History of A.L.F. Appliances
The A.L.F. appliance was originated and designed by Dr. Darick
Nordstrom of Hollister, California in the early 1980’s. Dr.
Nordstrom recognised the need to provide more than just an aesthetic
alignment of the teeth. From his extensive knowledge of how
the body works, Dr. Nordstrom saw the need to correct the other
structures that were attached to the teeth: upper jaw (maxillae)
and skull bones. He soon discovered that by correcting these
other components patients noted relief and disappearance of chronic
headaches, neck, shoulder and lower back pains and other seemingly
unrelated symptoms: PMS, fatigue, digestion problems, ringing
in the ears, hearing loss, etc. This major breakthrough establishes
dentistry’s role in restoring patient function, health and improving
their quality of life. Since discovering the A.L.F. appliance,
Dr. Nordstrom has dedicated his professional career to perfecting
the A.L.F.’s design and treatment approach.
A.L.F. Treatment Philosophy
Dr. Nordstrom’s belief was that a less bulky, light wire removable
appliance would prove more beneficial than existing devices. The
A.L.F. appliance could be fitted to the dental arches and apply
a continuous light force to the skull bones and teeth. Orthodontic
treatment has proven clinically that continuous light forces applied
to the teeth and skull bones have a more beneficial effect than
applying heavy continuous forces. The Arndt-Schulz Law is
well stated in the 26th edition of Dorland’s Illustrated Medical
Dictionary: “Weak stimuli increase physiological activity and very
strong stimuli inhibit or abolish activity.” This concept
is supported and has been clinically verified by use of homeopathic
medicines (more dilute substances cause a strong healing change”,
micro-currents (extremely low levels of electrical currents cause
a greater healing response), natural vitamin supplements cause a
better healing response), etc. The A.L.F. appliance follow
the Arndt-Schultz Law by applying a light, continuous force to the
teeth and skull bones.
Purpose of the A.L.F. Appliances
The A.L.F. appliance has a three fold purpose: (1) Correct
distortions of the skull; (2) Correct distortions of the maxillae
(bone that supports the upper teeth); and (3) Correct the alignment
of the upper and lower teeth to improve the bite. Structural
distortions of the skull bones can develop from birthing trauma,
genetics, misalignments that result from loose teeth or premature
loss of teeth, auto accidents and contact sports or any trauma to
the head. The appliance can also be used to treat upper neck,
shoulder or even lower back problems since malposition of the teeth
directly affect these areas as well as many other body functions.
Benefits of the A.L.F. Appliances
- Aesthetics and Comfort
- Less frequent adjustments and surgery
visits
- Unhampered speech
- Reduced tooth soreness during tooth movement
- Quicker results since appliances are constantly
worn
- Easy to clean
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Special Post-Graduate Training
A Post-graduate course is required to successfully learn the neurology,
functional anatomy, dental-body interrelationships and manual dexterity
needed to carry out the mechanical skills of this state of the art
technology. Dentists who have completed such training have
gone that extra mile to provide their patients with one of the best
dental treatment approaches to have ever been developed in the field
of dentistry and the entire profession of the healing arts!
Patient Evaluation
Examination of the patient may involve taking a combination of
special x-ray views (cephalometric x-ray - lateral view of
the skull; panoramic view – full jaw survey or full mouth series),
diagnostic casts of the patient’s teeth, photographs of the face
and teeth; visual observation of the oral cavity, body posture and
evaluation of the patient’s skull. Once these diagnostic records
are complete, the dentist will formulate a custom treatment plan
to carry out correction of the misaligned teeth, jaws and skull.
Patient Treatment
Treatment duration and technique varies from one patient to another
depending on the complexity of their dental abnormality. In
general, active treatment times range anywhere from 18 to 36 months.
Actual treatment focuses on three phases. The first phase
of therapy involves correcting cranial distortions by means of the
A.L.F. appliance. The second phase also uses the A.L.F. appliance
to correct the structural distortions of the upper jaw (base of
the skull). The third phase of treatment may require use of
the A.L.F. appliance and / or conventional orthodontic braces to
realign the teeth, improve jaw and teeth function and enhance the
patient’s smile.
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