A CASE REPORT ON INADEQUATE USE OF LATEX-ELASTIC RING INDUCING PERIODONTAL DAMAGE

치주적 손상을 유발하는 latex-elastic ring의 부적절한 사용에대한 증례보고

This paper presents improper use of latex-elastic ring in movement of teeth and its consequence. Simple orthodontic movement of teeth including closure of diastema may be achieved by the use of simple method with fixed or removable appliance associated with latex-elastic ring. But, if it is used alone, it acts as a local irritant and then produces localized periodontitis. In case of localized periodontitis resulting from latex-elastic ring, diagnosis is difficult because the patient is usually unaware of the presence of the rings on the roots of the involved teeth and because the ring is not probed and is radiolucent and therefore not discernible radiographically and clinically. Occasionally, surgery is requred for the detection. This case emphasizes the necessity that the use of latex-elastic ring in closing diastema should be accompanied with removable or fixed appliance as well as close professional supervision. Its use without adequate provision for stabilization or retention on the crowns of teeth results in destruction of periodontal support and the teeth may be lost.