Aesthetic restoration of upper lip after removal of post-trauma foreign body (orthodontic bracket)

Background Approach to dental trauma should always be based on a careful examination of the traumatised area, including both hard and soft tissues, to ascertain the presence of a foreign body and to assess the best treatment and follow-up. In this work a case of an orthodontic bracket migrated to the upper lip and retained there for 10 years, following a trauma is discussed. Case report The patient complained symptomatic swelling of the upper lip; palpation and x-rays showed the presence of a foreign body, identified as an orthodontic bracket. Medical history revealed that patient had a dental trauma 10 years prior. The foreign body was localised and removed. At the two week follow-up visit after surgical incision of the lip, signs and symptoms (i.e. the swollen lip) were resolved. This case emphasises the importance of accurate management of the traumatic event, through proper diagnosis and therapy of both hard and soft tissues, even if the examination if the patient is performed years after the dental trauma.