ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES AS TRIGGERS TO LICHEN SCLEROSUS

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a rare mucocutaneous disease and has autoimmune characteristics. The etiology is unknown. Local factors, such as trauma, can play a role. Women are more affected than men, especially during prepubertal and postmenopausal periods. Genital manifestations are the most common. Oral lesions are rare. A 12-year-old patient and a 14-year-old patient complained about asymptomatic white plaques on the upper lip with 2 and 12 months of evolution, respectively, that appeared after bonding of orthodontic appliances. Physical examination showed porcelain-white flat lesions on the upper lip, labial mucosa, and gingiva. Laboratory examinations were performed with no significant changes. Panoramic radiograph showed bone loss in the maxillary right central and lateral incisors of the 12-year-old patient. Cone beam computed tomography showed bone loss and root fenestration in the maxillary left central incisor of the 14-year-old patient. Incisional biopsies under local anesthesia were performed. Microscopic examination confirmed the clinical diagnosis of LS.