Advanced Lightwire Functional Appliance A.L.F CT Dentist | Dr. Yuriy May | Natural Dentistry ALF

Advanced Lightwire Functional Appliance (A.L.F) by Biological Connecticut Dentist | Dr. Yuriy May | Connecticut

Introduction to the Advanced Lightwire Functional Appliance Therapy by a Top Holistic Dentist in the USA | Natural Dentistry

As you take the time to read the below page, Dr. Yuriy May of Natural Dentistry who was selected Best Dentist Connecticut and Best Holistic Dentist Connecticut in 2017-2022 for his work with children and adults in the field of epigenetic orthodontics and dental specialty in Advanced Lightwire Functional ALF Appliance will be sharing the knowledge and experience gained through years of facial and jaw development and use of the ALF in transformative patient care. The ALF appliance has revolutionized the role of dentistry in the scope of healthcare and dental care as we know it and has the potential for helping generations of individuals lead healthier, more functional lives while creating beautiful, balanced faces. The simple sophistication and proven clinical effectiveness of the ALF lineup of appliances provide opportunities that surpass the expectations of both patients and providers when properly utilized by meticulously trained dental providers like Dr. Yuriy May in a holistic approach to wellness. Dr. Yuriy May brings a new level of understanding into why life is a continual cycle of development, expansion and transformation from every person’s very first moments and through childhood and adulthood in everyday lives. Natural Dentistry shares Dr. May’s knowledge of the influences of our environment as it relates to form and function in the oral environment and how the use of the ALF can be used to support improved function in the continuum of life. In the paragraphs following, Dr. Yuriy May will address the critical importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in ensuring clinical effectiveness of every single ALF Appliance, alongside the understanding of multi-practitioner therapy (Oral Myofunctional Therapy and Osteopathy) approach in complicated cases with a focus on pediatric craniofacial growth and development in the context of midline awareness. By applying ALF foundational concepts with additional techniques and technologies, Dr. May ensures every patient and parent receives the extraordinary outcomes and knowledge of craniofacial development that apply to their very own health and the community to help improve lives across the country.

Advanced Lightwire Functionals (A.L.F.)

What is the ALF device?

ALF (Advanced Lightwire Functionals) is a non-traditional orthodontic treatment method that uses principles of cranial osteopathy. It is superior and far more advanced than any “palatal expander” provided by traditional orthodontists.  The ALF advances (and expands) the mandible and promotes changes in muscle function to achieve long-term physiological results in improving a patient’s spinal alignment, posture, occlusion, TMJ disorders, sensory processing /nervous system dysfunction, arch and palate development, airway reshaping and can result in drastic behavioral and lifestyle changes for both adults and children. Most importantly, the ALF bio-modulates the autonomic nervous system, making this a highly effective therapy and “go-to” treatment for patients and specifically, children with sensory and nervous system dysfunction such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD. While the ALF addresses alignment of the facial, spinal and cranial bones using principles of cranial osteopathy is continues to be an effective method to align teeth in (in early childhood to early teens) and improve the bite without traditional braces (orthodontic treatment).

How does the ALF Appliance Work? What is the ALF Appliance’s mechanism of action?

Critical to understanding the ALF and its function are the principles of epigenetics, which Dr. Yuriy May, an ALF Dentist,  can uniquely invoke with ALF. There are genetic, early developmental, and functional determinants of mandibular size which then have significant downstream effects such as maxillary development, airway development, and cranial growth. Depending on the patient’s age, gene mutations (like MTHFR), tissue abnormalities (tongue and lip ties), and other compensations, ALF Specialist Dr. May uses the ALF Appliance to influence the developmental and functional determinants. For some patients, the remodeling of the craniofacial bones, including airway remodeling and cranial sutures,  can be slow, for others, more rapid, depending on their metabolism and unresolved traumas. Either way, looking at the properly treated patient over time, the changes are naturally-beautiful and inspiring. Dr. May has spent years in helping patients, hands-on, in the trenches of ‘can’t fool mother nature’ experience, and sees patients (including those who have suffered brain injury – from prenatal to adult) pathologically remodel their mandible over time (not just the alveolus), leading him and other ALF Specialists to the observation that nature provides the tools for healthy, positive remodeling. Two of the pillars of ALF include: Myofunction (OMT, Buteyko Breathing) and Osteopathy. Built on those pillars, patients routinely ‘functionally’ develop their mandible to their optimal ‘neutral zone’.

The highly effective, lightweight intervention known as the Advanced Lightwire Functional Device impacts cranial rhythm and movement through osteopathic alignment. This novel approach to orthodontic systems works to integrate cranial mobility with the palate, teeth, and jaw alignment, thereby promoting better swallowing, breathing, speech, sleep, and nervous system response. By focusing on the form and function of the neuro- and viscera-cranium, the gentle action of the A.L.F. orthodontic appliance provides a safe sensory stimulus within the mouth that allows for a greater range of neurological regulation to occur, especially through the cranial nerves and the autonomic nervous system. Thus patients wearing the ALF appliance experienced far-reaching changes in bite, body, brain, and behavior. As Dr. Nordstrom has noted, “With the insertion of the ALF appliance we have seen seemingly unrelated health issues improve or completely resolve.”² The Advanced Lightwire Functional Orthodontic Appliance is the ultimate craniofacial development therapy in terms of wellness enhancement as the ALF promotes proper facial development, tooth alignment, airway enlargement, improved posture and corrected sensory impulses within the nervous system.

What is the A.L.F. Orthodontic Appliance Like?

Rather than traditional braces or typical oral expanders, patients receiving the Advanced Lightwire Functional Appliance are fitted with a thin, non-visible, non-reactive metal removable appliance on the lingual (interior) of their teeth, that extends around the lingual surface of the arch from molar to molar. Consensus from both craniofacial medical doctors and functional orthodontic specialists concludes that the ALF Appliance is a combination of many functional appliances, combining the most optimal features from many, all wrapped into one ultimate functional orthodontic appliance.

Material: The ALF is constructed from .025 Elgiloy wire which is a very flexible and resilient metal alloy wire; the wire applies light forces to the teeth.

Structural Elements: Omega loops are bent into the archwire where expansion or spacing is desired. Crescents are soldered to the wire to assist in retention of the appliance in the premaxillary area. Wire cribs create positive retention on the molars and can be designed for specific molar movement.

Additional Options: Bonded composite can be placed on various teeth to increase appliance retention. Finger springs can be added at the distal ends of the wire to distalize second molars. Individual loops can be used to create specific molar movements.

Manufacturing:The ALF appliance is custom-made by a single laboratory in the USA (there are numerous laboratories that provide ineffective copycat “ALF Like” devices). Non-certified labs call their thin wire orthodontic devices “ALFs” and claim they are effective to reposition jaws, dental arches, teeth and cranial bones – however, none have been proven to be as effective as the original A.L.F. Appliance maker, approved by the founder of the ALF Appliance, Dr. Nordstrom.

Summary of A.L.F. Appliance Ability to Resolve the Following Issues

• Improper positioning of dental arches
• Improper mandible development or mandible underdevelopment
• Swallowing Dysfunction
• Speech Impediments
• Sleep Apnea and Sleep Disorders
• Airway constriction and breathing problems
• Biomodulation of nervous system
• Improved sensory and nervous system regulation and response
• Cranial Bone Realignment
• Suboptimal posture and spinal alignment
• TMJ Disorders
• Misalignment of teeth and poor occlusion (aesthetic and functional)

How Much Does the A.L.F. Appliance Cost?

Advanced Lightwire Functional Appliance Cost

• The pricing below is based on a 2 year treatment time (24 months) of therapy – during which most cases are fully completed with treatment.
• Session prices for practitioners outside the dentist vary based on the level of experience and treatment complexity. Ranges are displayed to give patients an idea of what local practitioners charge per session and the number of sessions expected

TOTAL ALF Appliance Therapy Price – Package with Dr. Yuriy May in Connecticut

Unlimited⁽¹⁾ 2 Year Adjustments Dental, OMT, Osteo Adjustments Included
(This is the Lowest Price in the USA for an Advanced Lightwire Functional Appliance with unlimited ⁽¹⁾included therapy)
(1) Maximum number of dental adjustments not to exceed 24 maximum visits in the Unlimited 2-Year Package. The charge for additional visits: $200.

NO LONGER OFFERED – Packaged A.L.F. Appliance Cost & ALF Appliance Price Based on a 24 Month Treatment Duration

(1) Unlimited Dental Adjustments are limited to a maximum number of 18 visits per child, per 24 months. Overage visits will be charged at $250 per visit.
* Pkg Price – Approximate savings when choosing our package option. This package cannot be combined with Financing Options such as Lending Club.
** ALF Appliance – Initial ALF Appliance Cost [$8,000 when included in a package, $8,500 when not included]

(2) If using Financing such as Lending Club, the full price of the ALF device charged will be $9,500, not the $8,500 which is the self-pay cost.

Who can benefit from A.L.F. Orthodontics?

• Children as young as 6 years of age – Dr. May does not recommend ALF to anyone under age 6
• 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
• High-profile or self conscientious individuals involved in public engagements who have orthodontic needs beyond the capabilities of Invisalign^® but cannot / do not want the very visible and cosmetic disadvantage of ‘railroad tracks’ / traditional braces

What are the 4 main purposes of the A.L.F. device?

The A.L.F. appliance has a threefold purpose:

1. Correct distortions of the skull by bringing the cranial bones into good functional & balanced motion;
2. Correct distortions of the maxillae (bone that supports the upper teeth) and mandible;
3. Develop the dental arches to align the teeth and jaw, and the way the jaws work together with appropriate room for the tongue and to improve the bite, preventing grinding and TMJ
4. Bring together all the above to integrate into proper function which includes breathing, swallowing, speech, deglutition and a balanced autonomic nervous system

By rectifying the areas above, many patients find the orthodontic appliance helps relieve chronic pain and remedy some common physical ailments. Dr. May alongside other osteopathic, functional, naturopathic and chiropractic practitioners have found the ALF to not only help align the teeth and make more room for the jaw and tongue, but it also brought a balance to the cranial bone motion. With that, the ALF brought the tongue into a neutral swallow position and that has been shown to bring the patient into an autonomic nervous system balance, at which point a number of other symptoms seem to go away that were seemingly unrelated; whether heart problems, migraines, arthritis or behavioral problems – all seem to disappear after ALF treatment.

What is the A.L.F. or ALF Functional Orthodontics Philosophy?

Dr. Nordstrom’s developed a theory that a less intrusive (less bulky), light wire removable appliance would prove more beneficial than more complex and sizable devices available on the market today. The A.L.F. appliance could be fitted to the dental arches and apply a continuous light force to the skull bones, maxilla and teeth. Orthodontic clinical research and treatment results have proven that continuous light forces applied to the teeth and skull bones have a more beneficial effect than applying heavy continuous forces, such as traditional braces.

The Arndt-Schulz Law is well stated in the 26th edition of Dorland’s Illustrated Medical Dictionary:
“Weak stimuli increase physiological activity and very strong stimuli inhibit or abolish activity.”

This concept is supported and has been clinically verified by use of homeopathic medicines (more dilute substances cause a strong healing change”, micro-currents [extremely low levels of proper electrical currents cause a greater healing response]), natural vitamin supplements (better healing response), etc. The A.L.F. appliance follows the Arndt-Schultz Law by applying a light, continuous force to the teeth and skull bones, resulting in proper anatomy development and resolution of conflicting osteopathic forces that cause a plethora of issues: TMJ, teeth crowding, facial asymmetry, tongue thrust, airway constriction, snoring, behavioral problems, insomnia, grinding, abnormal dentition, speech impediments, migrants, etc.

The Objectives of A.L.F. Appliance Therapy include:

• To resolve osteopathic craniafacial health issues and suboptimal facial development
• To address the underlying causes for misaligned/crooked teeth by use of light forces which mimic nature, working in harmony with the body
• Guide, encourage and support straight teeth and broad, beautiful smile development as highly desired ‘side effect’
• Whenever possible use the advantage of cranial and palatal growth by starting ALF and functional orthodontic treatment early, between age 3 to 8

The STRENGTHS of A.L.F. are:

• Cosmetics – mostly invisible (barely visible from the outside)
• Gentle – far less discomfort than with braces, not nearly as painful
• Stable – no need for life-long retention
• Transformational – focuses on facial, in addition to oral development; life-altering benefits
• Non-allergic – made with solid gold overlays
• Removable and easy to clean or replace
• Preserves and improves the airway, preventing/resolving sleep apnea, snoring
• 5-in-1 treatment for all myofascial, orthodontic, TMJ and craniosacral therapy

Caution: Several practitioners on the East Coast and in California have been using “fake” ALF Appliances – getting them made by a knock-off lab and selling them to patients for the full $8,500! Dr. May has replaced several  non-genuine ALF devices since 2017! Patients should do their research in advance.

I have more questions – is Dr. May the right dental specialist for the A.L.F. Appliance?

Dr. Yuriy May is Connecticut’s ALF Appliance Specialist and heavily focuses on the neurophysiological foundation of oral-motor function. He continues to be the top resource in the Tri-State area to help patients and parents better understand how such a subtle ALF device can facilitate such profound realignment.

What is Cranial Osteopathy

Cranial osteopathy is a gentle, hands-on practice in which a patient’s cranial bones and facial coverings are gently manipulated to treat specific dysfunctions, achieve realignment, and improve the patient’s overall health. It is a principle of osteopathic medicine that within the body, the proper structure will lead to healthy overall function, and vice-versa.
While the ALF treatment incorporates the practice of cranial osteopathy in sessions about 4-6 weeks apart, the ALF appliance itself works in a similar manner by bringing about the gentle manipulation of cranial structures, on a gradual (albeit continuous) basis, 24/7, to achieve similar and constant realignment results. This ultimately changes the cranial structure and nervous system responses, along with proper physical development across all craniofacial facets.

Biomodulation of the Autonomic Nervous System

One of the most critical functions of the ALF is the biomodulation of the autonomic nervous system. The term biomodulation means self-adjustment and regulation according to what the body needs to be in balance. To understand how this phenomenon takes place, read below to learn about the autonomic nervous system, it is important, and ultimately, the role the ALF Functional Appliance plays in continuous biomodulation of the sympathetic nervous system.

ALF’s Biomodulation of the Autonomic Nervous System

Numerous articles have been written on the use of the ALF appliance in the treatment and correction of cranial strain patterns, torsions, side bend lesions, superior and inferior vertical strain patterns and other problems. If proper mastication dynamics are not occurring, and craniofacial development becomes distorted, the insertion of an ALF appliance may provide the critical sensory input that is needed to promote neurosensory organization. In the discussion of the trigeminal sensory nucleus, every bite sends a message to the brainstem, which sends a formative output back to the oral structures and into the brain. Thus, the delicate sensory input provided by the ALF can alter osteogenesis, addressing and relieving cranial strain patterns² and promote proper transverse development of the jaws. As cranial nerve sensory input changes via the constant yet gentle corrective forces of the ALF, spontaneous corrective motor output follows which leads to autonomic and neurohormonal brainstem circuits reorganization as well.

Rebalancing of the parasympathetic and sympathetic drives promotes calmer internal function, less sensory defensiveness, and better attention to conscious processes. This in turn, sets the stage for cognitive engagement with corrective tongue exercises.

The combination of myofunctional training exercises with the ALF can facilitate proper tongue placement for swallowing and movement of the teeth, setting in motion, neurological feedback loops that prompt more effective management of oral-motor function. The ALF stimulates transverse bone growth, in much the same way as the chewing of solid and semi-solid foods in the developing child. Through its gentle and subtle pressure to the tooth organs, the ALF exerts a lateral force 24 hours a day and seven days a week. The tooth proprioceptors and periodontal fibers interpret this lateral force as sensory input similar to chewing, input that in children spurs the creation of space for the developing dentition through appositional bone and cartilage growth in adults, this occurs through appositional growth, according to Dr.Nordstrom Although the standard ALF touches only four teeth, it promotes spaces between all the teeth.

The design and placement of the anterior and posterior omega loops encourage the tongue to assume the correct oral rest posture position and to participate in the transverse and anteroposterior forces necessary to stimulate growth and positioning of the maxilla for the development of a palate of proper size and shape, per Dr. Nordstrom. In essence, the ALF functions like a surrogate or biomimetic tongue giving stability to the craniofacial complex similar to a scaffolding in the palate, (restoring bio tensegrity to the cranial-mandibular system). It functions as a neurophysiologic stimulus, as an orthopedic/orthodontic device, and it encourages the tongue to assume a more normal rest posture position. The palate lies in close proximity to the brainstem and directly beneath the sella turcica, which houses the pituitary gland. This highly innervated palatal area, coupled with the proprioceptors in the tooth organs and the periodontal ligaments transmit a subtle stimulatory input not only to the roof of the mouth but also to the brainstem and the endocrine system.

More specifically, the ALF’s sensory input to the palate produces a calming effect on the sympathetic nervous system, much like the effects of a pacifier⁵ in an infant or thumb sucking in a young child. The benefit of this tranquilizing effect is that it allows the brainstem to refocus on issues other than sympathetic protection (survival).

A.L.F. or ALF Appliance Costs and Treatment Details

What is the length of treatment of the ALF?

ALF Orthodontic treatment can last anywhere from 12 months to 3+ years.

Treatment duration and technique varies from one patient to another depending on the complexity of their dental abnormality. Typically, active treatment times range anywhere from 18 to 36 months. Actual treatment focuses on three main phases of treatment.

Phase One: of therapy involves correcting cranial distortions by means of the A.L.F. appliance.
Phase Two: also uses the A.L.F. appliance to correct the structural distortions of the upper jaw (base of the skull).
Phase Three:The third phase of treatment may require use of the A.L.F. appliance and / or Invisalign^® orthodontic aligners to realign the teeth, improve jaw and teeth function and enhance the patient’s smile.

A.L.F. Patient Evaluation & Diagnostics by Dr. May

Examination of the patient may involve taking a combination of special x-ray views (cephalometric x-ray – lateral view of the skull; panoramic view – full jaw survey or full mouth series), diagnostic casts of the patient’s teeth, photographs of the face and teeth; visual observation of the oral cavity, body posture and evaluation of the patient’s skull. Once these diagnostic records are complete, Dr. May will formulate the patient-specific treatment plan to carry out the correction of the developing (child) or misaligned (adult) teeth, jaws, and skull.

What are the costs for getting assessed for the ALF by Dr. May?

Not everyone may be a candidate for the ALF Orthodontic Device. In order to establish whether a patient is a candidate for the ALF Therapy, Natural Dentistry must conduct a full ALF Candidate Assessment, which is broken up into one ALF Candidate Assessment appointment (for existing patients) or New Patient Appointment and ALF Candidate Assessment (for new patients).

For New Children Patients Only:
Length of Consult: 15 minutes appointment
Cost of Consult: $150
If Moving Forward: A full new ALF Patient Candidate Assessment will be scheduled for 90 minutes, for $725 fee (see full info below)

ALF Candidate Assessment (all adult patients & children post-ALF-consult)
Length of Appointment: 90 minutes appointment
Cost of Assessment: $725
Payment to Book: $325 deposit due at time of booking assessment

The ALF Assessment appointment entails:

• Dr. Yuriy May professional consultation
• ALF Questionnaire Completion
• Full Series of photos by professional HD camera, intra-oral and Canon EOS Mark III
• 3D CAT Scan of Maxillofacial Profile (Head, Airways, Teeth)
• 3D Impressions (Models) of Maxilla and Mandible (upper and lower teeth)
• Full airway, tongue placement, cranial-maxillofacial, orthodontic and treatment plan analysis</>

The analysis will be delivered 3-7 business days after the initial assessment.

As the patient chooses to move forward with the ALF treatment, Natural Dentistry will apply the $500 of the $725 assessment fee toward the total cost of the device. If the patient is not a viable candidate for the ALF device or chooses not to move forward, they have the ability to take their photos, 3D CAT Scan with them to another specialist or for their own personal use.

What are the total expected costs of the ALF Device?

The cost of the ALF very much depends on the specific patient needs and the overall medical case. The ALF therapy is often a long-term and interdisciplinary effort, that involves Dr. May working closely with myofascial functional therapists and osteopathic (D.O.) physicians. Based on the time of treatment, case complexity, and coordination involved, treatment costs vary anywhere from $8,500 to $14,500+, with the average cost being $13,000 per patient for the device. Please call our office for additional questions on treatment costs, payments, and assessments: 860-677-2242

The Natural Dentistry Center Guarantee: We are committed to access to care for all of our patients and especially children, *most* of whom need the A.L.F. Device. Should your child require assistance pricing on the ALF Orthodontic Device, we offer Lending Club for payment plans at a price of $9,500 for the ALF device alone, which cannot be combined with package pricing.

Please call/text our office to discuss A.L.F. pricing in more detail or to inquire about our special pricing for children. ] (860) 677-2242

What are the additional expected costs of the ALF visits, adjustments, and appointments with other ALF specialists?

The ALF Device will need to be adjusted every 3 weeks-3 months, depending on the patient’s case and where they are in the treatment cycle.

Additionally, in order for the full benefit of the ALF device to be achieved, each patient must also see a recommended D.O. physician for osteopathic adjustments (separate charge by osteopath: ranges from $130-$150 per session) and also commit to seeing a myofascial functional therapist (separate charge by the myofascial therapist: ranges from $100-$185). The frequency of the ancillary therapies and adjustments will be determined by the specific patient case and course of treatment.
In summary, additional charges for the ALF include:

• Recurrent AFL Device adjustments: Dr. May – $250 per adjustment (if Dr. May did not deliver the ALF – costs are $550 per adjustment or a new ALF may be required)
• Recurrent Osteopathic adjustments by D.O. physician: $130-$150 per adjustment
• Recurrent Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) sessions: $100-$185

(1) A.L.F. special pricing cannot be priced below $8,000 for the A.L.F. Orthodontic Appliance or $13,500 for the dental ALF Ortho Appliance package including 2 years of dental adjustments (a maximum of 18 prepaid adjustments/visits). All dollar amounts must be paid PRIOR to the delivery of the device to receive package pricing – the lowest price in the USA.