FUNCTIONAL APPLIANCE THERAPY OPTIONS
1- ALF THERAPY
The Advanced Light Force dental appliance was developed by a dentist who asked a simple yet profound question: Why do some orthodontic techniques create a synergy with the body and others create obstacles to health and function? Dr. Darick Nordstrom developed the ALF appliance concept with the goal of improving the overall health, beauty and function for the patient while providing a simple, effective and easy to wear family of dental appliances.
The ALF appliance uses light forces to the teeth and gums delivered by an exceptionally advanced design. The ALF design is based on replicating the forces to the jaws and head that nature intended. This has been verified through years of feedback from osteopathic and chiropractic physicians who specialize in treating the highly sensitive system involving the subtle forces and influences involving the cranium and the neurological system that it surrounds.
The ALF is barely visible to observers, easy to wear and more hygienic to maintain than most other dental and orthodontic appliances. The ALF is one of very few dental appliances that provide adequate room for the tongue and is unique in its ability to encourage improved tongue function. The use of the ALF is known for creating an environment of enhanced neurological function and a more balanced facial appearance by harnessing the power of one of nature’s most powerful tools: the human tongue.
After wearing an ALF for nearly three months not only have my teeth shifted but I have noticed improvements in my sleep and in my breathing. Unfortunately, due to burning the roof of my mouth with a sip of hot coffee, Dr. Stagg had to remove my ALF until my mouth healed. What really surprised me was that after only three days without my ALF, I was no longer sleeping well or breathing clearly. This certainly made a believer out of me! It is also especially helpful having the center omega loop as a reminder of correct tongue placement. Thank you, Dr. Stagg!
~ Caroline W
At first, I dealt with constant headaches and trouble breathing. I do swimming so this also affected my performance. With less air, it stunted my growth and was preventing me from being able to focus. After an appointment with Dr. Stagg, she referred me to my family doctor who diagnosed that I had Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) at only 11 years old. It prevents you from getting enough oxygen during the day and can also harm you at night. Then after a couple of appointments, she got molds of my mouth and had appliances made that fit my needs to help me improve. I have been wearing my upper appliance and lower ALF appliance for only a couple of months, and I also wear rubber bands to help bring my jaw forward. Because of Dr. Stagg, I have improved my swimming performance and I am starting to grow again. I also improved my school grades because I could focus and never had constant headaches. Her work is the result of awesomeness and she made a huge difference.
~ Mariela (….and I’m still eleven!)
What Our Patients Are Saying
Real stories from patients who discovered how life-changing Health Connections Dentistry holistic dentistry can be.
Nerissa Johnson
Dr. Stagg and her fantastic staff have been wonderfully instrumental in the success of our daughter's airway and orthodontic correction. We would highly recommend her to everyone! 
Tami Smith
Dr Stagg and her team are amazing. Always happy and kind... always pay attention to detail and go above and beyond for their patients. Dr. Stagg's knowledge is very impressive and you know you are in good hands.
Laura Aho Parsons
I came to get help from Dr. Stagg as an emergency case, referred by my Dentist. Dr. Stagg and her team did extensive testing to get to the cause of my pains, which turned out to be TMJ Disorder. But she also discovered I had Sinus issues and referred me to an ENT specialist, for an emergency appointment.
She and Dr. Malis were able to discuss my case prior to my appointment so we were primed for what needed to happen first and soon--sinus surgery! Later she referred me to a Cranio-Sacral specialist to help with musculature and skeletal issues. Dr Stagg has amazing intuition, is an artist sculpting each apparatus, a natural healer, uses all the latest technologies and has a staff as professional, yet compassionate, as she is to handle every step of the individualized protocols needed for each unique patient. She is a rare Find indeed.
Cecile Blunt
Who knew that my jaw and sleeping problems could be addressed by the expansion of this 83 year old mouth? Well, Dr Stagg knew!! The ALF and lower orthotic are improving my situation almost daily for 7 months now. She and her staff are wonderful!!!
Alexandra Poolt
I had a very pleasant experience with Dr. Stagg and her excellent team all the way through the assessment process and into the treatment. I finally have a better understanding of my teeth, the mouth & the tongue and how all interconnects to show a picture of my overall health. If you have been searching for answers beyond standard dental care, give her a try!!!
Lisa B
Before my treatment I found myself to have severe fatigue, no motivation to do anything, and procrastination on the smallest things. The first day I wore my orthotic, my pain in my neck and upper back diminished. I find myself awakening in the morning feeling like I got a good night sleep and I am able to fall asleep with no problem. My fatigue has lessened tremendously. I have and would recommend this treatment to friends. My life has become more enjoyable being pain free.
Cristiano V
Before seeing Dr. Stagg, I struggled for years with constant fatigue, poor sleep, and jaw tension I didn’t understand. She discovered that my airway issues, sleep apnea, and TMJ were all connected — and that the root cause was in my mouth. Through her precise, gentle treatment, my breathing improved, my sleep became deep and restorative, and the daily pain I lived with disappeared. It completely changed my health, energy, and focus. I can’t thank you enough!.
Dr. Charles D. Dusch, Jr.
Outstanding customer care! Dr. Stagg kindly worked me into her busy schedule to correct an unexpected issue and gave me her full attention. Her amazing staff are also so friendly, caring, and competent. I strongly recommend this practice!
Dr. Larisa Scott
Amazing! Staff was very welcoming. Dr. Stagg knows her stuff. She looks at you from a while body perspective. Honestly it is such a privilege to have an amazing dentist in the area.