Ingested retainer: a case report.

Ingestion of dental appliances such as partial dentures and endodontic files have been reported. Orthodontic bands, palatal bars, and auxilliary springs have been swallowed incidentally, usually without complications. However, ingestion of a metal and acrylic retainer with sharp edges and bare wires could, without appropriate treatment, cause death. This case report describes an accidental swallowing of a retainer and its retrieval.