Dr. Vi Nguyen is a 2001 graduate of Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, and an integrative dentist with over 20 years of clinical experience and advanced expertise in orthodontic biomechanics, ALF appliance design, and developmental-based treatment approaches.

 

Her work is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of airway, craniofacial growth, and neuromuscular balance, informed by both extensive and long term clinical practice and long-term application of dental practices, especially within the last 3 years with ALF principles across diverse and complex patient populations. With more than two decades of hands-on experience working with orthodontic wires, Dr. Nguyen has worked diligently to develop a high level of technical precision in ALF fabrication and adjustment. Through continued mentorship with Dr. Darick Nordstrom, she has refined specialized low-force ALF techniques, including modified designs for patients with heightened sensory sensitivity or nonstandard clinical responses within the AIA model. This work has positioned her as a clinical resource for managing complex cases that require intentional, highly individualized biomechanical strategies at the practice in Houston, TX where there is daily collaboration between Dr. Nguyen, Dr. Lam, Mike, and James as well as other local specialist such as Myofunctional Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, just to name a few and AIA's Neuro-Optometrist, Dr. Wise who physically comes to the Houston office at least once every 3 months.

 

A core focus of Dr. Nguyen’s teaching and clinical philosophy is practitioner empowerment through technical mastery. Recognizing the limited availability of experienced ALF laboratories and the delays that can occur when clinicians lack direct fabrication and adjustment skills, Dr. Nguyen emphasizes restoring clinical control to the doctor. Her approach equips practitioners to confidently fabricate, modify, and adjust ALF appliances chairside when appropriate, reduce reliance on external labs, and improve communication with laboratory technicians. This model supports more efficient treatment timelines, greater adaptability in complex cases, and a higher standard of patient care.

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As an educator, Dr. Nguyen serves as the co-instructor for hands-on ALF laboratory and wire-bending technique, working in close collaboration with the Applied Integration Academy Founders, Dr. Alice Lam, Mike Cantrell, and James Anderson. The course is designed as a technique-forward, laboratory-intensive experience, with foundational principles complemented by broader clinical integration taught across the AIA curriculum. While valuable for experienced providers, the course is intentionally structured to support early-stage ALF clinicians and is especially well suited for practitioners who have completed the Body and the Bite Foundations course and are seeking to build confidence and independence in appliance fabrication and adjustment.