Orthodontics is about more than the cosmetic repositioning of teeth. It also includes correcting “bad” habits that have caused the orthodontic condition. Research has shown that genetics are not the only culprit when it comes to crooked, crowded teeth. Poor myofunctional habits such as a tongue thrust, thumb or finger sucking, mouth breathing, and reverse swallowing all influence growth and dental alignment. Fixed orthodontic braces are designed to straighten teeth but they do not correct myofunctional habits.
To be effective, orthodontic treatment must address the underlying myofunctional problems causing the orthodontic disorder. The time to treat developing malocclusion (a “bad bite”) is when the child is young (6-8 years old is ideal). Prevention of a poorly developing orthodontic condition is preferable to having to fix it later on. Don’t watch teeth get more and more crooked and then hear that full braces with extractions are necessary. Functional appliances work best when there are some primary and some secondary teeth in the mouth (mixed dentition), essentially when baby teeth are being replaced with adult teeth.
Orthopedic effects of a functional appliance with a tooth guidance system plus a myofunctional training feature have been scientifically proven to reverse a deteriorating orthodontic condition, improve facial shape, realign the teeth and develop proper arch form.
ALF Appliances ALF stands for Advanced Lightwire Functionals. It is a method to straighten teeth (orthodontic treatment). It addresses posture (how the patient stands; orthopedic treatment) using principles of cranial osteopathy. It brings about changes in muscle function to achieve stable results. ALF is a whole-body-and-mind approach to straightening teeth and improving the bite (occlusion).
ADVANTAGES are:
cosmetics - barely visible from the outside
gentle - far less discomfort than with braces
treatment visits only every 6 to 8 weeks
stable
In general treatment time ranges anywhere from 2 to 4 years and achieves:
correction of existing cranial strains
developing of the upper and lower dental arches by expanding them where needed
repositioning of the lower jaw relative to the upper
establishing the correct height of occlusion/bite (an over-closed bite creates muscle spasms and forces the jaw joints out of position)
retention of the new position to allow the bone and teeth to solidify and fully adapt to the new position
Treatment duration and technique vary between patients according to individual needs. Most of the treatment can be done with ALF appliances. The ALF appliances need to be worn all the time. They are hardly visible from the outside and therefore interfere very little with your looks. The initial period of adjustment to the appliance is short – usually about 2 to 3 days. Your tongue has to reposition and this will affect your speech a little bit in the beginning. Reading out loud to yourself is a fast way to adapt.
Special attention needs to be given to oral hygiene since food will get caught between the wire and your teeth. It is mandatory that you brush after each meal and minimize snacks, particularly sweet ones. You will still be able to floss between most teeth. Use of an oral irrigator makes home care much easier and is highly recommended.
Why ALF Treatment instead of Conventional Braces?
If straight teeth were only about looking good then orthodontic treatment would only be done for cosmetic enhancement. But treatment with an ALF appliance is about much more.
Dr. Darick Nordstrom designed the ALF appliance in the early 1980s and soon realized that his patients got relief from seemingly unrelated symptoms:
Ear problems: ringing or humming sounds in the ears, decreased hearing ability
Neck and back pain resulting from misaligned vertebrae and nerve impingement
Developmental delays like learning problems in children due to decreased blood flow to the brain
TMJ (jaw joint) dysfunction with pain and restrictions of movement
Clenching and grinding of teeth
Digestive problems
Fatigue
PMS and more
ALF Treatment Philosophy
ALF treatment works with the body's innate movement which is called, in osteopathic terms, is called ‘cranio-sacral motion’. The bones of the head are not rigidly fused together! In good health there is a minute, rhythmical movement between the bones. Several causes can lock the bones up and impair this movement:
Trauma during birth, particularly if forceps are used
Injuries / accidents involving the head, e.g. whiplash
‘Imitation food’ (fast food that lacks nutrients and enzymes) repressing normal jaw development and thus leading to crowding of teeth and a wrong bite
Tooth loss without adequate replacement or severe tooth abrasion due to grinding or clenching
Dental treatment (extraction of wisdom teeth or teeth replacement) or orthodontic treatment which leaves the jaws in an unfavorable position
If the bones of the head are locked up we see a distortion or ‘cranial strain’. This brings about
Compromised function
More wear and tear
The effects are similar to those of a sprained ankle. Due to the pain the body tries to protect the injured part and comes up with compensatory mechanisms: for example, overusing other muscle groups to guard the injury. In the long run this will create new problems.
ALF Appliances