ILLEGAL PRACTICE OF ORTHODONTICS EXERCISING AND ITS CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: CASE REPORT

Abstract

Introduction: The number of adult patients looking for orthodontic treatment has markedly increased in recent years. However, fake orthodontic appliance use, performed without minimum expertise or knowledge of the damage that it may cause to oral health, became very common in Brazil. Objective: To report the case of a male patient, 42 years old, who used an orthodontic appliance of uncertain origin. The patient had poor oral hygiene and grade III mobility in several units, and was referred to perform multiple extractions, with subsequent rehabilitation. Discussion: Orthodontic appliance used by orthodontists are strictly supervised by ANVISA. They are manufactured from biocompatible materials and their wires have specifically calibrated forces and appropriate formats to the dental arch, in order to move the teeth. Pirate accessories, without invoice and manufacturing origin, are usually found with street salesman. Materials used to make these devices, such as elastic bands, rubbers and dental yarns, are sold on the streets or in social networks. Often, application includes broom wires and superglue, in addition to twisted wires and elastic bands. These materials do not have any type of control and may cause poisoning, severe allergies and periodontal or dental changes. Final considerations: It is vital to dentists to be aware of this new fashion that has been adopted by young people, in order to make them aware of the risks they are subjected when adopting unnecessary use of dental appliance, without due supervision of specialized personnel.