Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the utility of a new method for treating oral mucosal injuries caused by fixed appliances on the teeth. In this method,the space between the surface of a tooth and the wings of a bracket is filled using dental cement. The practicality of the new method was investigated by 1)observation of durability of cement in simulation tests on a mannequin used for dentistry training, 2) examination of the mechanical properties of dental cement, and 3)clinicai tests. Although a statistically significant difference was found between the compressive strengths of the two cements used in this study, the times required to fill a space with the cement and to remove the cement were the same. In simulation tests for clinical application, the average time was sufficiently short(about 10 seconds), and the time did not depend on clinical experience or the kind of cement. It was also found that injuries healed within a month after treatment using this method. The new method does not require special skill, special instruments and or special materials, and it can be performed quickly. The results confirmed that the cement used in this method has sufficient durability. Thus, the new method is effective for both prevention and treatment of oral mucosal injuries.
