Introduction Microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) has been considered an alternative to avoid extensive surgical procedures. In order to obtain skeletal results of MARPE, force should be enough to overcome areas of resistance and the first one that is required to be disrupted is the midpalatal suture, which becomes increasingly interdigitated after adolescence. Objective The present study aimed at providing a novel approach using a minimally invasive method called corticopuncture (CP) in association with MARPE illustrated by a case report of a 35-year-old Brazilian female Caucasian patient presenting maxillary transverse deficiency. Method Treatment plan started with an orthopedic correction of the transverse problem using a MARPE device. After many unsuccessful attempts to activate MARPE, corticopunctures were performed along the midpalatal suture. CP procedure at the midpalatal suture included 8 perforations (2 mm apart), performed after previous predrilling followed by miniscrew insertion (5 mm thread length and 1.8 mm diameter). Results After CP and new activation protocol, the opening of the midpalatal suture was observed by CBCT images, showing skeletal results, suture split of 3.14 mm (premolar area) and 2.06 (molar area), an increase of 4.3 mm (premolar) and 3.03 mm (molar) in basal bone width, 4.43 mm (premolar) and 3.1 mm (molar) in cortical bone width, and minimal dental effects (mean of 1.2° of tooth tipping). Conclusion The combination of MARPE and corticopuncture method was proved to be a nonsurgical treatment option to correct maxillary transverse deficiency in an adult patient. CP was able to weaken suture interdigitation thus facilitating the split.

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Objective: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of five types of non-industrialized and industrialized probiotics on biofilms formed around orthodontic mini-implants. The null hypothesis tested was: there is no difference in the antimicrobial effect between the five types of probiotics tested around orthodontic mini-implants. Methods: For the experiment, 120 mini-implants were immersed for seven days in Staphylococcus aureus solution for biofilm formation, and were subsequently plated in culture medium containing probiotics. The mini-implants were divided into six different groups, according to the probiotic used: G1)Lactobacillus casei; G2)Lactobacillus brevis; G3)Lactobacillus rhamnosus; G4) Lactobacillus from fermented milk Yakult®; G5) Lactobacillus from fermented milk Batavito® and G6) without use of probiotic, as negative control. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of all groups were performed using the CFU (colony forming unit) count. Results: The study showed that groups G4 and G6 did not present antimicrobial activity, in comparison to groups G1, G2, G3, and G5 (p< 0.05), which demonstrated antimicrobial activity. Conclusion: The non-commercial probiotic bacteria, Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, as well as commercially available fermented milk Batavito® presented promising results in the reduction of colonization of mini-implants by S. aureus. Therefore, the null hypothesis was rejected.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, dental professionals have faced high risk of airborne contamination between dentists, staff, and patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an individual biosafety capsule in dentistry (IBCD) on reducing the dispersion of droplets and aerosols during orthodontic treatment and evaluate the clinician and patient’s perception of using the IBCD. For the in-vitro part of the study, aerosol quantification was performed with and without the IBCD, using a nonpathogenic bacterial strain and viral strain in the reservoir and high-speed dental handpiece. Petri dishes with MRS agar were positioned from the head of the equipment at distances of 0.5, 1, and 1.5 m. After 15 minutes of passive aerosol sampling, the dishes were closed and incubated using standard aerobic conditions at 37°C for 48 hours to count colony forming units (CFUs). For the clinical part of the study, a questionnaire was sent to clinicians and patients to understand their perception of orthodontically treat and receive treatment using the barrier. The use of IBCD showed an effective means to reduce the dispersion of bacterial and viral contamination around 99% and 96%, respectively, around the main source of aerosol ( p < 0.05 ). Clinical results showed a 97% bacterial reduction during patient’s consultations ( p < 0.05 ). The vast majority of clinicians and patients understand the importance of controlling the airborne dispersion to avoid contamination.

Objective The objective of this study was to 1) evaluate the reproducibility of natural head position (NHP) in different professional groups; 2) compare three cephalometric methods of estimating head position to the established natural head position and 3) investigate the applicability of a new method to estimated head position using a Centroid method. Methods The sample consisted of 105 individual cephalometric tracings and photographs. For the first evaluation, copies of the lateral photographs were reproduced for each patient and 3 professionals with different expertise (experienced orthodontists, orthodontic students and orthognatic surgeon) were instructed to position the photographs in NHP. Later, 3 different methods to obtain NHP were assessed: 1) the Frankfort Horizontal Plane (FRANK), 2) Sella-Nasion 7º Line (SN7) and 3) proposed Horizontal Reference Line based on Centroid. Angles formed by the evaluated planes/lines and True Vertical Line obtained were measured. Gender and skeletal discrepancy were considered. Results The results showed a significant difference between NHP obtained from orthodontists and surgeons compared to students (p<0.0001). Also results showed no effect of skeletal classification and gender did on measurement (p>0.05). Both SN minus 7º and FRANK methods showed a high variability (p < 0,01) compared to Centroid method. Conclusion NHP may be affected by the professional experience. The proposed horizontal line based on Centroid is a valid method for estimating head position, thus, may be indicated to use as a diagnostic tool in Orthodontics and Orthognatic Surgery.

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