Rafael Linard Avelar

Research

Analysis of influence and composition of the metal alloys of two implant drill system

Article January 23, 2026

Purpose: The mechanical behavior of two different implant drill systems for osteotomy preparation using polyurethane foam models were evaluated. Methods: Fourteen polyurethane foam models and 28 Neode nt® drills and 28 Dentoflex® drills were used. In a controlled environment, the perforations were timed, and an infrared digital thermometer and a K-type sensor were used to measure the temperature before and after perforations. Each group was divided into 7 subgroups: S5 = 5 perforations, S10 = 10 perforations, S15 = 15 perforations, S20 = 20 perforations, S30 = 30 perforations, S40 = 40 perforations, and S50 = 50 perforations. Results: In the S5 and S10 subgroup, drilling time of the drills with three helical cutting edges was longer (p <0.05) and temperature 1 was lower (p = 0.034) in the S10 group.

Effect of Modified Palatoplasty on Velopharyngeal Closure Assessed by Nasopharyngoscopy and Hypernasality Test

Article January 23, 2026

Cleft palate is the most common cause of velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD), and primary palatoplasty should aim to establish the anatomical and functional conditions for adequate closure of the velopharyngeal mechanism during speech. The most common symptoms of VPD are hypernasality, characterized by excessive nasal resonance in the production of normally non-nasalized sounds due to the inability of the velopharyngeal sphincter to remain closed enough to prevent nasal resonance of orally articulated sounds; nasal air emission, characterized by the inappropriate escape of air through the nose during the production of pressure consonants, which may or may not be audible; and compensatory articulation disorders, considered strategies developed by individuals, replacing orally articulated sounds with those articulated in places posterior or superior to the velopharyngeal sphincter to compensate for the inability to impose pressure on the oral cavity and avoid pressure loss during speech. The purpose of this study is to conduct a retrospective clinical cohort study of patients undergoing primary palatoplasty using the technique, evaluating velopharyngeal function and closure.