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ALF: Alternative Lightwire Functional
Orthopedic/Orthodontic Appliances usher in a new treatment era in dentistry
ALF does more than just straighten TEETH
History of ALF
The ALF appliances were originated and designed by Dr Darick Nordstrom of Hollister, California in early 1980’s.
Dr Nordstrom recognized the need to provide more than just esthetic alignment of the
teeth.
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A new treatment concept for the correction of
- TMJ pain
- Misaligned teeth and jaws
- Chronic headaches and facial pain
- Neck and low back pain
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farid@drfarid.com
613-216-2016
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ALF
Alternative Lightwire Functional
Appliances
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From his extensive knowledge of how the body works, Dr Nordstrom saw the need to correct the other structures that were attached to the
teeth: upper jaw (maxillae) and skull bones. He soon discovered that by correcting theses other components patients noted relief and disappearances of chronic headaches, neck, shoulder low back pains and other
seemingly unrelated symptoms: PMS, fatigue, digestion problems, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, etc. This major breakthrough establishes dentistry’s role in restoring patient function, health and improving their
quality of life. Since discovering the ALF appliances, Dr Nordstrom has dedicated his professional career to perfecting the ALF’s design and treatment approach.
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Lower Arch
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Upper Arch
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ALF treatment philosophy
Dr Nordstrom’s belief was that a less bulky, light wire removable appliance would prove more beneficial than existing devices.
The ALF appliances could be fitted to the dental arches and apply a continuous light force to the skull bones and teeth.
Orthodontic treatment has proven clinically that continuous light forces applied to the teeth and skull bones have a more
beneficial effect than applying heavy continuous forces. This Arndt-Schulz Law is well stated in the 26th edition of Dorland’s
Illustrated Medical Dictionary. “weak stimuli increases physiological activity and very strong stimuli inhibit or abolish activity. “
This concept is supported and has been clinically verified by use of homeopathic medicine (more dilute substances cause a
strong healing change), micro-current (extremely low levels of electrical currents cause a greater healing response ), natural
vitamin supplements ( lower doses of natural food supplements cause a better healing response ), etc. The ALF appliances follow the Arndt-Schulz Law by applying a light, continuous force to the teeth and skull bones.
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Lower ALF Appliance
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Upper ALF Appliance
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Purpose of ALF appliances
The ALF appliances have a three fold purpose:
- Correct distortion of the skull
- Correct distortion of Maxillae ( upper Jaw )
- Correct the alignment of upper and lower teeth to improve the bite.
Structural distortions of the skull bones can develop from birthing traumas, genetics, misalignment that result from loose teeth
or premature loss of teeth, , inappropriate orthodontics, auto accidents and contact sports or any trauma to the head. The
appliances can also be used to treat upper neck, shoulder or even low back problems since mal-position of the teeth directly affect these areas as well as many other body functions.
Benefits of ALF appliances
- Esthetic and comfort
- Less frequent adjustment and office visits
- Unhampered speech
- Reduced tooth soreness during tooth movement
- Quicker results since appliances are constantly worn
- Easy to clean
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Aligned Lower Arch
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Aligned Upper Arch
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Case treated by Dr. Gerald H. Smith
Special Post-Graduate training
Post-graduate courses are required to successfully learn the neurology, functional, anatomy, dental-body relationship and
manual dexterity needed to carry out the mechanical skills of this state-of-the-art technology. Dentists who have completed
such training have gone the extra mile to provide their patients with one of the best dental treatment approaches to have ever been developed in the field of dentistry and the entire profession of the healing art!
Patient Evaluation
Examination of the patient may involve taking a combination of special radiograph views (Cephalometric x-ray-lateral view of the
skull; Panoramic view-full jaw survey or full mouth series), diagnostic casts of the patient’s teeth, photographs of the teeth and
face, visual observation of the oral cavity, body posture and evaluation of patient’s skull. Once these diagnostic records are
complete, the dentist will formulate a custom treatment plan to carry out correction of the misaligned skull bones, jaw and teeth.
Patient Treatment
Treatment duration and technique vary from one patient to another depending on the complexity of their dental abnormality. In
general, active treatment time ranges anywhere from 18 to 36 months. Actual treatment focuses on three phases. The first
phase of therapy involves correcting cranial distortions by means of the ALF appliances. The second phase also uses the ALF
appliance to correct the structural distortions of the maxillae (upper jaw). The third phase of the treatment may require ALF
appliances and/or conventional orthodontic braces to realign the teeth, improve jaw and teeth function and enhance the patient’s smile.
State of the art dental technology
Dr Darick Nordstrom’s discovery of the ALF appliances has been enhanced by the contributions of Heather Ashton LCT, Dr
Phillip Goodman, Dr Gerald Smith (my teacher). These researchers have helped refine the ALF treatment techniques by
integrating, cranial, structural body interrelationship and nutritional concepts. The uniqueness of this treatment is viewed by
those knowledgeable in the field as one of the greatest advancement ever to be developed in the healing arts.
Reprinted with permission from Dr. Gerald H. Smith (ICNR.com) |
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