ALF
Advanced Lightwire Functional
ALF is a specialized non-traditional orthodontic treatment method that uses principles of cranial osteopathy to address the alignment of the facial, spinal, and cranial bones and misaligned teeth.
Improved Facial Structure
Enhanced Breathing
Natural Teeth Movement
Reduced Discomfort
Better Speech
Overall Health Benefits
“I am Dr. Anna Jumtina. I have been studying and placing ALF for four years. I am very excited about ALF, which addresses not just the alignment of teeth but also focuses on improving overall health and function. If you have questions about ALF, don’t hesitate to contact us.”
About Dr. Jumtina
Dr. Anna Jumtina is a graduate of the University of Colorado Dental School. She has been at Family Holistic Dentistry since 2019 and saw her first ALF patient in August 2021.
The ALF, or Advanced Lightwire Functionals, is an orthodontic oral appliance that facilitates jaw development.
It is specifically engineered to be delicate and mimic the forces exerted by the tongue, providing a gentle method for orthodontic correction.
The benefits of the ALF appliance extend to both children, starting as young as age 3, and adults. Its primary objectives include correcting distortions of the skull, addressing distortions of the maxilla (the bone supporting the upper teeth), and aligning the upper and lower teeth to enhance jaw position and bite. These corrective measures contribute to improved tooth alignment, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), craniofacial pain management, and creating additional space for the tongue and air passages, thus potentially aiding in breathing and sleep-related issues.
Dr Jumtina and Dr Krembs
Dr. Anna Jumtina is a graduate of the University of Colorado Dental School.
She has been at Family Holistic Dentistry since 2019 and saw her first ALF patient in August 2021. She has pursued extensive education and collaboration with leaders in ALF therapy, including Dr. Ljuba Lemke, DMD, PhD, and Dr. Tasha Turzo-Moore, DO, author of The ALF Approach: Changing the Face of Orthodontics. She has done an ALF mini-residency with Dr. James Bronson at the ALF Educational Institute and is taking additional coursework with ALF founder Darick Nordstrom, DDS.
Dr. Jumtina's approach is characterized by integrating osteopathic and myofunctional principles into orthodontic care, achieved through collaboration with Dr. Krembs, an osteopathic physician. This holistic approach ensures comprehensive treatment, addressing orthodontic concerns and broader oral health and well-being.
Josh Krembs, DO, earned his medical degree from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Southern Maine.
He became Board-Certified through the American Osteopathic Board of Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine (AOBNMM) after completing residency training at St. Barnabas Hospital in New York City. Through more than 15 years of extensive mentorship and coursework, he has been trained in the subtle yet powerful Biodynamic approach to Osteopathic diagnosis and treatment, which allows for the precise correction of dysfunction in any body part or system with the most gentle technique. Dr. Kembs has studied ALF with Dr. Jumtina at Dr. Branson’s ALF Educational Institute and currently visits our office one day a week as well as seeing some of our patients in his nearby clinic.
“Life changed!! 19 months ago, I wondered if my life would ever be better. Today, I removed my ALF... healed!
Dr. Anna changed my life. What she and Dr. Krembs are doing is not only breakthrough medical science but truly life-changing. As in every single day my reality is better than I ever imagined possible.”
Benefits of ALF
The benefits of the ALF appliance extend to both children, starting as young as age 3, and adults.
Its primary objectives include correcting distortions of the skull, addressing distortions of the maxilla (the bone supporting the upper teeth), and aligning the upper and lower teeth to enhance jaw position and bite.
These corrective measures contribute to improved tooth alignment, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), craniofacial pain management, and creating additional space for the tongue and air passages, thus potentially aiding in breathing and sleep-related issues.
Getting Started with ALF
Our office begins with a comprehensive examination, which includes a dental assessment, x-rays, photographic documentation, interviews, and a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan to evaluate the airways.
After the evaluation, if the patient is deemed suitable for ALF treatment, we take impressions and custom-make the appliance. Patients then undergo regular check-ups every 4-6 weeks, during which the ALF is removed and cleaned, and the wire adjusted to support ongoing growth and development. The duration of ALF treatment typically ranges from 3-5 years, although individual timelines may vary based on specific needs and responses to treatment.
“ALF is an osteopathic device. It decompresses the bones in the head, reintroducing motion. ALF will grow the jaw and remodel the bone. It has more potential than just fixing crowded teeth. This is why I work with Dr. Kembs, an osteopathic physician specially trained in this area, to allow patients to experience the full potential of the ALF. ”
ALF Cases
This is a case in our practice of a child with an underbite that has been corrected.
This is a case in our practice of a child with severe crowding and spaces after that was corrected with treatment.
Additional Information on ALF
Some Frequently Asked Questions
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ALF Therapy is effective for patients experiencing TMJ dysfunction, craniofacial pain, and other neuromuscular issues. By focusing on the root causes of these problems, such as cranial base distortions and improper alignment, ALF Therapy can offer relief and long-term stability without the need for invasive treatments like tooth extraction or surgery.
In summary, ALF Therapy offers a holistic alternative to traditional orthodontics, focusing on the overall health and function of the patient's mouth and face. It's suitable for a wide range of patients, from children to adults, and addresses more than just cosmetic concerns by targeting the underlying causes of dental and facial issues.
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ALF treatment involves the use of customized appliances that fit over the molars and are adjusted over time to gently expand the palate and correct the alignment of the teeth and jaws. It also includes additional therapeutic interventions, such as myofunctional therapy, to address issues like tongue positioning and swallowing patterns and osteopathy. Treatment plans are highly individualized, based on a comprehensive assessment of each patient's needs
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Yes, ALF Therapy is not only for children but also for adults. While the treatment can be especially effective during the growth stages of childhood, adults can still benefit from the corrective potential of ALF appliances. Treatment can improve facial aesthetics, function, and health, even in cases where skeletal growth is complete
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ALF Therapy differs significantly from traditional orthodontics because it not only focuses on straightening teeth but also on correcting the underlying skeletal and neuromuscular imbalances that contribute to orthodontic issues. While traditional orthodontics often relies on braces and can involve tooth extraction, ALF Therapy uses gentle forces to encourage natural growth and development, aiming for a holistic improvement in oral and overall health description
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ALF Therapy can treat a variety of issues including poor orofacial development, poor breathing habits (such as mouth breathing, snoring, and improper swallowing), and tongue thrusting. It also can aid with malocclusion (misaligned bite), TMJ disorders, poor posture, facial asymmetry, and overcrowded or crooked teeth by promoting natural growth and alignment
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Selecting a provider trained and experienced in ALF Therapy is crucial. Providers should have a comprehensive understanding of the multifactorial aspects of ALF care, including its impact on overall health. It's recommended to seek providers who are committed to ongoing education in ALF Therapy and who approach patient care holistically
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ALF Therapy aims to improve overall wellness and function by using dental appliances that influence the mouth and smile's form and function. This approach considers the interconnectedness of the human body, striving to positively influence health beyond just dental concerns
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It is particularly beneficial for children with developmental issues related to the jaw or face, individuals suffering from sleep-related breathing disorders, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction, headaches, and anyone experiencing dental crowding or misalignment issues. Adults and children alike, who are looking for a more holistic and comprehensive approach to dental care, often seek out ALF Therapy
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The ALF device works by using gentle forces to stimulate growth and alignment in the jaw and teeth, creating more space in the mouth and promoting better alignment of the teeth and jaws. It addresses underlying issues that can lead to dental problems, such as improper tongue positioning, breathing habits, and facial development
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Unlike traditional orthodontic treatments that may focus solely on straightening teeth, ALF Therapy takes a broader approach. It considers the patient's neurological and developmental concerns, aiming to resolve the root causes of orthodontic issues. This can include improving breathing patterns, addressing nutritional and metabolic concerns, and considering the patient's overall skeletal development
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Treatment duration with ALF can vary significantly from patient to patient, as it is tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. While some may see improvements in a shorter period, others may require a longer treatment time to achieve the desired results
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One of the benefits of ALF appliances is their minimal visibility. They are designed to be less noticeable than traditional braces, making them a more aesthetically pleasing option for individuals concerned about the appearance of their orthodontic treatment