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Updated: May 30, 2026

Finite Element Analysis Model for Assessing Expansion Patterns from Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion
Published on: October 20, 2023
Accidental swallowing of orthodontic expansion appliance key
André da Costa Monini1, Luiz Guilherme Martins Maia, Helder Baldi Jacob
1Faculty of Odontology, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil.
Abstract:
Ingestion of a foreign object, including a dental object, can lead to a trip to the emergency room. This article describes the accidental swallowing of a key that was used to activate a rapid maxillary expander. An orthodontic patient swallowed the key while trying to activate the appliance at home. The object's trajectory was followed on radiographs until it was eliminated. Possible clinical complications, legal implications of this situation, and practices for prevention are described.
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