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LAB : Learning About the Basics
One of the most rewarding aspects of ALF Therapy is the provider's ability to completely customize the appliance designs based on the needs of the patient and modify as treatment progresses.
One of the most challenging aspects of ALF Therapy is the provider's need to able to keep up with the infinitely customizable options and evolutions of the designs of the ALF family of appliances
In order to meet the growing needs of our ALF Therapy community, we are providing online learning modules designed both for the dental laboratory technician and dental provider who are interested in learning how to make, modify and repair some of the most basic ALF appliance designs.
Virtual learning resources
Please contact us for registration information at Jamie@thesynergy.academy or by calling from 8am-2pm CST Monday-Thursday.
Members of The Synergy Academy will be eligible for continued education credit through successful completion of a competancy examination offered following the live webinar.
This course includes instruction on:
Basic Body Wire Design
This study club meeting will focus on appliance design and fabrication with the goal of creting a common language between the lab technician and the clinical provider team as they support the delivery of authentic and effective ALF Therapy.
We have been getting feedback from both the labs and providers that one of the biggest challenges within our ALF community is the misunderstandings surrounding the use of cuspid crescents in designs for development as well as the shape and position of the posterior loops in both pediatric and adult designs.
During this meeting, we will strive to clarify the confusion with the goal of putting unity in our community regarding these critical design considerations.
NLA Designs and Fabrication
The NLA device is an amazing tool as a stand along or plug-in therapy to accompany the more traditional designs associated with wire-based ALF Therapy. Selection and design based on patient phenotype will be discussed to assist both the provider and the lab technician on proper design and fabrication.
Lab communication tools
Providers can relate to the challenges related to the transfer of information from the patient's mouths to the desk of the lab technician. We will go over the pros and cons of impressions vs scans as well as the forms of documentation that can assist in improved communication.
ALF LAB Course Agenda
Introduction to concepts and designs
- Review of NLA and Nordic positioner designs, materials modifications and indications
- Standalone use and design for use in conjunction with the wire-based appliances
Wire characteristics and designs
- Why elgiloy has been chosen for ALF appliances (yellow/blue/green)
- Body wire design considerations and indications
- Omega loop/wobble bend location, shape and size
- Wire size and alloy for each design
- Soldering basics
- Silver vs gold solder
- Flux options
- Flame vs electro soldering
- Plier selection and wire bending basics for fabrication (not activation)
- Options for retentive cribbing, crescents and bands
- Indications and design considerations for tooth specific auxiliaries
- Omega extensions to 6’s and 7’s
- Finger springs for individual tooth movement/space consolidation
Auxiliary designs
- Omni additions
- Materials
- Essix (040/060 selection considerations)
- Acrylic
- Bond aligner
- Anterior bite planes
- Occlusal coverage
Maxillary designs
Mandibular designs
Class 3 “tandem” wires (Pedo class 3 options, t wire, etc.)
Wire size related to age and indications
Tooth specific options regarding design and adjustment
Hands on wire bending, ALF appliance modifications and repairs
- Omega extensions
- Adding omni coverage (blockout, trimming, Bond Aligner)
- Adding hooks spinner beads, lip bumpers and tongue toys
- Auxiliaries for individual tooth movement
Appliance breakage and repair
- Body wire
- Crib/band
- Omni repairs
Anterior bite planes and lip bumpers