ALF
What is ALF?
ALF (Advanced Lightwire Functionals) is a non-traditional orthodontic treatment method that uses principles of cranial osteopathy. Dr. Smith has been trained in this method of palatal expansion by Darick Nordstrom, DDS, the inventor of ALF. It creates a functional airway through natural expansion. The ALF dental appliance was created by Darick Nordstrom in 1985. ALF Therapy is a principle based therapy founded upon on the laws of nature. ALF is not just a wire. It is not about just structure, airway or osteopathy. ALF Therapy is an opportunity for improved function and an increased quality of life.
The three main purposes of ALF are: to bring the cranial bones into good functional motion; to develop the dental arches to align the teeth and the way the jaws function together with enough room for the tongue; and to integrate teeth, tongue, and jaws into speech, swallowing, and deglutition. This brings the autonomic nervous system into a balance
Expander
ALF
Why Chose ALF?
ALF is superior and far more advanced than any “palatal expander” provided by traditional orthodontists. The ALF advances (and expands) the mandible and promotes changes in muscle function to achieve long-term physiological results in improving a patient’s spinal alignment, posture, occlusion, TMJ disorders, sensory processing /nervous system dysfunction, arch and palate development, airway reshaping and can result in drastic behavioral and lifestyle changes for both adults and children. Most importantly, the ALF bio-modulates the autonomic nervous system, making this a highly effective therapy and “go-to” treatment for patients and specifically, children with sensory and nervous system dysfunction such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD. While the ALF addresses alignment of the facial, spinal and cranial bones using principles of cranial osteopathy is continues to be an effective method to align teeth in (in early childhood to early teens) and improve the bite without traditional braces (orthodontic treatment).