ALF orthodontics

To correct bites in adults and children, the orthodontic department of the Dial-Dent clinic uses various orthodontic devices, braces, and transparent aligners. In this article we will look at the latest device for correcting bite ALF (Advanced Lightwire Functionals, made of wire from a special intelligent alloy.

Commentary by the chief physician of Dial-Dent S.V. Zukora: “The new alloy used to make the ALF is currently only available in North America. But since we want to provide Dial-Dent patients with the best dental developments, we have found the opportunity to order ALF devices in. There, using digital impressions, devices of the highest quality are manufactured individually for each patient.”

Anatomy of the upper jaw

The upper jaw consists of 6 bones connected to each other by sutures. This connection has micromobility due to cartilage tissue and does not fuse completely, like all the bones of the skull, which retain their micromobility throughout their lives.

The upper jaw has a spongy bone structure, which indicates its rather loose and pliable structure. Anatomically, bone trabeculae and pores are located in the thickness of the bone of the upper jaw, and are its main component. The direction of these bony trabeculae dictates the axis of tooth eruption

Operating principle of the ALF device

The principle of operation of the ALF apparatus was revealed by Darik Nordstrom and his colleagues, and is based on the unlocking and straightening of the 6 bones of the upper jaw, indirectly aligning the dentition. As soon as it is possible to align the bone itself, the tooth is automatically aligned according to the changed axis of the trabecular system of the upper jaw. At the same time, there is enough space for all teeth automatically.

The ALF device has a loop spring structure, which allows, when activated, to apply pressure to the blocked segment of the jaw, but it is also pliable in its loop bends, while providing a soft, non-rigid effect, thereby not blocking the cranial rhythm and breathing of the upper jaw itself.

The rhythm of the upper jaw and the entire skull is called the osteopathic term - cranial rhythm.

The upper jaw makes a rhythmic oscillatory movement, expanding along the median seam and narrowing back, rising slightly anteriorly and falling back. These vibrations occur around its axis, and are normally equal to 8-12 amplitudes per minute (the same amount as the breathing of the entire skull as a whole) and are called inhalation and exhalation -

inflection and extension.

To understand the functioning of the ALF apparatus and unlocking the upper jaw, it is necessary to take into account the biomechanics and micromobility of the entire skull as a whole

Biomechanics

Normally, the plane of the upper jaw is one of the main horizontal planes in the human body, interconnected with each other and other horizontal planes:

Plane along the eye line
Maxillary plane
Auricular plane (temporal bones)
Shoulder level plane
Plane along the pelvic line

BUTRFORTS
As James Carlson points out in his works, with the correct horizontal position of the upper jaw in the skull, there is a balanced distribution of force vectors along the base of the skull and along the buttresses when the occlusion is closed.

The uniform distribution of force vectors during teeth closure sets the symmetry of the cranial rhythm and the symmetrical functioning of the muscular apparatus of the dentoalveolar system.

The even, correct position of the upper jaw in the skull determines the presence of correct occlusion and axis of teeth, both primary and permanent in the subsequent period.

Causes of relapse after braces

Uneven dentition is a consequence of an unevenly positioned asymmetrical upper jaw, which forms twisted bone trabeculae and displaces the axes of the teeth. The lower dentition most often becomes crowded precisely as a result of primary disorders associated with the upper jaw, adapting to it when the teeth are closed.

In this regard, orthodontic treatment with braces is often complicated by the return of the tooth axes to their previous position, that is, relapse. Teeth cannot be forcibly moved using braces systems across their physiological position, dictated by the direction of bone trabeculae and pores. This is fraught with relapses. Even retainers are not able to keep them in this violent position. If orthodontically, only with the help of a brace system, the position of the teeth is aligned, without correcting the position of the position of the skull bones, it will be impossible to create a harmonious occlusion.

Introduction to the methodology

The technique of correcting malocclusion using the ALF apparatus was developed in the 80s of the last century in the USA. Dr. Darik Nordstrom has created an innovative device that is not complex in design and consists of lightweight wire elements.

Correction of the bite using this method begins with the correction of abnormal development of the jaw according to the principle of a manipulative method of treatment, which involves influencing the area of the skull.

Almost invisible to others, the device, installed on the inner surface of the dentition, also works to stimulate the correct development and growth of the jaw, thereby creating favorable conditions for the eruption of all units in the optimal position. As a result, it is possible to achieve a harmonious smile.

Thanks to the ALF technique, the formation of the facial skeleton occurs correctly, which improves the overall appearance of the face.

ALF orthodontics is the influence and elimination of the direct cause of malocclusion of the dental system. By aligning the bones of the upper and lower jaws themselves, ALF allows the teeth to take a truly correct position, in a non-violent, natural way.
Often, with minor crowding, we can completely correct the bite using the ALF device without further treatment with a brace system.
In case of severe occlusion pathology, it is advisable to combine methods in treatment, such as the ALF apparatus, cranial techniques, the GOA method, osteopathic treatment, orthodontic plates and bracket systems, as well as orthopedic restoration of the bite. With this combination of methods, the most effective comprehensive work is carried out to correct not only the bite, but also disorders of the entire body as a whole, including skull asymmetry, posture and the mental component. The ALF device is often used in this version almost as the very first at the beginning of treatment, to unblock the bony components of the upper and lower jaw in combination with eliminating the asymmetry of the skull manually.
The dental level using braces or therapeutic-orthopedic restoration of the bite is considered the final stage of bite reconstruction, the dental final stage.
When treated with a brace system, the ALF device also continues its influence on the upper jaw simultaneously with braces, not allowing them (to varying degrees of influence) to organize compression of the skull due to their rigid fixation of the arches and blocking the rhythm of the upper jaw. The ALF device in combination with cranial techniques and osteopathic control allows minimizing the negative effects of the brace system.

Operating principle of the ALF malocclusion correction device

The ALF malocclusion correction device uses the principles of cranial osteopathy - a gentle effect on the bones of the skull, fascia and meninges. Normally, in humans, the bones of the skull are not fixedly connected; there is minimal movement in the cranial sutures. The use of the ALF device allows you to gently remove various blockages in the bones of the skull, return natural “breathing” to the skull, thereby normalizing the development of the facial skeleton and improving the patient’s overall well-being.

The ALF device was developed by American researcher Darik Nordstrom in the early 1980s. Using the osteopathic principle that the correct structure of the body leads to healthy functioning, Nordstrom created a device that constantly exerts a gentle effect on the cranial structures, promoting the correct development of the facial skeleton and respiratory tract. The ALF device acts on the body logically and without violence, so there is no pain, discomfort or other unpleasant sensations.

Orthodontic treatment with the ALF device improves the quality of the patient’s overall health, as it uses a holistic approach to the body. Proper development of the facial skeleton improves aesthetics and reduces the risk of relapses after orthodontic treatment, and the development of the respiratory tract improves oxygen supply to the brain and helps eliminate snoring and sleep apnea.

It should be noted that the effectiveness of treatment with the ALF device largely depends on the qualifications of the orthodontist. The ALF Family Dental Method is owned by orthodontist O.A. Baranova, O.N. Selector, M.P. Sleptsova and M.N. Ostroukhov, who underwent special training.

The approximate duration of treatment with the ALF device is from 3 to 24 months.

The ALF appliance is a removable orthodontic appliance, but the patient wears it constantly. Only the orthodontist removes the device for activation at the appointment.

ALF device technology

The principle of operation of the ALF device is based on the gentle spring pressure of light wires with shape memory on the blocked bones of the upper jaw, without limiting its natural primary respiratory mechanism (PRM).

The ALF device rests on the teeth, exerting pressure on them, but its main effect is

associated with the unblocking of the bones of the upper jaw. Following this, the force vectors of the ALF apparatus installed on the upper jaw affect the frontal and sphenoid bones (as well as other bones of the skull), leading to their release (release from jamming) and unblocking. Compression of the skull associated with a blocked upper jaw, especially with its incisal segment, is almost impossible to eliminate with osteopathic manual techniques without the use of an ALF apparatus (especially with already erupted permanent teeth, the length of the roots of which firmly connects the blocked segments).

Consequently, it is often impossible to manually eliminate osteopathic patterns when they are firmly coupled with disorders of the upper jaw and incisive segment, without using constant persistent pressure from the ALF apparatus aimed at unblocking them and swinging the amplitude of the rhythm of the jaw and skull, removing them from compression.

Conversely, the use of an ALF device for serious cranial dysfunctions and malocclusion pathology will not give the necessary positive results without proper osteopathic manual support. It should be aimed at releasing the sutures, giving the pinched bones their proper micromobility and eliminating the asymmetry in the position of the skull bones.

How is a bite corrected using the ALF device?

The ALF device can be installed on the upper or lower jaw, or on both jaws. After fixing the ALF device, the period of adaptation is very short, since the device is very thin and light. There is virtually no pain after activating the device. There may be a slight discomfort from the wire running across the chewing teeth, which causes the bite to separate, but patients quickly get used to it.

You need to visit the orthodontist once a month. The device is activated, corrections are made, and the progress of treatment is inspected.

The patient should not remove the device, but wear it constantly. If the ALF device is removed from the teeth for some reason outside of therapeutic purposes, then you should contact an orthodontist as soon as possible and install the device in place.

Why does using ALF not always give 100% results?

When the upper jaw is severely twisted, it is not possible to unblock it without simultaneously unblocking the frontal and sphenoid bones. This is due to the fact that in most cases the compression of the frontal bone is primary (for example, as a result of birth trauma). It was she who contributed to the shift of the frontal bone and, as a consequence, the formation of bite pathology (secondary manifestation). Consequently, the release of the frontal bone in the sutures and fascia contributes to the release of the upper jaw and gives it a positive vector aimed at its change and expansion. In this regard, the use of one ALF device will not give full positive results.
Also, the ALF device cannot eliminate intraosseous damage in the thickness of the jaw, if any. Usually it is formed, for example, due to direct trauma to the upper jaw as a result of a blow, or during traumatic extraction of teeth with bone damage. It is also impossible to change the bite and influence it with ALF after jaw osteotomy surgery.
If the area of intraosseous local damage is small, then the ALF device will work as best as possible with the remaining components of the upper jaw, which will significantly improve the overall clinical picture, with the exception of residual effects in the area of intraosseous damage. The histological trabecular apparatus of bone is capable of changing the overall density both in the direction of compression during compression, and in the direction of development/expansion to a neutral physiological value (according to its reserve capabilities when creating the necessary conditions). In the case of intraosseous damage, the natural physiological compact “packing”/compression of the trabeculae with each other is disrupted. Instead, scar changes and intraosseous calluses/tight adhesions of damaged areas are formed, without the possibility of their further physiological straightening.

Reviews

If we compare the light wire technique with other methods of orthodontic treatment, it is distinguished by a delicate effect on the elements of the dentition, which does not cause even the slightest painful sensations.

As a result of treatment, the patient receives an even and beautiful smile, which will allow him to feel confident in the company of people around him.

If you have treated bite problems using the presented technique, share your opinion about its effectiveness in the comments to this article.

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Conclusions on the use of ALF

The upper jaw is not rubber and cannot be expanded as we please if something remains that caused it to shrink and keeps it in this position.
The upper jaw bone of each person has an individual size corresponding to the physiological characteristics of the given organism.
The bone of the upper jaw has the physiological ability to compress/compress at the histological tissue level, and accordingly can also expand to physiological values (individual for each organism)
In the conditionally physiological state of the upper jaw (reversible changes), shortening of its skeletal size in the presence of crowded teeth will be easily eliminated using the ALF apparatus with simultaneous alignment of the crowded dentition
In pediatric orthodontics, the ALF device can prevent the lack of space for erupting permanent teeth, often 13 and 23. Whereas previously, to correct this type of teething disorder, orthodontists made decisions to remove permanent fourth premolars 14 and 24, thereby causing underdevelopment of the upper jaw and its significant narrowing for life.
The size of the teeth always corresponds to the required physiological size of the teeth for a given upper jaw (with the exception of intrauterine and hereditary pathologies that affect the formation of teeth)\
In the presence of crowding of teeth and in the absence of conditions for the development of pathology of tooth formation, the most likely reason for the discrepancy between the size of the upper jaw and teeth is a physiological narrowing of the upper jaw (tissue histological level).

Subsequently, underdevelopment of the upper jaw is possible in the presence of pronounced compression during the growth period. Often, for the formation of underdevelopment of the upper jaw, in addition to its compression in the skull, a combination of conditions is necessary:

The absence of primary teeth during their early removal is a limitation of the growth of the edentulous segment due to the lack of necessary pressure and chewing load on the bone.
The presence of intraosseous damage to the upper jaw as a result of impacts, traumatic removal of baby teeth - the formation of a scar-changed area with a disturbed bone growth zone.
Previously, orthodontic treatment of occlusion using devices that block the physiological respiratory rhythm of the upper jaw (system braces in children during the period of active growth, plates without a spring mechanism, use of face masks)

In the case of emerging underdevelopment of the upper jaw, bite treatment aimed at unblocking and expanding the upper jaw must begin as soon as possible. If the underdevelopment of the upper jaw is already formed, treatment with the ALF apparatus may not give the required size of the upper jaw.

Hygiene during treatment with the ALF device

Oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment always requires increased attention. It is important to prevent caries and other problems with teeth and gums so as not to disrupt the progress of treatment. During treatment with the ALF device, maintaining oral hygiene is not particularly difficult; you need to pay attention to those teeth on which the fastening rings are installed. An oral irrigator helps in cleaning teeth. Professional hygiene (Air Flow teeth cleaning and tartar removal) is carried out every 4-6 months. At Dial-Dent you can conveniently combine an appointment with an orthodontist and a visit to a hygienist. In this case, the orthodontist will remove the device, the teeth will be thoroughly cleaned, and then the doctor will install the device again.

Treatment of malocclusion with ALF in the absence of a permanent tooth

Often, when trying to cure a malocclusion, the method of removing 1 or more permanent teeth was previously used. In this case, distortion of the dental arch of the upper jaw is accompanied by its shortening and narrowing, and with unilateral removal - deformation of the central line of the palatal suture with a displacement of the middle axis of the entire upper jaw, and with the development of facial asymmetry. The ALF device can return the lost space to restore the desired size of the upper jaw and to balance the symmetry of both the jaw and the entire facial skull as a whole. But to eliminate facial asymmetry associated with the absence of a permanent tooth and a place for it, certain conditions are necessary:

"Fagga" device

The upper jaw appliance is used for the corpus development of the upper jaw, more often in patients with underdevelopment of the anterior premaxillary part of the upper jaw. The device is non-removable, fixed motionlessly using special cement and filling material in the oral cavity, and is activated by the doctor during a routine examination. It consists of metal rings, additional elements, and springs, which, when activated, create an extension of the premaxillary part of the upper jaw. A place is created for missing teeth or previously removed teeth for orthodontic reasons. More often when removing canines and premolars from patients. The wearing period of this device is 5-6 months, during this period of time we have the opportunity to grow the premaxillary part of the upper jaw, create the necessary volume and space for implantation planning. The duration of wearing is individual and depends on the complexity of the case; special attention should be paid to hygiene, since the device is non-removable and contains a large number of additional elements. To prevent the development of caries and dental plaque.

Indication for treatment

Treatment by installing an ALF apparatus should only be done when necessary, in the presence of malocclusion in combination with skull asymmetry, as well as in cases of already developing symptoms of impaired functioning of the body.

The presence of a symptom is not an indication for treatment. The need for treatment is determined by the doctor through a comprehensive comparison of the symptoms and the clinical picture, since the same symptom can be caused by various reasons.

There are also psychosomatic indicators of disorders in the body, they also need to be taken into account and assessed to determine the effectiveness of treatment.

There is no evidence of traumatic removal with damage to a segment of bone tissue and the formation of a scar-modified bone callus, incapable of physiological expansion.
Relatively recent tooth extraction. The more years have passed since the loss of space from the extracted tooth, the more difficult it is to expand the upper jaw in this segment.
Lack of bone fusion of the roots of adjacent teeth. This can occur when permanent teeth are removed as a result of orthodontic treatment, creating rapid traction and moving adjacent teeth into the socket of the extracted tooth. In this case, the fusion of the bone tissue of the socket occurs with the involvement of the roots of neighboring teeth, with their tight adhesion.
- With unilateral removal, asymmetry of the bones of the upper jaw develops with their twisting and displacement of the palatal suture, with the loss of its central location. Following this, the asymmetry spreads to the entire facial skull as a whole. Indirectly through the palatal suture and fascial interrelations, the dura mater twists, and then this dysfunction in a descending manner leads to changes in the spinal column and posture (including subluxation of the atlas - the first cervical vertebra). Long-term adaptation and restructuring of the entire body is formed.
The narrowing of the upper jaw, caused by the absence of one or more frontal teeth (front teeth), as well as premolars, affects nasal breathing. In this case, compression of the ethmoid bone and vomer develops, they lose their micromobility and are firmly blocked. Gradually, venous stasis begins in the nasal mucosa, swelling increases, and the trophism of soft tissues is disrupted. This leads to swelling and impaired nasal breathing, chronic rhinitis, frequent acute respiratory viral infections (impaired nasal breathing can develop when the upper jaw is narrowed and all teeth are present). Correct expansion/restoration of the size of the upper jaw also leads to unblocking the nasal bones and eliminating the causes of chronic rhinitis, nasal breathing and the sense of smell is restored (80-90%) even with long-term rhinitis (20-30 years)
The tilt of the upper jaw or its tilt to the side, a violation of the horizontal plane also develops with the unilateral removal of one of the teeth. At the same time, it is possible to ideally align the position of the maxillary plane only if the ALF device fully expands the upper jaw and returns the space from the extracted tooth. At the same time, work with the sutures of the skull is mandatory.
Narrowing of the upper and lower jaws
Crowded teeth
Frequent chipping of teeth and crowns
Bruxism
Pathological abrasion of teeth
Periodontal disorders
Bite pathology (mesial, distal, straight bite)
TMJ dislocation
Dysfunction of masticatory muscles
Asymmetrical jaw arrangement
Asymmetry of the facial skeleton
Symptoms associated with speech, swallowing, and breathing disorders
Symptoms associated with impaired nasal breathing
Neuritis of the facial nerves caused by compression of the nerves by the bones of the skull
Migraines, headaches
Dizziness
General weakness of the body and vegetative-vascular syndrome
Pain in the neck, lumbar region
Postural disorders

Everything in a person should be perfect!

If you dream of a correct bite, which is “built” not only according to the teeth, but is associated precisely with the harmonious development of the jaws, is part of a proportional, beautiful face, if you are worried about migraines, neck pain, ringing or noise in the ears, a feeling of tension in the chewing teeth muscles, a feeling of constant fatigue, we know how to most competently solve these problems. Professional selection of modern equipment for correcting the bite, taking into account the correct anatomy of position and size, is one of the most important principles of our Orthodontic project. Today we’ll talk about the ALF device. Made from soft, intelligent wire, the Advanced Lightwire Functionals (ALF) removable orthodontic appliance works gently and efficiently to deliver superior results:

restores normal development of the facial skeleton;
does not interfere with the aesthetics of the smile, as it is installed outside the visible area;
adjusts the facial muscles to work properly;
operates without discomfort or pain.

How does the ALF machine work?

The developer of the device, American scientist Darik Nordstrom, believed that if the skull has the correct structure, then all other functions will normalize themselves. In humans, the bones of the skull are slightly mobile at the cranial sutures. If there are any blockages, they are often the cause of malocclusion, headaches, snoring and other problems. The ALF device gently and constantly affects the bones of the skull, fascia, and the membrane of the brain, thanks to which the skull returns to its ideal, anatomically speaking, structure.

The advantages of this view and approach are obvious:

the risk of relapse after orthodontic treatment is minimized, because
the work takes place at the level of deeper structures than just teeth;
general well-being improves, as the brain receives more oxygen, thanks to the “opening” and unblocking of the cranial sutures, normalization of the cranial respiratory mechanism.

Despite the fact that the ALF orthodontic device is worn constantly, it does not cause any inconvenience, since it is very light and comfortable, almost invisible, and anatomically friendly.

When do we recommend treatment with the ALF device?

If the position and interaction of cranial structures is disturbed, the following problems usually arise:

the face looks asymmetrical;
difficulty breathing through the nose;
snoring occurs during sleep,
often suffer from migraines, neck and head pain;
pain or tension is felt in the temple area, there are complaints of clicking;
it is difficult to chew food and open the mouth wide, since the lower jaw is in an unnatural position under the “shrunken” and underdeveloped upper jaw;
pathological clenching of teeth is observed;
Muscle tension is felt in the facial area, some areas lose sensitivity, and pain is felt “deep in the eye area.”

Wearing the ALF device is most often prescribed to adults, because they understand that only a doctor can remove the device. However, the device is also suitable for children from 4-5 years old. True, our little patients do not always strictly follow the recommendations, so treatment takes longer.

How does the ALF device differ from other orthodontic structures?

The device only rests on the teeth and does not interfere with articulation or eating at all.
The cranial structures occupy an anatomically correct position under constant soft, slightly springy influence.
Thanks to its thoughtful design and intelligent alloy, the impact power does not weaken over time.
The structure is secured to the back of the teeth, so it is completely invisible to others.
Very comfortable to wear due to the absence of a hard plastic base. After activation there is no strong painful sensation. The period of adaptation is short.
The work of the muscles of the main muscular organ of the oral cavity, the tongue, is restructured. This allows you to achieve maximum treatment results.

The ALF device does not provide such volumetric expansion as plate devices for adults, which we also use, by the way, but it has a physiological and “correct” effect on the cranial bones. That is why it gives a more pronounced aesthetic effect.

How do you prepare for treatment?

All patients undergo a complete orthodontic examination.

We order ALF from a Canadian laboratory, sending there scanned models of your jaws. Before scanning, the oral cavity must be completely prepared, i.e. all teeth are healed.

On the day of fixation of the device, right before it, the patient visits an osteopath. which releases the sutures of the skull for more efficient and easier ALF work.

In the future, you will have to periodically come for examination to an osteopath. But if the doctor sees that everything is going well and the device copes with the task, then there is no need to do this anymore.

How long should I wear the ALF device?

The device is usually installed on one or both jaws for a period of 3 months to 2 years. To monitor treatment, you need to visit the orthodontist every 4-6 weeks. The doctor examines, activates and adjusts the device.

Does the ALF device replace wearing braces?

The ALF device works well with braces and other orthodontic structures. For example, first treatment is prescribed with an ALF device, which brings the skull bones into the correct position and develops the upper jaw, and then wearing braces to straighten the dentition.

It is important to know!

During orthodontic treatment, it is extremely important to strictly monitor oral hygiene and health. Therefore we recommend:

thoroughly clean your teeth with an irrigator after each meal;
When brushing daily, pay special attention to the teeth on which the device’s fastening rings are located;
come once every six months for hygienic teeth cleaning - AirFlow and dental tartar removal.

The last point is best combined with a routine examination by an orthodontist.

5 reasons to choose an Orthodontic project led by O. A. Baranova

An integrated approach, thanks to which you get not only a beautiful smile, but also good health.
We work for lasting results. Rest assured: your teeth will remain beautiful forever.
We are not afraid of difficult cases, we constantly improve our knowledge and skills and always achieve our goals.
Each stage of treatment is carefully monitored. We give a comprehensive answer to any question you are interested in.
We care about the comfort of each patient and understand his uniqueness, therefore we use modern world-class equipment and innovative orthodontic systems that give excellent results.

We just love you and our work very much, and if the work is done with soul and love, then it will be a SUCCESS!