Biofilm formation is the preferred mode of growth lifestyle for many microorganisms, including bacterial and fungal human pathogens. Biofilm is a strong and dynamic structure that confers a broad range of advantages to its members, such as adhesion/cohesion capabilities, mechanical properties, nutritional sources, metabolite exchange platform, cellular communication, protection and resistance to drugs (e.g., antimicrobials, antiseptics, and disinfectants), environmental stresses (e.g., dehydration and ultraviolet light), host immune attacks (e.g., antibodies, complement system, antimicrobial peptides, and phagocytes), and shear forces. Microbial biofilms cause problems in the hospital environment, generating high healthcare costs and prolonged patient stay, which can result in further secondary microbial infections and various health complications. Consequently, both public and private investments must be made to ensure better patient management, as well as to find novel therapeutic strategies to circumvent the resistance and resilience profiles arising from biofilm-associated microbial infections. In this work, we present a general overview of microbial biofilm formation and its relevance within the biomedical context.
INTRODUCTION: This study aims to develop a method to assess the changes in palatal and lingual
cross-sectional areas in patients submitted to rapid maxillary expansion (RME).
METHODS: The sample comprised 31 Class I malocclusion individuals submitted to RME and
divided into two groups treated with Haas (17 patients) and Hyrax (14 patients)
expanders. Cone-beam computed tomography scans were acquired at T0
(before expansion ) and T1 (six months after screw stabilization).
Maxillary and mandibular cross-sectional areas were assessed at first permanent
molars and first premolars regions and compared at T0 and
T1. Mandibular occlusal area was also analyzed. RESULTS: Maxillary cross-sectional areas increased in 56.18 mm2 and 44.32
mm2 for the posterior and anterior regions. These values were
smaller for the mandible, representing augmentation of 40.32 mm2 and
39.91 mm2 for posterior and anterior sections. No differences were
found when comparing both expanders. Mandibular occlusal area increased
43.99mm2 and mandibular incisors proclined. Increments of 1.74 mm
and 1.7 mm occurred in mandibular intermolar and interpremolar distances. These
same distances presented increments of 5.5 mm and 5.57 mm for the maxillary arch.
CONCLUSION: Occlusal and cross-sectional areas increased significantly after RME. The method
described seems to be reliable and precise to assess intraoral area changes.
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