History of A.L.F. Appliances
The A.L.F. appliance was originated and designed by Dr. Darick Nordstrom of Hollister, California in the early 1980´s. Dr. Nordstrom recognized the need to provide more than just an aesthetic alignment of the teeth. 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 (maxilla) and skull bones.
He soon discovered that by correcting these other components patients noted relief and disappearance of chronic headaches, neck, shoulder and lower 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 A.L.F. appliance, Dr. Nordstrom has dedicated his professional career to perfecting the A.L.F.´s design and treatment approach.
A.L.F. Treatment Philosophy
Dr. Nordstrom´s belief was that a less bulky, light wire removable appliance would prove more beneficial than existing devices. The A.L.F. appliance 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.
The Arndt-Schulz Law is well stated in the 26th edition of Dorland´s Illustrated Medical Dictionary: “Weak stimuli increase physiological activity and very strong stimuli inhibit or abolish activity. This concept is supported and has been clinically verified by use of homeopathic medicines (more dilute substances cause a strong healing change”, micro-currents (extremely low levels of electrical currents cause a greater healing response), natural vitamin supplements cause a better healing response), etc. The A.L.F. appliance follow the Arndt-Schultz Law by applying a light, continuous force to the teeth and skull bones.
Purpose of the A.L.F. Appliances
The A.L.F. appliance has a threefold purpose:
- Correct distortions of the skull
- Correct distortions of the maxilla (bone that supports the upper teeth)
- Correct the alignment of the upper and lower teeth to improve the bite.
Structural distortions of the skull bones can develop from birthing trauma, genetics, misalignments that result from loose teeth or premature loss of teeth, auto accidents and contact sports or any trauma to the head. The appliance can also be used to treat upper neck, shoulder or even lower back problems since malposition of the teeth directly affect these areas as well as many other body functions.
Benefits of the A.L.F. Appliances
- Aesthetics and Comfort
- Less frequent adjustments and surgery visits
- Unhampered speech
- Reduced tooth soreness during tooth movement
- Quicker results since appliances are constantly worn
- Easy to clean
Patient Evaluation
Examination of the patient may involve taking a combination of special x-ray 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 face and teeth; visual observation of the oral cavity, body posture and evaluation of the patient´s skull. Once these diagnostic records are complete, the dentist will formulate a custom treatment plan to carry out correction of the misaligned teeth, jaws and skull.
Patient Treatment
Treatment duration and technique varies from one patient to another depending on the complexity of their dental abnormality. In general, active treatment times range 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 A.L.F. appliance. The second phase also uses the A.L.F. appliance to correct the structural distortions of the upper jaw (base of the skull). The third phase of treatment may require use of the A.L.F. appliance and / or conventional orthodontic braces to realign the teeth, improve jaw and teeth function and enhance the patient´s smile.
Upper ALF Appliance
Lower ALF
Upper ALF on Bands
Lower ALF on Bands
Upper Sagittal 3 Loop ALF On Bands
R-N Sagittal Appliance
The R-N Sagittal Appliance is used in the permanent dentition to develop the maxilla in both a Sagittal and in a transverse direction. It can be modified with an anterior bite ramp to open the bite or with posterior occlusal coverage to close the bite.
Upper RN Sagittal
Upper RN Sagittal With Occlusal Coverage And Class 3 Hooks
RN With Anterior Bite Ramp Class 2 and Vertical Hooks
