Crozat Appliances

Are you looking to straighten teeth without braces? Are you concerned about your child’s facial growth and jaw development? Have you or your child been diagnosed with high-vaulted palates and narrow dental arches or possible airway problem, such as sleep apnea?

If you can answer yes to any of these questions, you may benefit from a course of therapy using Crozat appliances, as overseen by Drs. Max and Ariana Ebrahimian at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry.

What Crozat Appliances Can Be Used to Treat?

As mentioned above, either appliance can be used to straighten teeth without needing braces. Other treatment applications with these light wire appliances include the following:

  • Guiding the jaws into their preferred alignment.
  • Supporting optimum facial growth.
  • Achieving wider dental arches.
  • Helping to widen the airway or maintain an open airway.

Each one of these functions can help guide your child’s jaw growth into a healthy alignment.

Is Crozat the Same Thing as ALF?

Both are different versions of light wire appliances, a term that applies to any orthodontic appliance that uses small gauge wires to provide both expansion and contraction.

Whether your dentist recommends the ALF or the Crozat, they work in a similar manner: by applying gentle pressure to achieve your treatment goals — all without the use of braces.

Both appliances also are removable, meaning that you do not have to navigate around the wires while cleaning your teeth — as is the case with braces. You can brush your teeth thoroughly, and flossing is easier as well.

Key Differences Between These Appliances

There are several key differences between these appliances. Drs. Ebrahimian will evaluate your child’s jaw structure and needs before recommending one of these appliances to ensure that your child’s needs are met.

The Crozat

The Crozat is a sophisticated wire appliance that applies very light levels of force to straighten teeth while also guiding the development of the jawbone. The Crozat can be used even on very young children.

When used correctly as overseen by a dentist experienced in using functional orthodontics like Drs. Max and Ariana Ebrahimian, the Crozat prevents overcrowding in the mouth while promoting bone growth and expanding dental arches.

The ALF

The ALF or “Advanced Lightwire Functional” appliance uses wires in the appliance that are thinner. During treatment, they support the movement of the cranial bones. When used, especially in children, an ALF helps to align the cranial bones properly, using the principles of osteopathy as a guide.

Why Should You Consider a Light Wire Appliance?

Light wire appliances can be incorporated as part of functional orthodontics—an approach of orthodontic treatment that aims to treat the entire orofacial system rather than just straighten teeth or push and pull the jaw into alignment.

A light-wire appliance is intended to encourage wider dental arches, and it can be a precursor that assists in maintaining an open airway and proper facial growth. With proper facial growth and an open airway, this treatment option can help achieve a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Light Wire Appliance Therapy in Scotts Valley

If you are interested in light wire appliance, make sure you only seek the care of a dentist who has had specialized training and is qualified to provide this service. At Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry, both our dentists have significant experience working with these appliances.

Dr. Max and Dr. Ariana Ebrahimian are founding members of the NAAFO, which is the North America Association of Facial Orthotropics.

To learn more about these appliances or any aspect of our program of orthodontic treatment, call our office today at (831) 438-4411 to schedule a consultation.