Accidental Ingestion of a Foreign Body in Orthodontics

Abstract

Accidental ingestion of the foreign body can occur during any orthodontic procedure. The majority of these episodes pass uneventfully but some have the potential of causing serious complications like peritonitis, perforation, abscess and even death. The case report of a young boy who ingested expansion key used to give turn to fixed maxillary expansion appliance is presented. This case report describes the management of such unfortunate accidents.