Advanced Lightwire Functionals are removable lightweight wire appliances that are worn for the upper and lower jaw. ALFs are philosophically in-line with the principles of holistic dentistry, in that this is a low force technique, highly compatible with cranial osteopathy, and it emphasizes facial balance and promotes correct oral posture. Dr. Derek Nordstrom of Hollister, California invented ALFs in the early 1980s and has been perfecting them ever since. This is now a state-of-the-art technique widely used in holistic dentistry.
As explained on Dr. Shirazi’s superb website (with animations): “The purpose of Advanced Lightwire Functional’s (ALFs) is to orthopedically move structures of the oral cavity using minimal force (comparable to that created by the tongue) without occupying a great deal of space in the mouth. In doing so, the ALF expands the maxilla to allow a greater capacity of oxygen to enter the nasal cavities and “trains” the tongue to swallow in a proper manner so that the new position created by orthopedic expansion is maintained after its use is discontinued.”
Tags: Advanced Lightwire Functionals, Holistic dentistry, low force