When hearing about oral appliances, parents often think of their own childhood experience with orthodontics, and specifically, with retainers. Traditionally, orthodontic treatment is considered to treat malocclusions. Malocclusions in dental terms mean that the teeth are either misaligned or don’t “fit” correctly in the mouth. In the past, one traditional solution to malocclusion was to remove teeth and redirect the remaining teeth. These days, in appropriate circumstances, pediatric dental specialists may consider pursuing a more comprehensive approach to enabling optimal development of not just the teeth and smile (including both esthetics and function), but of the entire Oral cavity and associated structures, including the palette, airway, orofacial structure, and function. Embracing this comprehensive approach, specially trained pediatric dentists, such as Dr. Robbins, may prescribe ALF devices, Or Advanced Lightweight Functionals for their patients.
The ALF appliance is a customized oral device made of lightweight, flexible wire that guides the natural growth and development process, working with (rather than against) the natural forces of orofacial development. Yet, importantly, ALF treatment is about much more than the appliance itself.
ALF treatment is a comprehensive therapeutic approach to optimal orofacial development. ALF specialists, such as Dr. Robbins, truly consider the entire patient because ALF is really a “whole body” approach that takes into account how orofacial development relates to and potentially impacts the entire body.
When evaluating patients, the ALF specialist considers the patient history and a number of important factors, ranging from the developing anatomy to function and also behavior—all from the standpoint of how such factors relate to and influence—and may be influenced by the development of the oral cavity.
An ALF dentist in Los Angeles, CA, will assess your child and may prescribe the use of treatment with the ALF appliance, and following the ALF approach, ALF for kids provides the following benefits:
Gentleness; ALF works with the natural forces in the mouth
Customizable
Almost Undetectable Wires
Facilitates optimal airway structure and function
Facilitates optimal facial development
Can Be Applied Before Invisalign Treatment
ALF Solutions for Your Child
An ALF specialist will provide detailed assessments and, as appropriate, a comprehensive treatment plan and recommendation for children of almost any age, including:
Young children aged seven or younger — ALF treatment can help guide proper orofacial growth and balance. It can also help alleviate anatomical and functional concerns and associated behaviors later in life.
Children aged between seven and eleven – ALF can help to remodel suboptimal growth and
facilitate proper development.
From the teen years onward – ALF can correct relapses and make corrections for function and esthetics.
Speak to your ALF dentist in Santa Monica or Los Angeles to improve your child’s smile.