The generation of intrabony defects due to the iatrogenic use of elastic bands is an undesirable situation that can result in persistent gingival inflammation with subsequent bone degradation, thus ultimately leading to tooth loss.

This clinical case involved a 27-year-old male patient who complained of persistent inflammation and bleeding in the upper anterior region of the gums, despite having undergone dental cleaning for at least 4 years. The dental and medical history indicated the use of removable orthodontic appliances for 8 years, after which braces were placed for 2 years. The intraoral evaluation revealed inflammation and localized suppuration in teeth 11 and 12. Measurements of 2-7 mm for probing depth and 1-5 mm for clinical attachment loss were detected, and combined bone loss was observed via radiographs. Based on the clinical and radiographic findings, localized stage III, grade C periodontitis was diagnosed. During subgingival debridement, two elastic bands emerged around the involved teeth. The bone defects persisted; therefore, they were surgically addressed using a papilla preservation flap and guided tissue regeneration (GTR).

The use of elastic bands of various sizes and elasticities is often essential in multiple orthodontic treatments. However, it is crucial to perform a thorough check-up for each patient during treatment and at the end of treatment to remove any remaining residue of resin, metal bands, or orthodontic bands. Additionally, it is imperative to inform the patients of the importance of attending their follow-up appointments. The use of elastic bands in orthodontics requires special care; moreover, GTR is a management option for intrabony defects associated with the iatrogenic use of bands.

• Iatrogenic periodontal destruction
• Orthodontic elastic bands
• Intrabony defects
• Guided tissue regeneration
• Case report

• Bands
• Elastomers
• Kansal
• Orthodontics
• Separators
• VAS

Periodontal diseases have several causes, amongst them, by foreign bodies. In this case report, an 11-year-old child who lived in a rural area and has never been treated by a dentist presented an extensive horizontal bone loss and edema on the region of tooth 44. The diagnosis of foreign body was obtained after biopsy, since an elastic band around the middle of the root tooth was found. The elastic band was not radiopaque, and the patient did not inform that she found the elastic band on the floor of the school and introduced the tooth by herself. Based on the case reported, it is concluded that anamnesis and clinical and radiographic examination are fundamental strategies to obtain the diagnosis, but sometimes, especially in children, there may be inconsistencies that can be elucidated by a biopsy.

Dental materials especially orthodontic elastics often get embedded in gingival tissues due to iatrogenic factors. If retained for a long time, inflammatory response starts as asymptomatic crestal bone loss and may progress to severe periodontal abscess. Unsupported orthodontic elastics used for diastema closure may result in exfoliation of teeth, while elastic separators may get embedded in interdental gingiva if banding is performed without removing it. These cases of negligence are detrimental for survival of affected teeth. This paper highlights a case of orthodontic elastic embedded in interproximal gingiva of a 23-year-old healthy female for 7 years after completion of fixed orthodontic treatment. Surprisingly, there was no clinical sign of inflammation around elastic band and it was removed easily without any local anaesthesia. However, mild crestal bone loss was observed on periapical radiograph. The gingiva healed completely after sub gingival debridement.

• corrective orthodontics
• periodontitis
• remission
• spontaneous