and removable orthodontic appliances may be important etiological factors associated with oral mucosa injury during orthodontic treatment. Brackets, archwires, elastics, bands, and other orthodontic appliances can favor microtraumas in the oral mucosa and, when chronic, predispose the mucosa to pathophysiological changes that can culminate in the formation of a pathological condition. Non-neoplastic proliferative tissue processes, bullous lesions, inflammatory lesions, andulcerations are alterations that are commonly related to the use of orthodontic appliances and can result in various degrees of morbidity to the patient, in addition to hindering orthodontic management during treatment. The aim of this study was to discuss the relevant aspects related to the main lesions that can affect the oral mucosa due to the use of orthodontic appliancesthrough an integrative literature review.