The Advanced Lightwire Functional (ALF) appliance was invented by Dr. Darick Nordstrom in 1982, in a process of discovery while working with osteopaths.  The ALF addresses the alignment of the bones using principles of cranial osteopathy. Like no other orthodontic appliance, the ALF contributes to the physiological motion within the cranial and facial structures.  This motion can facilitate the whole body's self healing potential and contribute to the improvement of other physiological functions like breathing.   
As a part of our myofunctional orthodontics program, the ALF addresses the dental arches form.  With wider dental arches it is easier to correct the tongue resting posture and get straighter teeth with little time with braces or even without braces.  Enhancing the form of the dental arches using a bio-compatible appliance like the ALF, along with eliminating the dysfunctional habits that contribute to crowded teeth, are fundamental in achieving more stability of a dental alignment that could last for a Life time!

This is still an option for our patients that for some reason prefer this traditional orthodontic treatment. Also we may consider the use of braces in specific situations in which they may be useful like space distribution, severe rotations or fully impacted teeth.

For better orthodontic treatment results and better stability, we do recommend the use of the T4B® appliance, which is a Myobrace® that can be use with braces.  We also include some myofunctional exercises in this treatment option.

However, as we described before, there is always potential enamel and root damage with the use of braces, among other disadvantages when compared to Myobrace®. We recommend avoiding their use whenever possible.  Every orthodontic treatment option requires motivated patients, therefore compliance and commitment are always essential for optimal results.

A low tongue posture position, mostly cause for mouth breathing during the developing years, affects the dental arch form. The narrow upper dental arch that develops does not allow enough room for the tongue, perpetuating the low tongue postural habit.  Furthermore, if the tongue does not have enough room, it cannot function normally, and affects the speech and the normal swallowing pattern.  As part of the Myofunctional Orthodontic treatment; we recommend the use of removable or fixed orthopedic appliances in cases that require a considerable amount of dental arch development.

This treatment consists of a series of exercises that aid in the development of the necessary skills for better oral and facial muscular function.  It is a habituation program that can help both children and adults. Since this treatment does not include the use of appliances, it is intended for patients with very mild orthodontic problems, patients that are currently wearing braces, post-orthodontic treatment and relapse cases, and for mild TMJ disorders relief.

Multiple factors may be involved in the development of TMJ disorders.  It has been related to up to ninety percent of the headaches in the American population. It is also categorized among the characteristic symptoms of fibromyalgia.  Furthermore, facial muscular imbalances caused by soft tissue dysfunction and changes in the occlusion (bite contacts) are mostly involve in the development of its symptoms.  Our myofunctional treatment program especially developed for patients with TMJ disorders includes the use of the TMJ Appliance®, orofacial myology therapy, breathing techniques, nutritional assessment, and dietary and supplements recommendations.