People ask me what is the “magic” of the ALF, and is it all in the design? While the design does indeed need to match the patient’s individual needs, the material used is equally important. The body wire of the ALF is made of Elgiloy, a cobalt-based alloy; the blue Elgiloy often selected at the…
Read MoreThis video is an excellent resource to understand why we care so much to convert kids to nasal respiration!!
Read More
Growing Healthy Kids Kids need high quality sleep, high quality nutrition, and lots of play to grow healthy bones. Bones need the raw materials of proteins, vitamins and minerals to lay down more bone – but they also do not grow without force being placed across the bone. Form follows function! Unfortunately, today’s “kid food”…
Read MoreHow can a palate be expanded? There are three main options for expanding a palate: ALF (Alternative Light-wire Functional): a very light wire appliance that exerts a subtle force over time, attracting the tongue to the roof of the mouth, and encouraging a stable swallow pattern. The ALF is adjusted both by the action of…
Read More
Palatal expansion is a commonly needed component of Interceptive Orthodontic Therapy, which is also called “early orthodontics” or “phase one orthodontics.” As dentists, we often suggest orthodontic expansion (making enough room in the mouth for the tongue and the teeth) while a child is in the pre-puberty phase. This is because the upper jaw (maxilla)…
Read More
I’ve known Dr. Kingsley N. Chin for years through our shared membership in the Comprehensive Interdisciplinary Dental Study group (CIDS), where he is known as “the sinus and allergy guy.” Dr. Chin has been practicing in Atlanta at Piedmont ENT & Related Allergy for over 25 years and has developed a comprehensive approach to…
Read More
What is a baby dental well visit? The health of baby’s teeth are incredibly important to his early development, and by the age of 2, baby should have a full set of teeth. We invite children as early as 2 years to our dental practice for full dental evaluation, and of course younger any time…
Read More
New parents often joke “if only the baby came with instructions.” One particular area that parents look for advice is in how to feed baby. A common question is “Bottle or breast?” New mothers can get free support from other moms with nurslings by attending La Leche League meetings https://www.lllusa.org/ But even for mothers who feel…
Read More
Meredith began myofunctional training in 2010 and became certified by the International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM) in 2015. With over 20 years of experience and hundreds of hours of education in myofunctional therapy, feeding and swallowing, Meredith is passionate about providing positive outcomes for patients. She teams with other Airway Centric and holistically-minded medical…
Read More
Orofacial Myologist, or Myofunctional Therapist? Speech-Language Pathologist, or Speech Therapist? It turns out that Janey Hoag (a.k.a., Jane E Hoag) is all of the above! We met Janey at our office. She shadowed Mike & Dr.C on one of their Integrative Postural Therapy clinic days on a Wednesday, and was equal parts sponge and contributor!…
Read More