SmileLase
Non surgical high-level laser therapy utilized to improve lives through enhanced function.
SmileLase
Non surgical high-level laser therapy utilized to improve lives through enhanced function.
What is SmileLase?
SmileLase (formerly known as OraLase) is a laser assisted procedure developed with the objective of improving health and function while reducing pain and relieving the impact of trauma for patients 2 and older.
One of the reasons why it is called SmileLase is because an additional aspect of this laser-based technique is to gain leverage in the healing process by accessing the power of the emotional (limbic) system to enhance the result of treatment. Because of this aspect of care, many people will spontaneously smile during or after treatment and the results are often more profound than a traditional laser treatment.
The primary goals of therapy include pain reduction, inflammation reduction and increased blood flow but there are many powerful secondary benefits including release of trauma and improved ability to process the changes needed to support recovery.
This technique 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.
SmileLase Therapy is delivered with FDA approved technology and has been utilized for many years without any known adverse effects.
It delivers a very specific form of biologically safe coherent infra-red light through a specially designed handpiece. SmileLase 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.
SmileLase is not to be confused with Low Level Laser Therapy as the two techniques are very different in their approach and delivery.
Welcome to the SmileLase Experience
Educational opportunities
Healthcare providers looking to find out more about offering SmileLase services for their patients can take courses through The Synergy Academy.
SmileLase: Connect
SmileLase: Connect
SmileLase: Connect
One of the goals of therapy for patients receiving SmileLase Therapy is to connect neurologic pathways that have been damaged or diminished as a result of trauma.
SmileLase: Restore
SmileLase: Connect
SmileLase: Connect
Another goal of SmileLase Therapy is to restore function that has been impaired as a result of pain and muscular/fascial restrictions.
SmileLase: FAST
Fascial Access for Softening the Tongue (FAST) is a simplified version of comprehensive SmileLase Therapy targeting the fascial restrictions commonly found under the tongue. This commonly found restriction is often referred to as a component of what is referred to as a posterior tongue tie. By using SmileLase: FAST Technique, the user is able to access the highly specialized area of fascial restrictions that prevent ideal tongue function very quickly and efficiently.
direct Trigger point/deep Myofascial release
HINSLR
High Intensity Non Surgical Laser Release (HINSLR) is a technique that often accompanies SmileLase and involves direct contact with restricted and painful tissues often referred to as muscular trigger points. It can also be utilized to access deeper muscular tissues that can benefit from a deeper and direct approach to tissue release.
Simple and sophisticated.
Laser treatment of the oral region (The Smile Zone)
SmileLase 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 SmileLase Therapy are unique. SmileLase has been developed over many years and with a highly specifically designed delivery. that is then customized to the needs of the patient.
There are two lasers capable of delivering SmileLase Therapy. One is the Lightwalker Laser
and the other is the XPulse 1064 (previously known as the XLase). Both lasers are distributed by Fotona.
The LightWalker AT / AT S is the most advanced and highest performance LightWalker model. It comes equipped with high-performance Er:YAG and Nd:YAG lasers, a state-of-the-art OPTOflex® articulated arm, an unrivaled 20 W of power and Fotona's patented QSP pulse technology for ultimate performance and treatment precision .
The XPulse 1064 is a portable, battery operated laser that can be used for either dental or medical use.
There are very specific handpieces used to deliver SmileLase Therapy. These are also exclusively available through Fotona and are currently in the process of FDA approval.
Thoughtfully Developed Approach to Care
There is a reason why SmileLase 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 SmileLase will be given authority to use the SmileLase name, logo and permission to deliver SmileLase Therapy through the The Synergy Academy.
Fotona
The Fotona company is the distributor for the laser units and the specialized handpieces used to deliver SmileLase and related therapies
Frequently Asked QUestions
How can SmileLase 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, non-ionizing light provided by SmileLase, the damaged tissue treated with SmileLase 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 SmileLase improve function?
The use of the SmileLase frequencies 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
Patient testimonial
Testimonial on Laser Therapy Technique from Dr. Tenholder's office
During the last year, Dr.. Tenholder successfully fixed an overbite that I have had
for decades. Since then we have been fine tuning my bite to reduce neurological
tension that creates a cross pattern from my right hip to my left shoulder. This
has existed over the last 15-20 years. This tension is likely related to an
appendectomy, a successful L5-S1 spinal fusion, an ulcerative colitis “diagnosis”,
and resulting scar tissue that may be trapping a virus/bacterium in my body. To
treat these issues, I have had physical therapy, chiropractic, visceral manipulation,
cranio sacral therapy, pranic healing, acupuncture, and laser therapy. While all
have been effective and performed by very good practitioners, the neurological
tension continues to return.
On my most recent visit to her office in November 2018, Dr. Tenholder performed
a new laser therapy technique, which had a very compelling impact. While
running the laser across my bottom teeth, a spot near my splenic flexure began to
growl and release tension at a dramatic pace. I could feel the tension release
rapidly from my rib cage through my lower back as if water was going down a
drain. The whole treatment covered other areas of my face and mouth and took
only about 5 minutes. After leaving Dr. Tenholder’s office, I noticed that the
nagging tension in my left shoulder had almost completely diminished. During
the following 6 days, I continued to feel increased flexibility all over my body. This
is remarkable considering only my teeth and face were treated. While I do not
know what the long-term effectiveness will be, I believe this would be a very
effective and efficient method for dealing with my issues.
Frank from Scottsdale, AZ
Smilelase is for ages 2 and older
Who can this help?
The possibilities are endless in who can be helped with SmileLase.
SmileLase 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