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 the early 1980's. Dr. Nordstrom recognized the need to provide more than just esthetic 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 (maxillae) and skull bones. He soon discovered that by correcting these 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.

Lower Arch

Upper Arch

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 had a more beneficial effect than applying heavy continuous forces. This Arndt-Schultz 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-currents (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-Schultz Law by applying a light, continuous force tot the teeth and skull bones.

Lower ALF Appliance

Upper ALF Appliance

Purpose of ALF appliances

The ALF appliances have a three fold purpose:

• Correct distortion of the skull.
• Correct distortion of the Maxillae (upper jaw).
• Correct alignment of upper and lower teeth to improve the bite.

Structural distortions of the skull bones can develop from birthing traumas, genetics, misalignment that results from loose teeth or premature loss of teeth, inappropriate orthodontics, auto accidents and contact sports or any trauma to the head. The ALF appliances can also be used to treat upper neck, shoulder or even low back problems since mal-positioning of the teeth directly affects these areas as well as many other body functions.

Benefits of ALF appliances

• Esthetic and comfort
• Less frequent adjustments and office visits
• Unhampered speech
• Reduced tooth soreness during tooth movement
• Quicker results since appliances are constantly worn
• Easy to clean

Aligned Lower Arch

Aligned Upper Arch

Case treated by Dr. Gerald H. Smith

Special Post-Graduate Training

Post-graduate courses are required to successfully learn the neurology, function, 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) and diagnostic casts 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 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 30 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 advancements ever to be developed in the healing arts.