What our patients say
Every patient’s experience is unique. These shared stories reflect the personal growth, healing, and changes many have experienced through the ALF approach.
I highly recommend Dr. Jumtina for your ALF experience. Whether you want treatment for “crowded teeth syndrome” or to optimize your health, her unwavering dedication to the ALF Approach will provide you with exceptional care and treatment. She consistently applies the core principles of lightwire functional treatment with precision, integrity, and deep respect for whole-body physiology. Her care reflects a genuine commitment to her patients, with thoughtful attention to function, airway, and long-term craniofacial balance. She collaborates closely with Dr. Josh Krembs, DO, creating a strong interdisciplinary partnership that optimizes osteopathic and dental integration within the ALF Approach. This level of collaboration and ongoing learning exemplifies the highest standards of ALF care.
— Dr. Tasha Turzo DO
“We love Dr. Jumtina! She is incredibly calm, caring, and kind, and the ALF treatment is working beautifully for our daughter with improvements with her breathing and her palatte expansion. It is a gentle and slow process, so you have to be patient, but I believe the effects will be more long-lasting and healthier. We are so grateful to have found Dr. Jumtina!”
— Laura Rose
It has been such a pleasure to have Dr. Anna Jumtina in several of my ALF courses, both in person and online. From the very beginning, she stood out as an exceptionally sharp and dedicated practitioner. Her hands-on skills are excellent, and she has a natural sensitivity that aligns beautifully with the philosophy of ALF. What I appreciate most is how deeply she understands and embodies the ALF concept — not just technically, but in the way she connects with her patients. She brings genuine care, presence, and heart to her work, creating a space where true healing and transformation can happen. I can recommend Dr. Jumtina wholeheartedly. Anyone who has the chance to work with her will be in the best of hands.
— Dr. Luba Lemke, DMD, ND
“I have worked with Dr. Jumtina for 2+ years to do various dental treatments and the ALF, which has helped my breathing along with how my teeth look. I really appreciate how she always looks at the whole body and how all systems work together. She utilizes the ALF to help with the nervous system and has opened my eyes as a holistic practitioner myself as to how the mouth can be so critical to every aspect of our health. She has earned my trust time and time again because she’s never pushy with recommendations and always has my best interests (for my health and my wallet) in mind. She is very kind and thoughtful and always takes the time to answer all of my (numerous) questions. She is an expert in holistic dentistry and a highly skilled practitioner. Most of all, Dr. Jumtina is a gifted healer and just a truly wonderful person that cares about helping people.”
— Dr. Lindsay Ruba
My ALF Evaluation
My evaluation for my ALF in July 2021 taught me more about my mouth than I ever knew. The bio dentist showed me my airway, which is 1/3 smaller than it should be because of my tongue position. For every single breath I’ve taken for my entire life, my airway has been permanently blocked! Whoa! AND she can fix it!
She explained how improper tongue structure prevented my palate from forming correctly and fully, and how an ALF works to biologically correct that problem. Once the palate is corrected and the tongue is released, the airway can naturally move into a healthier position and open more fully. I am so excited to see how much my airway changes over the next year. After my success with simply nose breathing, I am more excited than ever to see where this journey goes. Update to come.
I will talk in this diary about patience during the process. If the doctors tell you your palate is too small and you need expansion first, believe them. Imagine your tongue as a piece of tissue lying flat on a surface. It takes up approximately 8” square. Now imagine grabbing that tissue in the middle and pulling upward. The amount of tissue on the surface becomes smaller. When you release the tissue and let it fall back to the surface, it once again occupies the same 8”.
Your tongue may have been tethered your whole life, and your teeth formed around that smaller space. The tongue itself will not grow wider, but it can absolutely feel wider once released. If the palate is too narrow, it may feel uncomfortable after release due to increased tongue pressure. Your tongue makes small movements all day, and you don’t want it rubbing painfully against the inside of your teeth. I was told mine was fine — it’s still tight! For the first week, I worried my palate was too small, but the inflammation decreased and, while I was still anxious about my ALF, it no longer hurt.
ALF placement occurs on Day 21 in the coming diary.
I also have a three-month update about how remarkably my life has changed.
Day 21
ALF DAY!!!!!!! WOOT! I’m headed to get my ALF with both the bio dentist and my doctor present.
This biodentist is hands-down the best tiny manipulation person I have ever met. And I have an electrical engineering degree. Her precision and attention to detail is mind blowing! She and my doctor are both such patient, kind individuals. They spent hours making tiny adjustments to both me and the device to get my ALF in place correctly. Thank you both so much!! This is definitely a precision instrument. Wow!
I can tell it is activating my brain. From inside my mouth!! I’m so excited to see where this leads!!
3 months later
My life is completely different. Last week I closed on my new mountain home. I almost can’t believe (I’m crying while I type this) that I even get to say that. My dream of moving to the mountains is finally coming true. I am no longer tethered to all these doctors. I am comfortable I can move a few hours away, still come in as needed for regular maintenance, I’ll have my ALF at least another year. But I’m not worried I’m going to fall off the cliff any more. It was always lingering. For 10 years, my entire 30s, I was always hesitant and worried what will go wrong next. That chapter is over. On to the next. I bought two ski passes and all new ski gear. I got my life back. Just WOW!! I wouldn’t have believed this last May. I am so lucky!!
The ALF has had a few bumps. Like anything health related, it isn’t easy. And you’re moving your face and jaw. It hurts at first, but you do get used to it. It takes determination. But with this amazing team, feel confident. They will help you. You will get through it. With any luck, you’ll feel better than hitting the lottery. I just can’t express enough what this has done for me.
3.5 months
Wow, CALM!! Relief! When I put my tongue on top of my mouth, for the first time ever in my life, I no longer feel pressure on the outside of my tongue. I always have, because it’s always touched the inside of my teeth because it was crowded in there. I’ve never known the feeling of no pressure on the edge of my tongue. It’s an oddly relieving and peaceful feeling. Like the stress is just dissipating through my whole head. This is amazing!