If you are looking for an alternative to braces that is less aggressive and more holistic, the Crozat appliance or the ALF may be just what you are looking for. The Crozat produces a gentle outward pressure that increases during swallowing. The pressure from the device gently aligns teeth by creating more space in the jaw slowly over time. As space in the dental arches increases, crowded teeth eventually have enough room to fit side-by-side and are naturally straightened. Since the Crozat device is a slow growth appliance there is no pain during the treatment process. Dental braces have come under scrutiny as a painful and aggressive therapy with much more focus on teeth straightening and smile cosmetics
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Kids Expansion Appliances Video
Crozat Compared to ALF Appliance
Crozat Orthodontic Appliance
The Crozat is different than the ALF in that there is a metal connector that crosses from one side of the posterior palate to the other. This feature helps in cases where more expansion in the back of the maxilla and palate is necessary. The ALF appliance in contrast has its connector in the front part of the palate where it loops behind the front teeth and crosses the midline. The ALF is better at expanding the anterior part of the maxilla whereas the Crozat is better at expanding the posterior palatal area.
Both the ALF and Crozat are forward growth appliances. The ALF produces more forward expansion because the palatal connector is in the front of the mouth and is designed to “spring” forward. In contrast the Crozat has a connector in the back part of the palate and is designed to put pressure across the posterior palate. The Crozat is clearly going to be a better posterior palatal expander than the ALF.
The Crozat is considered an arch development appliance. It is used to grow bone in a more forward and wider direction. The Crozat is capable of aligning teeth and making them straighter, but it does so by creating more room in the mouth for all the teeth to fit. Sometimes the Crozat and ALF can be used in sequence or as a treatment course with other appliances.
Dr. Adams likes using Crozat appliances. But he more often uses Schwarz, ALF, Twin Block and DNA appliances due to the versatility of these other devices. When possible we try to use one appliance to finish a case. The more appliances and time create more expense.
The Crozat Device is a Fixed Forward Growth Appliance
The Crozat is a stable wire that does not corrode. It is custom designed by the holistic dentist and varies patient to patient. The device is typically placed on the tongue/palate side of the teeth. It is necessary to have an upper and lower appliance. Often times the dentist will use an ALF on the lower jaw. The Crozat is a fixed appliance that stays in the mouth all the time. The Crozat is usually adjusted by the dentist approximately one time per month. The dentist slowly reshapes the appliance making it wider to allow for more forward and outward growth.
Facial Asymmetries can be Balanced by the Crozat
Crozat can correct facial asymmetries since it depends on coordinated muscle actions such as swallowing, talking and breathing. When symmetric movements create pressures used for expansion, the new growth is rebalanced the the balanced pressure. No one is symmetrical left to right, but our natural forces when channelled properly help us become more balanced.
The Best Expander Depends on the Conditions
There are many different kinds of expanders for kids and the Crozat is just one of many holistic orthodontic appliances used by Dr. Adams. The Crozat appliance was invented by Dr. Crozat in 1919. The Crozat is the sister appliance of the ALF appliance. It is a springy wire that is great for moderate expansion and alignment in children.
Palatal Expander Appliance Options for Kids Video
How Dental Appliances Promotes Jaw and Facial Bone Growth Video
