Located in Glen Allen, VA, Dr. Olivia Hart of Virginia Biological Dentistry offers ALF therapy to help guide the teeth and tongue into proper positioning for a healthy, functional smile. Our team is aware of the interconnectedness and interdependency of the systems in the human body. Understanding this allows us to support patients in their journeys to achieving beautiful, properly functioning smiles as well as improving their overall health and wellness.
Beyond traditional orthodontics
The Advanced Light Force, or ALF, appliance is an innovative piece of technology. This therapy incorporates orthodontic, neurologic, and orthopedic principles to improve the health and function of the oral cavity. Traditional orthodontics focus on improving the appearance and function of the teeth and smile. Dental, facial, and cranial orthopedics work to ensure the teeth, smile, bones, and soft tissues are attractive and functional.
The unique, sophisticated designs of ALF therapy produce results that surpass traditional dentistry and orthodontics. This therapy combines the goals of each to improve the overall wellness of the patient using a biological approach the enhances the form and function of the smile. This allows the dentist to address the health and beauty of the teeth and mouth from the inside out. ALF therapy is safe and consistent as it mirrors these principles to provide the patient with a normal, balanced system. The patient’s bite, tongue placement, and oral cavity are in optimal form and function.
The ALF appliance is comfortable and easy to clean. Its thin design makes it nearly invisible to the general public. The design allows for constant, gentle support to the teeth and the bones of the face, head, and neck.
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Candidates for ALF therapy
Every patient is unique and has individual needs. ALF appliances can accommodate the varying needs of patients. From expanding the jaw to guiding growth, this therapy is suitable for many patients. Common candidates include:
- Children who are not yet fully grown may have crooked or crowded teeth, improper bites, or an inability to breathe through their noses
- Adults with crowded teeth, constant headaches, snoring, and/or TMJ disorders
- Any patient who has been assessed by a medical professional and believes ALF therapy may help the individual achieve wellness and functional improvements.
For young children, ALF therapy is ideal for growth and prevention. This appliance mimics the forces that are present in craniofacial development. It supports cranial and neurological development while training the tongue into the proper position. The teeth are gently repositioned to complement the function of the body. The ALF appliance guides facial growth in a favorable direction.
Children between the ages of 7 and 12 may need ALF therapy to remodel and redirect. This is the case when facial growth occurs in an environment that is not ideal. Remodeling helps produce a better result. During these preteen years, active growth is still possible. The unique technology behind ALF effectively stimulates growth in a gentle, biologically friendly manner.
For teenagers and adults, the goal of ALF therapy is to repair any damage with gentle, consistent support. This provides a better healing environment for the patient. Whether the patient suffered neurological challenges, facial trauma, temporomandibular joint issues, or orthodontic setbacks, this treatment may be the answer. The appliance utilizes light, vibratory forces to encourage active bone remodeling that is not found in other orthodontic or orthopedic therapies. Patients can achieve a smile that is beautiful and functional.
Although the ALF appliance is considered an orthodontic appliance because it shifts the teeth, it does much more especially for children with abnormal facial growth and development. The appliance stimulates transverse bone growth similar to the way chewing solid foods does for a developing young child. ALF uses gentle, subtle pressure to exert constant lateral force. The force is exerted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to achieve effective regulation and correction. The fibers of the mouth interpret the lateral force as a force similar to chewing. This spurs bone growth. The appliance allows proper tongue function, stabilizes the cranio-facial complex, and supports the head and neck.
If you are interested in learning more about ALF therapy or alternatives to traditional orthodontics, contact Virginia Biological Dentistry to schedule your appointment with Dr. Hart. Call (804) 381-6238.
