OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical effect of semi-attached quad-helix appliance in expanding the narrow maxillary arches in patients with cleft lip and palate.

METHODS15 cases with cleft lip and palate were selected and treated by semi-attached quad-helix appliance. Before, during, and after treatment, the dental arch width between cuspid, the first premolar and first molar were measured.

RESULTSThe upper dental arches of all patients were expanded effectively in about five months. After orthodontic treatment, the upper dental arches were expanded, and the teeth were alined regularly, which provided good conditions for alveolar bone grafting.

CONCLUSIONThe semi-attached quad-helix appliance with the fixed orthodontic treatment can expand the narrow maxillary arches in patients with cleft lip and palate effectively and conveniently.

Alveolar Bone Grafting ; Bicuspid ; Cleft Lip ; Cleft Palate ; Dental Arch ; Humans ; Maxilla ; Molar

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of balancing acupuncture therapy in the treatment of chest pain following lung cancer. Methods: Twenty-four cases of primary bronchial lung cancer with chest pain were treated by balancing acupuncture therapy; the relief of chest pain and its relief time were observed. Results: Among the 24 cases undergoing balancing acupuncture therapy, the chest pain was absolutely relieved in 3 cases, partially relieved in 13 cases, lightly relieved in 4 cases and not relieved in 4 cases; the total response rate was 83.3%. In terms of the relief time, 9 cases responded to the balancing acupuncture therapy in 0-3 min, accounting for 37.5%; 5 cases responded in 4-6 min, accounting for 20.8%; the average responding time was (4.85±1.45) min. Conclusion: Balancing acupuncture therapy is rapid-acting, safe, convenient and inexpensive in the treatment of chest pain following lung cancer.