ALF Therapy and Orthodontics
orthodontic options
Our office specializes in Orthodontics without braces (ALF) as well as Invisalign and traditional braces.
Many people think that orthodontics are only for straightening teeth. On the contrary, orthodontics can also be used to realign teeth, correct a persons bite, correct problems with a persons jaw, and even help with breathing issues, sleep issues and certain breathing allergies. There are a number of common teeth problems that could lead to a person needing Orthodontics. Some of these include having a cross-bite, overbite, under-bite, crowded teeth, or space problems.
Before addressing cosmetic issues, our primary focus is to help a patient achieve healthy function - ensure that the foundation is ready before building a house so to speak.
ALF (Advanced Lightwire Functional)
Cosmetics - barely visible from the outside.
Gentle - far less discomfort than with traditional braces.
Treatment visits are only every 6 to 8 weeks.
Stable, if done while child is growing - less likely need for life-long retention.
ADVANTAGES OF ALF
Correction of existing cranial strains.
Development of the upper and lower dental arches by expanding them where needed.
Repositions the lower jaw relative to the upper.
Establishes the correct height of occlusion/bite (an over-closed bite creates muscle spasms and other problems).
Retention of the new position allowing the bone and teeth to solidify and fully adapt to the new position.
how does ALF work?
The ALF appliance is made of a light, highly flexible wire that enhances the Cranio-Sacral-Rhythm (the rhythmical movement of the skull bones and Cerebro-spinal fluid). It works like a cranio-sacral adjustment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The appliance encourages the jaw to develop properly so that it can better accommodate all its original teeth. Thereby it frees up any jammed sutures between the bones (cranial strains) and allows for the realignment using the innate wisdom of the body. ALF is a whole-body-and-mind approach to improve overall health and performance in every realm. The ALF appliance snaps around the molars and fits along the inside of the teeth, like the inner tube inside a tire. The appliance moves when the patient swallows and works in accord with the natural movement of the skull. It addresses alignment of the bones (orthopedic treatment) using principles of cranial osteopathy. It brings about changes in muscle function to achieve stable results.
The ALF has been used to treat patients as young as 3 years old on up. For children the ALF Phase 1 treatment is used preventively until all of the adult dentition has begun to erupt. Once this happens we wait, and then reevaluate to see if Phase 2 treatment might be necessary.
How long will I have to wear the appliance?
Treatment duration and technique vary between patients according to individual needs. Most of the treatment can be done with ALF appliances, and myo-functional trainers. In general treatment time ranges anywhere from 1-3 year and needs to be worn all the time. They are hardly visible from the outside and therefore interfere very little with appearance. When needed it can be supported by splints (see-through plastic shells) or plastic mini-shells. Following the expansion phase, a cosmetic phase may be recommended to aesthetically finish treatment.
How long does it take to get used to?
Generally, it takes about 2 to 3 days to adjust to the appliance. Speech may be affected in the beginning as your tongue gets used to it. Reading out loud to your self will speed up this adjustment period.
How do I take care of my oral hygiene while wearing the ALF?
Special attention needs to be given to oral hygiene since food will get caught between the wire and your teeth. Brush after each meal and minimize snacks and sweets. Avoid food that are overly crunchy or sticky. When flossing pull the floss thread through each space, not up and down. The use of an oral irrigator is recommended to make home care much easier.
Additional Notes
To assist with the success of the ALF treatment, Dr. Moy often recommends coordinated treatment with Osteopaths, Physical Therapists, Myofunctional Therapists, and Chiropractors. These therapists are recommended as needed during the course of treatment. Several practitioners offer tandem appointments with Dr. Moy in our office. Please let us know if you are currently working with any other provider so that the doctors can coordinate and discuss care.
Invisalign
Straight Teeth. No Braces.
Having a confident smile can change everything. And Invisalign makes the decision easy, because you can get a stunning smile without most people even noticing you're going through treatment.
Your Invisalign treatment will consist of a series of aligners that you switch out about every two weeks. Each aligner is individually manufactured with exact calculations to gradually shift your teeth into place. And since your Invisalign system is custom-made for your teeth and your teeth only, with a plan devised by you and your dentist or orthodontist, you know you'll end up with a smile that truly fits.
If you're ready for a smile that transforms your appearance, Invisalign is your answer. Although there are many choices out there, no other works as effortlessly as the Invisalign system.
Invisalign is the best way to transform your smile without interfering with your day-to-day life.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces are made from the same materials as traditional braces. However, self-ligating braces do not require the use of elastics, meaning fewer appointments and less friction being placed on the tooth. Self-ligating braces come with traditional metal, ceramic, or clear brackets. They are the same size as metal braces, but use a specialized clip in place of elastics to help the archwire guide teeth into place. The clip helps reduce the amount of pressure being placed on the tooth, and requires fewer adjustments because there are no elastics to replace.