ALF - Advanced Lightwire Functional Appliance

The ALF (Advanced Lightwire Functionals) appliance was developed by Dr. Darick Nordstrom in the 1980s as an osteopathic, whole-body approach to oral and craniofacial development. Unlike traditional orthodontics, which rely on mechanical forces to move teeth, the ALF works in harmony with the body by gently stimulating bone growth and natural arch development.

Light, continuous stimulation from the ALF wire promotes long-term changes in muscle function, supporting improvements in spinal alignment, posture, occlusion, TMJ disorders, sensory and nervous system function, arch and palate development, airway remodeling, and even behavioral patterns in both children and adults.

The ALF appliance helps bio-modulate the autonomic nervous system, making it an effective therapy—particularly for children with sensory or nervous system challenges, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD. Guided by principles rooted in nature and supported by science, the ALF influences everything from bite to brain to behavior.

How Does the ALF Work?

The goal of ALF therapy is to enhance the patient’s overall wellness through a holistic approach to dental appliance therapy—improving both form and function of the mouth, face, and smile. The appliance provides subtle sensory input that promotes orthodontic, osteopathic, and neurosensory regulation.

Rather than forcing teeth into predetermined positions, the ALF’s gentle forces help activate developmental pathways that may not have been fully expressed earlier in life. This allows the body to naturally grow and reshape the bones of the dental arches and face, restoring balance and symmetry.

ALF therapy places significant emphasis on the tongue and its critical role in posture, arch development, breathing, and neural integration. Unlike many traditional palate expanders, the ALF does not restrict tongue space. Instead, it encourages the tongue to rest against the palate—its ideal position—supporting proper arch development, promoting nasal breathing, stabilizing the airway, and activating the parasympathetic nervous system.

Craniofacial remodeling, including airway and cranial suture changes, progresses at different rates for different individuals based on metabolism, developmental patterns, and unresolved trauma. Regardless of pace, properly guided ALF treatment results in naturally beautiful, functional changes over time.

Two foundational pillars of ALF therapy are myofunctional training (OMT, Buteyko breathing) and osteopathy. With these pillars, patients routinely develop their maxilla and mandible into their optimal, balanced “neutral zone.”

What Is the ALF Like?

The ALF appliance is a thin, non-reactive Elgiloy wire positioned on the lingual (palate-side) surfaces of the teeth. This placement makes it nearly invisible and very comfortable for patients. In most cases, small BPA-free composite buttons are placed on select teeth to secure the wire.

The appliance is worn 24/7, and is removed only by the dentist for regular monthly adjustments.

What Can ALF Therapy Improve?

• Improper positioning of the dental arches

• Underdevelopment or imbalance of the maxilla and/or mandible

• Misaligned teeth and poor occlusion (both aesthetic and functional)

• Swallowing dysfunction

• Speech impediments

• Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders

• Airway constriction and breathing difficulties

• Nervous system biomodulation

• Sensory and nervous system regulation

• Cranial bone alignment and mobility

• Suboptimal posture and spinal alignment

• TMJ disorders