Biofilm formation in Haas palatal expanders with and without use of an antimicrobial agent: an in situ study.

Orthodontic appliances causes specific alterations in oral environment, including reduction of pH, increase of dental biofilm and elevation of salivary microbial levels, causing an increased risk for dental caries. This study evaluated, using microbial culture and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the in situ contamination by mutans streptococci (MS) of different surfaces of Haas palatal expanders with and without use of chlorhexidine gluconate mouthrinses (CHX). Thirty-four patients were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 17/group), using placebo (Group I) and 0.

Corrosion in Haas expanders with and without use of an antimicrobial agent: an in situ study.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate in situ the occurrence of corrosion in the soldering point areas between the wire, silver brazing and band in Haas expanders.

Material And Methods: Thirty-four 7-12-year-old patients who needed maxillary expansion with a Haas expander were randomly assigned to two groups of 17 individuals each, according to the oral hygiene protocol adopted during the orthodontic treatment: Group I (control), toothbrushing with a fluoride dentifrice and Group II (experimental), toothbrushing with the same dentifrice plus 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate (Periogard®) mouthrinses twice a week.