The Advanced Lightwire Functional (ALF) appliance is a method to align teeth and improve the bite without braces.  Dr. Darick Nordstrom invented the ALF appliance in 1982, in a process of discovery while working with osteopaths.   The ALF addresses the alignment of the bones using principles of cranial osteopathy, and like no other orthodontic appliance, it enhances the cranial motion.    It also contributes to the improvement of muscle function.  As a part of our myofunctional orthodontics program, it addresses the whole body by the improvement of the dental arch form.   With a better dental arch form it is easier to achieve the correct tongue posture and therefore the improvement of other dysfunctional habits like mouth breathing, which results in great stability without the need of long-term retention.

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.