5 facets of the multi-faceted ALF appliance to correct misalignment and so much more

The office of Mark A. Cruz, DDS, provides many appliances that address the underlying causes of conditions like crowded teeth, which are traditionally treated with conventional braces. Our team in Dana Point, California, sees misalignment as symptomatic of problems that need correction, such as underdeveloped jaws and poor facial growth patterns. Our appliances truly resolve the underlying problem to correct developmental challenges that can have an outsized effect on your child’s life now and well into the future. The Advanced Lightwire Functional (ALF) appliance is demonstrative of this approach to caring for patients’ needs early in life and proactively. Understanding what an ALF appliance can do for your child also helps to understand the “big picture” impacts of anatomical and functional challenges.

 We have highlighted five facets of the ALF treatment experience below. 

1 – Applying and wearing ALF 

There are many different ALF designs, so it is not any one type of appliance but rather a category of non-traditional orthodontic devices. They largely consist of very thin, discreet, and flexible wires placed on each jaw. These wires, combined with small pieces of plastic that mimic the shape of oral structures and tissues, use consistent yet gentle and natural forces to move the teeth.

2 – ALF adjustments 

ALF appliances differ from palatal expanders, which may need to be adjusted a few times a week or even a couple of times per day, depending on the type of expander used. ALF only requires monthly adjustments, which supports a better patient experience. While fewer adjustments are necessary, they are no less effective. The ALF keeps the palate open to encourage healthy and proper function. 

3 – Maintain the appliance 

We will review how to care for the appliance. Generally, as with other devices worn in the mouth, we ask that patients refrain from eating any sticky, chewy, or hard foods or biting down on things like ice and pencils. This can cause the appliance to become loose and even bend the wires. If the ALF becomes loose and no longer conforms in the jaw, contact us immediately to schedule an appointment for repairs or replacement. While ALF is easy to maintain and is associated with minimal soreness, discomfort can be eased with oral rinses or wax, and it is important to take special care when brushing areas where food particles can become stuck. 

4 – Interdisciplinary and multidimensional treatment 

ALF is actually a multi-faceted treatment. It is not limited to continuously wearing the appliance for the fastest results. Visits to a myofunctional therapist are incorporated into treatment. The therapist can advise on exercises to “retrain” breathing and oral muscular patterns. Additionally, periodic appointments will be scheduled with a cranial osteopath who specializes in gently manipulating the bones and tissues of the skull. With this expertise, the harmonious growth of the skill is supported alongside the correct development of the jaw. 

5 – Real and lasting whole-body changes 

Due to how the appliance, myofunctional exercises, and cranial osteopathy retrain the actual muscles that hold the teeth in place, retainers are not necessary to protect against orthodontic relapse post-treatment. Within a short period, we have seen big improvements in our patients’ lives – beyond the alignment of the teeth. By resolving underlying structural, anatomical, and associated functional challenges, the office of Mark A. Cruz, DDS, has seen how patients breathe more efficiently and sleep better at night. By opening up the palate to reposition the tongue, we can largely treat everything from unhealthy mouth-breathing, poor swallowing function, congestion, snoring, sleep apnea, and habits like excessive and persistent thumb-sucking and pacifier use. Treatment time varies depending on many factors, such as the complexity of cranial distortions; however, we can improve teeth and jaw function and so much more often in around six to 12 months.

If you are interested in learning more about ALF for your child or how it may even work for you as an adult, contact our Dana Point, CA team today at (949) 661-1006.