Functional Dentistry and ALF appliance

Dr. Darick Nordstrom and Dr. Tasha Turzo, D.O. discuss the ALF Appliance and Cranial Osteopathy
Dr. Naomi Hillel discusses the ALF appliance and how it has helped the pediatric patients in her practice.
Dr. Ljuba Lemke discusses the concepts behind ALF appliance.
Dr. Mercola and Joy Moeller talk about the synergistic relationship of  Myofunctional Therapy and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine.

Functional Dentists and Cranial Osteopathic Physicians have long collaborated in the treatment of conditions related to the teeth, jaw, mouth and face. DOs trained in cranial osteopathy can assist in oral-facial development by releasing restrictions throughout the body and restoring normal function.

Let us consider a child who cannot breath through their nose. He will breathe through his mouth instead, which means his jaw and tongue must drop open. This ultimately results in an improper swallowing pattern, a narrow upper palate, crowding of the teeth, and an overbite. This all creates a domino effect, leading to an uneven development of the face, jaw, neck, and poor posture.

When osteopathic manipulative medicine alone cannot correct these dysfunctions, coordination of treatment with myofunctional therapists and functional dentists can optimize cranial symmetry, function and development.

There is an enormous difference between Orthodontic treatment versus Functional Orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment is primarily concerned with straightening the teeth, assuming that the facial muscles and jaw joints will accommodate to their new position. Whereas, Functional Orthodontic treatment in conjunction with Osteopathy is reshaping and repositioning the upper and lower jaw bone to a more harmonious position which results in straightening of the teeth. Osteopathy and Functional Dentistry means treating the jaw posture, tooth relationship, muscle relationship and head and neck posture as a whole system.

When evaluating each patient the upper and lower dental arch development is examined to see if they are too narrow and constricted, if there are any airway breathing problems, tongue posturing problems, tooth positioning problems, jaw posturing problems and/or any head and neck problems.

We have worked with Dr. Nordstrom DDS (developer of the ALF appliances) for over 15 years in our Southern California offices. We have found this approach very helpful in treating many problems with craniofacial development and function, including TMJ disorders. We have a particular interest in working with facial dysfunctions including TMD, mal-occlusions and head injuries.

Dental Links:

http://www.myoacademy.net

http://www.myofunctional-therapy.com

http://www.alforthodontics.com