Advanced Lightwire Functionals (ALFs)
Experience natural, holistic jaw expansion with our custom ALF appliance designed to unlock your best oral health.
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ADVANCED LIGHTWIRE FUNCTIONALS
What are ALFs?
Advanced Lightwire Functionals (ALFs) are bespoke orthodontic appliances that use continuous, gentle “light force” to reshape the jaws and oral structures. Unlike bulky expanders or rapid palatal devices, ALFs sit discreetly behind the teeth and guide bone growth very gradually—much like the tongue does when swallowing. This approach not only widens the arch but also trains muscles, improves bite function, and enhances airway volume over time.
Benefits of ALFs
Arch Expansion
Gently broadens the dental arches to create space, reduce crowding, and align teeth without extractions.
Relief from TMJ Symptoms
Alleviates joint pain, clicking, and stiffness by decompressing the joint and encouraging proper jaw position.
Enhanced Facial Growth & Development
Guides natural bone growth for more balanced facial proportions and a harmonious profile.
Minimally Invasive Jaw Expansion
Achieves palate widening without surgery or the need to remove healthy teeth—perfect for patients who want a conservative option.
Increased Airway Size & Improved Breathing
Opens up nasal and oral passages to help reduce snoring, mouth-breathing, and mild sleep-disordered breathing.
Promotes Better Oral Function
Encourages correct tongue posture, efficient chewing, and clearer speech by retraining oral musculature.
Symptoms & Conditions Treated
The ALF Legacy: From Dr. Nordstrom to Dr. Shirazi
When Dr. Darick Nordstrom created the ALF (Advanced Lightware Functional) appliance in the early 1980s, he soon found its benefits went well beyond oral health. Patients reported relief from various seemingly unrelated conditions. Dr. Shirazi, one of his students, now continues this integrative approach—combining the ALF appliance with comprehensive care for conditions such as:
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RDevelopmental delays in their dentition
Such as childhood learning problems due to decreased blood flow to the brain
- RDigestive problems from improved swallowing
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RFacial Pain
Blurred vision, strained eyesight
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REar Problems
Ringing or humming sounds in the ears, decreased hearing ability
- RClenching and grinding of teeth
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RHeadaches
Such as childhood learning problems due to decreased blood flow to the brain
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RTMJ dysfunction
With pain and restrictions of movement
A Custom-Made, Gentle “Light Force” Approach
Every ALF is uniquely fabricated for your mouth using precise digital impressions and high-quality, biocompatible wire. Once fitted, it applies very low-level forces—comparable to natural tongue pressure—that work continuously day and night. This slow, steady action preserves underlying tissues and fosters lasting results. Plus, the ALF’s design encourages proper tongue positioning, reinforcing healthy patterns long after expansion is complete.
Symptoms & Conditions Treated
About Dr. Shirazi, ALF Dentist & Practitioner
Since 2001, Dr Shirazi has been crafting and fitting the ALF (Advanced Lightwire Functional) appliance—over 24 years of hands-on experience helping patients overcome TMJ issues and sleep-breathing disorders.
Los Angeles and Conejo Valley
ALF Treatment Success Stories
At the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Los Angeles and Conejo Valley, our Advanced Lightwire Functional (ALF) therapy has offered enduring relief for a wide range of concerns. This custom-made appliance gently and naturally widens the dental arch, creating space for teeth to emerge, realigning the jaw, and enhancing airway openness. Patients such as Kyle—who needed room for his teeth to develop correctly—and Cleopatra—who finally enjoyed restful nights after years of grinding and clenching—have seen remarkable transformations with ALF. Under Dr. Shirazi’s guidance, the team applies ALF not only to correct dental misalignment but also to tackle broader health issues like breathing challenges, chronic headaches, and poor posture. Our non-invasive, holistic protocol delivers effective, long-lasting wellness.
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