OraLase

OraLase Therapy is a laser assisted procedure developed with the objective of reducing pain and dysfunction of the head and neck for patients 6 and older.

The primary goals of therapy include pain reduction, inflammation reduction and increasing blood flow but there are many powerful secondary benefits.

It was developed by Dr. Darick Nordstrom with the goal of increasing the quality of life for patients while simplifying treatment plans for the dental teams caring for the complex patient.

OraLase Therapy is delivered with FDA approved technology and has been utilized for years without any known adverse effects.

It delivers a very specific form of high level laser light through a specially designed handpiece. OraLase Therapy does not involve physical touch with the patient, yet delivers a medical grade dose of healing energy through a thin fiber that transmits the light from the laser to the patient.

OraLase is not to be confused with Low Level Laser Therapy as the two techniques are very different in their approach and delivery,

What is OraLase Therapy?

Principles

Principles do not change.

Laws of nature cannot be altered.

OraLase Therapy is based on understanding that the ways of nature can be mimicked by technology.

OraLase exists where nature meets technology and form meets function.

It lives where principles meet practicality and doctor becomes healer.

Procedure

OraLase is an approach to healing that is much more meanginful than a simple procedure.

The use of the word therapy implies ongoing support and effects of treatment. OraLase Therapy is a meaningful way to describe the effects of this approach to healthcare.

The detailed and specific delivery of the frequency, dosage and selection of laser equipment, as well as the carefully designed technique of delivery have been chosen for a reason.

OraLase cannot be duplicated, imitated or modified without losing the efficacy of the therapy.

Protocols

Careful measures have been taken to ensure that OraLase Therapy is both very safe and highly successful.

Comprehensive training is required to ensure the proper application of therapy.

Considerate development of patient and provider resources creates a healing space for all involved.

Laser treatment of the oral region

OraLase Therapy involves the utilization of a highly specific application of laser technology in a very controlled delivery to the regions of the head and neck .

The FDA approved equipment utilized to deliver the Class 4 medical grade laser dosage is delivered in a carefully prescribed protocol.

Carefully Selected Equipment

The equipment, settings and frequencies utilized in OraLase Therapy are unique. OraLase has been developed over many years and with a highly specificly designed delivery. that is then customized to the needs of the patient.

There are two lasers capable of delivering OraLase Therapy. One is the Lightwalker laser by Fotona and is developed specifically for dental use.

The other is a portable, battery operated laser that can be used for either dental or medical use. This laser is referred to as the Fox Laser and is distributed by inPhase Medical. The same laser referred to as the XLase is distributed by Fotona.

Thoughtfully Developed Approach to Care

There is a reason why OraLase Therapy took many years to develop and is being released to providers in a carefully controlled setting. It is a powerful tool that deserves to be delivered by those who respect its ability to affect their patients in many ways.

Only the providers that show a thorough knowledge of the technologies, techniques and theory behind OraLase will be given authority to use the OraLase name, logo and permission to deliver OraLase Therapy through its creator, Dr. Darick Nordstrom and the ALF InterFACE Academy.

OraLase Benefits

Efficient and Effective

Release of the layer of tissue known as the fascia can allow greater movement and function of the entire body. We treat the tissues of the head and neck to allow a softening of some of the most used and often abused tissues of the body.

By targeting the tissue of the fascial layer of the body, we have a powerful opportunity to harness the healing power of the brain and bran-stem through neuromodulation.

Medical Grade Laser Technology

The OraLase technique utilizes an exceptionally specific wavelength and technique to deliver a gentle warming sensation to damaged or restricted tissues.

By using a Class 4 medical grade laser, we gain access the deeper tissues of the body which allows our therapies to effectively reduce pain, increase motion and support healing through multiple pathways.

OraLase Therapy stimulates collagen formation, increases blood flow, softens fascial restrictions and provides an environment conducive to neurologic integration as well as endorphin release This highly advantageous combination of benefits provides unique and powerful opportunities for healing.

Finding Balance

The human body is driven by the brain, supported through our reflexes, moves efficiently through tissue mobility and thrives with the gifts inherently available to us through providing optimal care for our bodies.

OraLase provides us with a safe and effective way to help the body achieve balance and improvements in overall function.

Why OraLase is a comprehensive approach to wellness...

The sensation of pain in the fascial tissue and C fibers is processed through the emotional (also known as the limbic) system. Recent research indicates that the communication between the cerebellum and cortex is critical in our developing sense of self. The limbic system stands between the two .

The communication of the sensation of pain within the co between the parts of the brain must pass through the limbic system which can color the reality of the perception.

By almost instantly relieving pain while creating sensations that we feel as familiar and comfortable, the brain is allowed to transition from the pain to pleasure in a safe space of physical and emotional healing.

OraLase creates and utilizes the sensations that are primitively familiar to the limbic system and temporarily open a window allowing the cerebellar-cortical communication to occur without interpretation.

That is the principle of integration.

We are using primitive, known and safe sensations to allow this gentle reawakening of feelings of safety and self-confidence.

Trauma removes that sense of safety and OraLase can temporarily restore a sense of wellness to create a space for healing and trauma resolution.

Trauma removes the connection between self and safety.

OraLase creates an opportunity for the reconnection.

Frequently Asked Questions about OraLase Therapy

How can this help decrease pain?

The wavelength, power and delivery technique are specific to treating the layer of tissue that contains the

C fibers which can react to various stimuli including: thermal, mechanical, and chemical. They also respond to lack of oxygen, levels of glucose/sugar, presence of metabolic by products, changes in position and sensitive touch. In other words, they are highly sensitive to many physiologic changes in the body and are highly influential in how the brain perceives the body. By stimulating the C fibers through gentle warmth provided by the specific healing frequency of the non-visible ionizing light provided by OraLase, the damaged tissue treated with OraLase perceives a sense of wellness and calm that the brain then recognizes. Based on years of patient feedback, the results are much more powerful than simply a physical relief of pain. The additional benefits of a sense of calm, wellness, endorphin release and ability to resolve emotional trauma complement the more measurable , yet just as important physical benefits of the therapy.

How does this improve function?

The use of the OraLase frquencies allows an increase in blood supply and removal of the chemicals associated with damaged tissues. In addition to the regenerative effects of this therapy, through an immediate response in pain and function, the brain is now able to recognize the tissue as healthy and functional. This dramatic combination of physical healing of damaged tissues and neurological reconnection between brain and body supports ongoing recovery from both acute and chronic trauma

Who can this help?

The possibilities are endless in who can be helped through OraLase Therapy.

OraLase Therapy has been helpful for people with:

Acute pain of the head and neck
Chronic pain of the head and neck
Patients with neurologic conditions
Those suffering from anxiety
Patients with sleep disordered breathing
Children and and adults with restricted tongue function
Patients suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder

Who can provide OraLase Therapy?

Those legally able to purchase and operate Class 4 Medical Grade Lasers are qualified to become trained in OraLase Therapy. Governmental restrictions will determine the role of additional providers able to deliver care under the direction of the doctor.

How does a provider receive training and support?

At this time, OraLase training is being offered through Dr. Darick Nordstrom and Dr. Angela Tenholder and their not for profit corporation ALF InterFACE Academy, Inc. Dental providers will receive continued education credit through the Academy of General Dentistry PACE program.

OraLase Therapy Developers and Practitioners

Dr. Darick Nordstrom, the developer of ALF Therapy and the ALF family of dental appliances , has been carefully developing OraLase for almost a decade.

Dr. Angie Tenholder has been working closely with Dr. Nordstrom to refine the the technical aspects of the delivery of the therapy as well as the patient education and provider resources required to bring OraLase forward as a highly viable treatment modality.

Together Drs Nordstrom and Tenholder hope to introduce OraLase Therapy as an amazing tool useful in improving the quality of lives for both patients and providers.