What is ALF Orthodontics?
ALF (Advanced Lightweight Functionals) is a cranial osteopathy-based orthodontic system that uses a custom appliance made of light, flexible wire. The ALF device applies subtle forces to the teeth and gums, which can resolve underlying causes of crowded, misaligned teeth and imbalanced facial aesthetics. Using gentle forces that closely mimic the natural growth and development process—rather than more aggressive conventional therapies—ALF orthodontics can effectively widen and/or reposition the jaws according to the patient’s unique needs.
Crowded, misaligned teeth.
ALF custom appliance made of light, flexible wire.
ALF appliance can widen and/or reposition the jaws
ALF Lightwire Orthodontics – Martin Gorman, DDS – Encino, CA Cosmetic Dentist
What are the Benefits of ALF Orthodontics?
ALF orthodontic devices offer a wide range of benefits and can provide significant treatment advantages for patients who are good candidates. Encino cosmetic dentist Martin Gorman, DDS often uses ALF appliances for orthodontic treatment for the following reasons:
- Use gentle forces to achieve significant orthodontic improvements
- Addresses the underlying causes of crowded and crooked teeth
- Can expand the jaws and advance the mandible without aggressive manipulation
- More comfortable and hygienic than many other orthodontic options
- Versatile and customizable
- Wires are virtually undetectable
- Helps improve tongue function and positioning, breathing, and swallowing
- Can gently repair damage caused by injury
- Effective for children, teens, and adults
- Encourages optimal facial and neurological development
- Helps create balanced, stable orthodontic results
- Can be performed prior to Invisalign® treatment
Who is a Good Candidate for an ALF Appliance?
A custom ALF appliance can be the right treatment option for both children and adults with a variety of orthodontic, cranial, and neurological challenges. The natural, gentle forces of the ALF are well-tolerated and accepted by the body and can bring about significant changes in patients of all ages.
ALF Orthodontics for Children
In young children (seven years old or younger), custom ALF appliances are typically used to guide proper facial growth and balance, as soon as challenges are identified. This type of treatment helps alleviate the severity of neurological, craniofacial, and orthodontic obstacles later in life. Ideally, ALF devices can create adequate room for the tongue, which is a key component of proper breathing and facial development. For children between the ages of 7 and 11, ALF appliances can remodel sub-optimal growth from earlier years and redirect proper development in the remaining years of active growth.
ALF Orthodontics for Teens & Adults
Around the age of 15 and on, ALF dental appliances are often used to correct orthodontic relapse and restore a more functional and beautiful smile. They can also guide proper healing of craniofacial damage after a traumatic injury. For adults with certain neurological challenges, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, and other structural issues, an ALF device can provide a gentle, effective method for achieving improved balance, alignment, function, and aesthetics.
If you or your child could benefit from orthodontic treatment performed by an experienced and highly skilled dentist, we encourage you to contact Gorman Health and Wellness to schedule a consultation.
What Happens During Treatment with an ALF Appliance?
During your consultation, Dr. Gorman will perform a detailed diagnostic exam and review your medical history to help determine the nature of your orthodontic challenges. Based on the unique needs you present, Dr. Gorman may choose to use ALF lightwire orthodontic techniques to complete all or a part of your treatment plan. Using 3D scans and/or impressions of your mouth your custom ALF appliance will be designed. When it arrives from the lab, your ALF device will be adjusted for an optimal fit and you will be educated about wearing and removing the ALF. As teeth and bones gently shift as a result of wearing the ALF, the appliance may be adjusted or replaced with subsequent designs to continue advancing you toward your ultimate treatment objectives. The final portion of treatment may include finishing touches with the Invisalign® system.
How Much Does ALF Orthodontics Cost?
Orthodontic treatment with ALF dental appliances is highly customized based on the patient’s needs, which makes it difficult to speculate about the average overall cost. If you are interested in finding out about the price of personal treatment with ALF orthodontics for you or your child, we suggest scheduling a consultation with Dr. Gorman. By the end of the appointment, he will be able to provide an itemized cost quote for the proposed treatment plan.
At Gorman Health and Wellness, we do accept certain dental insurance plans, and we encourage you to meet with a knowledgeable member of our team to find out if your benefits cover orthodontic care. Based on the terms of your plan, we can easily provide you with a calculation of your out-of-pocket costs. If financing could make treatment more affordable, please ask us about available financing options through CareCredit®. For qualified applicants, CareCredit® can provide affordable loans and payment plans that allow you to start treatment right away.
Contact Us
For more information about straightening your smile with ALF orthodontics and/or Invisalign®, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness.