Dana Point, CA dentist explains the benefits of an ALF dental appliance

Dr. Mark Cruz is a dentist in Dana Point, CA who offers the ALF dental appliance for children and adults. The Advanced Light Force (ALF) dental appliance works to improve the health, appearance, and function of the entire oral cavity. This device can help guide the teeth, tongue, and jaw into proper positioning for a healthy, functional smile.

What is an ALF dental appliance?

 The ALF appliance has a unique, sophisticated design that produces results beyond those of traditional dentistry and orthodontics. It has multiple purposes and abilities including:

• Addressing and balancing the patient’s bite and tongue placement
• Providing constant, gentle support to the teeth and the bones of the face, head, and neck
• Expanding the jaw and promoting changes in function to achieve long-term results.

ALF appliance therapy is not traditional orthodontics or braces. When the jaw is too small, there is not enough room for the teeth to fit appropriately. This causes the teeth to become crooked or crowded. However, when an ALF dental appliance is used, the jaw is naturally expanded. This increases the jaw’s size so there is more room for the teeth. Traditional braces can only straighten crooked teeth if there is space in the jaw.

Benefits of ALF appliance therapy

The ALF appliance is structured to mimic the forces of natural craniofacial development. When used in young children, the device supports cranial development, trains the tongue into the proper position, and repositions the teeth. ALF therapy gently exerts constant lateral force to achieve effective correction.

A dentist may utilize an ALF appliance to address issues with the mouth, jaw size, or teeth. Benefits of the ALF dental appliance include:

• Addresses crowded teeth by creating space in the mouth for teeth to fit
• Expands the oral cavity in the natural shape of the mouth and tongue, not in the shape of an orthodontic wire
• Reduces the future need for complex orthodontics
• Improves tongue position thereby correcting the size of the airway
• Corrects the bite
• Addresses nasal breathing
• Improves the balance of facial bones

For additional information on the ALF dental appliance, contact Dr. Mark Cruz in Dana Point, CA for an appointment. Call (949) 661-1006.