Align Your Teeth With ALF Orthodontics in Leesburg, VA

We Change Lives By Creating Beautiful Smiles

ALF Orthodontics

ALF (Advanced Lightwire Functionals) is a holistic procedure that addresses the underlying causes of crooked teeth in a way that is oriented towards the whole body. Crooked teeth can be caused by a variety of factors, such as poor diet, cranial stressors, low tongue posture, and/or having a restricted airway. ALF is a distinct and innovative procedure that uses light flexible wires to address these issues and assist in the development of the upper jaw and midface, which increases the likelihood of avoiding tooth extraction.

Using principles of cranial osteopathy, ALF advances the mandible and promotes changes in muscle function to achieve stable results in improving a patient’s posture. Rather than traditional braces, patients receiving ALF treatment are fitted with a custom-made removable appliance.

At Lansdowne Dental Care, we recognize that every patient has a unique smile, and we are committed to working diligently to help you get fitted with a personalized ALF appliance that is designed for your specific mouth. If you or your family member are scheduled for ALF therapy, or if you have any questions about ALF, please contact us at 703.844.4403.

Benefits of ALF Orthodontics

There are a broad range of benefits to the use of ALF therapy, including the following:

  • Improved smile
  • TMJ symptom alleviation
  • Improvement for sleep apnea
  • A more well-developed face

In addition to these tremendous benefits, ALF is also easy to wear, barely visible to most observers, and requires very little maintenance and upkeep compared to other traditional orthodontic devices.

ALF versus Traditional Braces

Each dental intervention has different areas of focus and methods for improving oral issues. ALF works to expand and increase the size of the jaw. By creating this natural expansion, there is more room for teeth that are otherwise crowded and become crooked.

Braces will work to straighten crooked teeth, provided there is enough room in the jaw for them to straighten. In this regard, the ALF appliance is best used to assist with bone development to allow for more space, followed by the use of braces or Invisalign to then address the crooked teeth.

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ALF Orthodontics for Children

ALF is especially effective in helping developing children, especially children between the ages of 6-12. During this period, the position and width of your child’s upper jaw plays a significant role in how far out their lower jaw can extend. By the time a child is 4 years old, their facial skeleton is approximately 60% the size it will be as an adult, and by the age of 12, it will be at 90%. Although there is still room for growth, there is no reason to wait until your child has reached the point of 90% growth, as doing so can increase the chances of teeth coming in crooked. Helping develop the jaw as early as possible will ensure that there will be adequate space for permanent teeth.

ALF can be especially helpful in addressing the following common symptoms in children:

  • Mouth breathing
  • Locked bones in the cranium
  • Improper tongue position
  • TMJ
  • Excessive thumb sucking
  • Poor nutrition
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Bad posture
  • Early mixed dentition
  • Poor tooth alignment
  • Crossbite
  • Buck teeth/underbite

Cranial Osteopathy and Orofacial Myology

Though not required, the most effective approach to ALF orthodontics is in combination with Cranial Osteopathy and Orofacial Myology. Combing these two treatments helps release tension and stress throughout the body by promoting the stabilization of the jaws and mouth, as well as the stomatognathic system.

Cranial osteopathy is form of treatment that focuses on whole-body motion and can be used to help people of all ages. This form of treatment is founded in the understanding that the key to optimizing your health is to ensure that the whole body is function as one unit and is properly balanced. Cranial osteopaths specialize in
diagnosing strains and stresses that are negatively impacting your health and wellbeing, and focuses on treating tendons, ligaments, muscles, and the circulatory and nervous systems. Cranial osteopathy, in conjunction with ALF, can help address the following issues:

  • Headaches and Migraines
  • Neck and Back pain
  • Sciatica and leg pain
  • Pains and aches associated with pregnancy
  • Shoulder pain
  • Hip pain
  • Work Injuries
  • Sport Injuries
  • Arthritis
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • TMJ/ Jaw Pain

Orofacial myology is often described as a reeducation of the oral facial muscles that is accomplished through progressive exercises designed to correct the strength, motor patterning, and position of the face, jaw, neck, and oral cavity. This approach helps promote stability of the mouth and jaws, and can address common oral issues such as incorrect chewing, excessive jaw tension, tongue thrust, and other related issues. Working with an OMT specialist will help you become more aware of harmful habits and how to develop proper functional posture.

ALF Orthodontics Cost

At Lansdowne Dental Care, we are committed to providing you and your entire family with quality dental care that you can afford. Because this is not a traditional dental service, ALF therapy is generally not covered by most dental insurers. This treatment can be invaluable in addressing and preventing further issues from developing, however, which can save you significant money towards future healthcare costs. Please note: our office is happy to discuss possible payment plans for this procedure. We accept Cash, Check, or Credit card, as well as 3rd party financing options.

Contact Us

Having an ALF procedure can make a remarkable difference in the lives of those with damaged teeth. Scheduling your appointment for procedure is your first step towards a confident, healthy smile. If you or your child are scheduled to have ALF therapy, or if you have any questions about the procedure, please contact us
at 703.844.4403.

At Lansdowne Dental Care, we treat every patient like a member of our family and are committed to changing lives by creating beautiful smiles!

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Meet Dr. Tracey Nguyen

Dr. Tracey Nguyen received her Doctor of Dental Surgery, Magna cum laude, at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical College of Virginia. Dr. Nguyen is trained in all phases of implant dentistry, and has received extensive training in cosmetic dentistry. She is also a manuscript/review editor for the Academy of General Dentistry.

More About Dr. Nguyen

We are located in Leesburg, VA but proudly serve Lansdowne, Reston, Broadlands, Ashburn, Sterling, and all neighboring communities.