32241 Crown Valley Parkway #200, Dana Point, CA 92629 | Directions

ALF Appliance

ALF Appliance When patients think of visiting the dentist, their mind often falls on routine cleanings and evaluations, and the occasional treatment for cavities. However, dental work goes far beyond these standard services. Dr. Mark Cruz of Dana Point, CA is pleased to offer other treatments and services to new and existing patients, including airway focused treatments and growth development solutions. Non-traditional orthodontic treatments, such as the use of the ALF appliance, can improve the jaw, dental arches, and the teeth without the use of conventional braces.

What does ALF stand for?

ALF is short for “Advanced Lightwire Functionals.” These are specialized appliances that are used to improve alignment in a way different from traditional metal bracket and wire braces. The appliance is worn to provide gentle changes and realignment without braces, while also addressing other common problems patients may have, including:

  • Restricted airways
  • Bruxism (clenching and grinding of teeth)
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Digestive problems
  • TMJ problems
  • Developmental delays

Over time and with continued studies, it had been found that many problems of the body that seemed to be unrelated to dental work were linked to their cranial development and oral health.

What is the ALF appliance?

The ALF appliance is worn by a patient to address more than just dental alignment. ALF treatment can begin in children as young as five, though older patients can also benefit from treatment.

Could you benefit from treatment using the ALF appliance?

Contact Dr. Mark Cruz’s dental practice to learn more about this and other airway focused treatments available in his office. His practice can be reached at (949) 661-1006 to schedule an appointment at the office, conveniently located at 32241 Crown Valley Parkway, Suite 200 in Dana Point, CA. New and current patients are welcome to work with his team and achieve better oral health and wellness.

ALF Appliance Dr. Naomi Hillel

ALF Appliance Dr. Naomi Hillel
If your child or adolescent suffers from crooked teeth then ALF orthodontics might be just the solution. Symptoms of poor teeth/jaw relationships could include snoring, improper bite, thumb sucking, and even breathing congestion. Instead of hefty braces or retainers, ALF orthodontic technology which stands for alternative light wire forces introduces a corrective option via tongue positioning in the mouth that carries an integral aspect in facial growth and formation into adulthood.

Braces and orthodontic treatment is necessary to straighten crooked teeth in school-aged children and adolescents. However, if we take a minute to consider why children have crooked teeth or poor jaw relationships and address the cause of mal-infusion we can help children get on to the path of correct facial growth patterns. Doctor Naomi Hillel explains the method of ALF orthodontics, and how it can be utilized in people of all ages as well as the impact of correct breathing swallowing, and chewing on children’s facial growth and development. Now we will learn some of the habits that children have that cause their teeth to be crooked as teens and adults. “It may seem unimportant but the position for a child’s tongue determines how the whole face will grow. Normally the tongue rests up in the palate during breathing and swallowing and acts as a natural pallet expander. If a child has a low resting tongue he is prone to mouth breathing congestion snoring, restless sleep, or sleep apnea and is likely to have or have had habits such as thumb or pacifier sucking or lip licking or biting. These children often have underdeveloped jaws and crowding of adult indentation.”

Dr. Hillel explains how ALF orthodontics works in relation to a child’s facial growth.

ALF stands for alternative light wire forces – an orthodontic method taught at the ALF institute by doctors Jim Bronson and Tasha Demos and the integral part of ALF treatment is to address improper tongue position a frequent cause by lack of jaw growth and improper bite. A very thin flexible wire is placed on each jaw which exerts a gentle pressure. The wires on the inside are not visible and it is adjusted monthly unlike the palatal expander that is used in conventional orthodontics the ALF leaves the palate open so the child can integrate tongue function with the appliance in the mouth. The child also sees a Miofunctional therapist to learn correct breathing and oral muscular patterns. In addition there are periodic visits to a cranial osteopath who releases any cranial strain patterns thus enabling the bones of the skull to grow harmoniously along with a correctly growing jaw. Finally retainers are not necessary because the retrained musculature holds the teeth in place as nature intended”.

In the short amount of time that we began treatment we have seen alt of big improvements in not only the alignment of his teeth but how he is functioning during the day because he is breathing more efficiently and sleeping better at night. We have also noticed big changes in his gait when walking and running and in his posture when he is standing which is fantastic.

Doctor Naomi Hillel and her highly trained team are guiding our child’s facial growth from a healthy airway.


Meet Dr. Mark Cruz

Dr. Mark Cruz Dr. Mark Cruz graduated from the UCLA School of Dentistry in 1986 and started his dental journey in Monarch Beach. He is a well-known lecturer internationally, and he was a part-time lecturer at UCLA. He gives individual attention to each patient while creating a friendly and enjoyable dental experience. He makes the patient a part of the dental procedure, educating them about the problem at hand.

Connect with Dr. Mark A Cruz on Linkedin

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