Frequently Asked Questions

- ALF Therapy is suitable for both children and adults with various dental and health issues.

- Growing children who need prevention of malocclusion and crooked teeth or early correction to promote proper growth and development of face and body

- Anybody who wants to improve tooth alignment, both for function and aesthetics

- Patients with previous orthodontic treatment that included tooth extractions and/or headgear

- Children and Young Adults with behavioral disorders, including ASD/ADD/ADHD and emotional imbalances

- Individuals who have experienced severe physical trauma or any head/neck injury

- Patients who have experienced or suffer from TMJ/TMD or facial joint inflammation

- Patients who snore and/or suffer from obstructive sleep apnea

Treatment duration and technique vary between patients according to individual needs. In general, treatment time ranges anywhere from 1-3 years with the ALF worn all the time. They are hardly visible from the outside and therefore interfere very little with appearance.

Some children will need a secondary phase of orthodontic correction. This depends on each person’s unique needs. In a nutshell, the earlier we start the treatment and correction, the need for braces or clear aligners will be either eliminated or greatly reduced. Please inquire with our doctors.

- It is important to avoid foods that are sticky such as soft taffy candy, caramel, gum, or fruit leather.

- Special attention needs to be given to diet and oral hygiene since food will get caught between the wire and your teeth. At your ALF appointment, we will show you how to maintain good oral hygiene with the ALF in place. When flossing, pull the floss thread through each space, not up and down. The use of gum stimulators and an oral irrigator are recommended to make home care much easier.

Generally, it takes about 2 to 3 days to adjust to the appliance. Speech may be affected in the beginning as your tongue gets used to it. Reading out loud will speed up this adjustment period.

To assist with the success of the ALF treatment, our doctors often recommend coordinated treatment with Osteopaths, Physical Therapists, Myofunctional Therapists, and Chiropractors. ALF orthodontic therapy was developed with Osteopaths and Myofunctional Therapy as well as other treatment modalities. These therapists are recommended as needed during the course of treatment. Please let us know if you are currently working with any other provider so that the doctors can coordinate and discuss your care.

Very young children can start ALF therapy, and each child is unique. Please inquire with Dr. Libby during your free in-person consult visit.

Please take a look at our investment / financing webpage here.

Dental insurance typically doesn't cover ALF Therapy, but its long-term benefits will outweigh the investment.

- ALF Therapy's success lies in its unique and well-researched design.

- It has extensive support from the osteopathic medical community.

- It's distinguished by its holistic approach to oral and overall health.

- Some may lack understanding or experience with ALF Therapy.

- ALF Therapy providers prioritize exploring the interconnectedness of the body.

- Traditional techniques are more familiar to some practitioners.

- Patients seek a health-conscious approach to healthcare.

- ALF Therapy empowers patients by considering the whole person.

- Highly trained ALF Therapy providers offer comprehensive care.

- The ALF was developed in the early 1980s and has evolved over time.

- It offers multiple customizable designs to address individual patient needs.

- Dr. Darick Nordstrom is the original creator of the ALF family of appliances, with decades of dedication and support from the ALF InterFACE organization.