Chronic fissurai cheilitis: A manifestation of anterior crowding

A 48-year-old man, otherwise in good health, was seen with a chronic painful fissure of the upper lip mucosa. For at least 2 years it had failed to respond to a variety of topical agents. Though not previously reported, the primary etiologic factor was thought to be irritation from contact with his misaligned anterior teeth. Eight months into orthodontic treatment, the lesion healed and did not return. Orthodontics included preadusted edgewise mechanics. However, the right maxillary lateral incisor was not bracketed but instead guided into position by direct contact with the archwire.