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Clear Aligners: an Alternative to Metal Braces

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Now that clear aligners are available as an alternative,a mouth full of metal braces has become a last resort. 

If you or a family member have decided it’s time to straighten those pearly whites,there are many advantages to clear aligners. 

Portrait Of Female Designer Standing In Modern Office.

Are clear aligners better than braces?

Everyone’s teeth are different. So are the solutions for teeth straightening. 

However,there is an easy rule of thumb for teeth straightening: For severely crooked teeth,metal braces are usually best for repairing difficult alignments and straightening. 

For everybody else,there are clear aligners. Here at Dr. Frahm’s office,we are partial to Invisalign® clear aligners. Invisalign does an incredible job of straightening your teeth,closing gaps,and aligning your bite,all while enhancing the function and health of your mouth.

For people who require minor teeth straightening,clear aligners are usually the best option. 

Clear aligners are good for your mouth

Clear aligners are more comfortable than braces. That’s because clear aligners don’t have brackets and wires that can irritate your gums and mouth tissue like braces do. 

Clear aligners are aesthetically pleasing

Clear aligners like Invisalign are nearly invisible (hence the name). They are made of clear plastic and molded to fit your teeth. They may be mostly inconspicuous,but they are still effective. 

Clear aligners can straighten teeth as well as braces

Clear aligners are highly effective at straightening mildly crooked teeth. Aligners work by repositioning your teeth into place by applying gentle pressure. And clear aligners provide long-lasting results.

Clear aligners make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene

Although good oral hygiene is a must for all patients,it’s easy to keep teeth clean if you wear clear aligners. Clear aligners can simply be removed before brushing and flossing. Braces,on the other hand,can trap food and plaque and flossing between the metal wires takes special care.

Clear aligners work quickly

Invisalign treatment works to straighten mildly crooked teeth more quickly than braces. This is due to the all-around force of the aligners across the whole tooth. However,it’s important to wear your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours per day for the quickest results. And,depending upon the amount of correction you need,you can expect your treatment to last anywhere from three to 24 months. 

Want to learn more? Find out How Invisalign Works.

Consult with Dr. Frahm to find out if Invisalign clear aligners are right for you. For more information about clear aligners and braces,visit the link below. 

Dr. Sarah Frahm | Alternative to Metal Braces
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Straight Talk: The Essential Guide to Invisalign and Perfect Teeth Alignment

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A beautiful smile is the most powerful fashion accessory,and the gateway to self-assurance and success. In the vast universe of oral health,dentistry orbits a particularly fascinating concept: proper teeth alignment. This alignment isn’t just about aesthetics,although the allure of a straight,confident grin is undeniable. It’s about comfort,health,and the subtle but unequivocal advantage a straight smile can bring to our social and professional lives.

The Core of Dental Harmony: Teeth in Perfect Proportion

Orthodontics,the branch of dentistry focused on the correction of tooth and jaw irregularities,is the craftsman’s studio where perfect dental proportions are crafted. Straight teeth don’t just look neat – they’re easier to clean,reducing the risk of periodontal diseases. The alignment of your teeth can dictate how you chew,your speech,and even the alignment of your jaw. Despite the multifaceted role tooth alignment plays,for far too long,the pathway to this perfection was represented by traditional braces.

Invisalign’s Emergence: The Silent Revolution in Orthodontics

In the last two decades,the silent orthodontic revolution has been led by Invisalign – an alternative to  . This revolutionary method has transformed the orthodontic experience for millions worldwide. The appeal is clear: aligners that are virtually invisible,comfortable,and with no dietary restrictions. It’s no longer about discomfort and the “brace-face” appearance; it’s about achieving the same results discreetly and conveniently.

3D Imaging and Virtual Treatment Planning: Invisalign’s Foundational Marvels

At the heart of Invisalign’s success is technology. If traditional braces were the canvas and wire the raw material,then Invisalign’s proprietary SmartTrack material is the next-generation polymer clay. Before treatment even begins,a traditional braces reveals your current dental realities and simulates the future with uncanny precision. The virtual treatment plan is your telescope to the future – a smooth path to a straighter smile,and a distinct advantage over the uncertainty of older orthodontic methods.

Minimizing Discomfort: A Revolutionary Comfort Conquest

One of the most often cited benefits of Invisalign is the lack of wires and brackets. The customization and smooth fitting of each aligner reduce much of the discomfort associated with orthodontic techniques,making the realignment of your teeth a gentler,more agreeable process. The subtle but tangible reduction in discomfort is an often-overlooked hallmark of Invisalign’s influence on the orthodontic landscape.

Clarifying Misconceptions: The Invisible Name Not to be Overlooked

Invisalign’s name has also become its biggest misconceived feature. The “invisible” aligners have sometimes led patients to believe they are almost magical,requiring no maintenance or attention. In reality,they prompt a new level of personal responsibility – they must be worn for the majority of the day,removed for eating,and cleaned regularly to maintain dental hygiene.

The 3D scan  might not be suitable for all orthodontic cases,but its adaptability and improved experience have led to it being perceived as a method of choice for numerous individuals. It speaks volumes that orthodontists,too,are often enthusiastic about the treatment,and excited to provide an experience for patients that is comfortable,predictable,and often,faster compared to traditional braces.

What The Future Holds For Orthodontics

It’s clear that the orthodontic industry is pushing for more comfort,personalization,and speed in treatment,all of which align with the patient’s experience and expectations. The future might very well hold even less invasive,more precise,and perhaps even faster orthodontic treatment methods,building on the remarkable platform established by Invisalign.

Orthodontics is an ongoing trend that marries the essentials of health with the luxury of aesthetics. As Invisalign and similar technologies continue to evolve,the future of orthodontics seems brighter and straighter than ever. For those seeking a perfectly aligned smile,embracing the state-of-the-art options in orthodontic care is the first step. Straight teeth aren’t just a fad; they are an investment in a better,more confident self. So why wait? Take the first step towards a perfect smile today! 

With advancements in technology and 3D scan ,it’s now possible to achieve perfectly aligned teeth without the traditional stigma of metal braces. Invisalign has paved the way for this silent revolution,but other options such as ceramic braces and lingual braces are also gaining popularity for their discreet appearance.
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Marijuana Use and Your Disability Claim

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Marken Law Group,PS,understands that people view marijuana differently,some as an alternative medicine used for pain,to aid nausea and potentially other benefits and others who view it as a drug to stay away from like other illicit drugs. We will leave the benefits/risks up to a person’s doctor to explain. We also are not advocating or condemning marijuana use. We are,however,explaining what it could mean for your Social Security Disability claim.

Marijuana is currently,at the time of this posting,legal in 9 states including Washington D.C. Despite this,marijuana is still ILLEGAL as far as the federal government is concerned.

The Social Security Administration is a federal entity,therefore they view marijuana as an illicit drug the likes of meth,cocaine,and so on. Most judges we go in front of,do NOT view marijuana as a healthy alternative to opioid medication. While there is MUCH debate on this topic and we are not here to discuss the debate,the Judges who will hear your case will not like your use of marijuana,even if taken specifically for pain. If your issues are primarily PHYSICAL,marijuana will not necessarily hurt your case. You do need to be prepared and have a thorough understanding of what the Judge WILL ask you at your hearing.

If you have a mental health diagnosis and take marijuana,it is a more difficult road. Our clients often take marijuana to help with social anxiety and depression. The problem is the medical community and the Judge’s,most likely,view marijuana as CONTRIBUTING to anxiety and depression. Indeed I have personally seen judges roll their eyes when a claimant is testifying to their marijuana use helping their anxiety. Whether it does or does not is not really important. The fact is,most Judges and medical experts testifying,will view marijuana use as a significant detriment to mental health and stability and it could prevent you from obtaining benefits.

Each case is specific and this should in no way be construed to be blanket statements concerning all judges and medical experts.

At Marken Law Group,PS,we can walk you through the hearing process and what to expect come examination from the Administrative Law Judge who is hearing your claim. Click the link below to learn more. 

Marken Law | Disability Claim
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A Complete Guide to Invisalign Aligners

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Are you one of the legions who,when growing up,imagined that orthodontic therapyonly came in the stainless-steel variety,known commonly as braces? Then,the conversation about straightening teeth would likely turn to images of a mouthful of metal,tenderness after adjustments,and the echoing Dentist’s suggestions for fewer sticky foods. Fast forward to today,where the art and science of orthodontics have not only advanced but have also become a beacon of innovation and convenience. At the forefront of this shift is the Invisalign system,a clear alternative to traditional braces that promises discretion,comfort,and effective teeth straightening for adults and young adults alike.

What is Invisalign,and How Does It Differ from Traditional Braces?

Invisalign is a method of orthodontic treatments that uses a series of transparent,removable aligners to gradually move teeth into their correct position. Unlike traditional braces,which consist of brackets bonded to the teeth and wires that are periodically tightened,Invisalign aligners are almost invisible and can be removed for eating,brushing,and flossing. This makes it a popular choice for those who want to straighten their teeth without the obvious appearance and dietary restrictions that accompany braces.

Benefits of Invisalign Over Traditional Braces

  • Aesthetic: The clear design of Invisalign aligners is far less noticeable than metal braces,offering a discreet way to achieve a straighter smile.
  • Removability: Invisalign aligners can be easily removed for the enjoyment of all foods and for oral hygiene – a freedom often not allowed by traditional braces.
  • Comfort: The smooth,plastic material of Invisalign aligners is less likely to irritate the mouth’s soft tissues compared to the brackets and wires of metal braces.
  • Treatment time: While treatment times vary,Invisalign treatments can sometimes be quicker than digital scan  due to the modality’s ability to target specific teeth more efficiently.

How Invisalign Aligners Are Made

  • 3D Scanning: A cost of Invisalign aligners  of your teeth is performed using a state-of-the-art intraoral scanner.
  • Design: Based on the scan,a custom treatment plan is designed,which includes the number of aligners you will need,and the projected progress at each stage.
  • Fabrication: After approval of the treatment plan,a series of custom aligners are 3D printed for each stage of your treatment.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Invisalign

Understanding the steps from your initial consultation to the final treatment handover is crucial in appreciating the commitment Invisalign entails.

  • Initial Consultation and Treatment Plan Your cost of Invisalign aligners begins with a consultation with an orthodontist,who will assess whether Invisalign is the right treatment for you. If it is,a series of appointments will be made to collect the necessary data,including X-rays,photographs,and digital impressions of your teeth,to create your custom Invisalign aligners.
  • Fitting Your First Aligner Once your aligners are ready,you’ll return to your orthodontist’s office for a fitting. This appointment is pivotal as your orthodontist will ensure the aligners fit comfortably and give you detailed instructions on when and how to wear them.
  • The Treatment Plan Unfolds You will wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before moving on to the next set. As you progress through the series,your teeth will gradually shift to the desired positions,following the treatment plan set forth during the initial scan.
  • Regular Check-Ups and Adjustments Approximately every six weeks,you will return to your orthodontist for a check-up and to receive your next series of aligners. These check-ups are essential to ensuring your treatment is progressing as planned and making any necessary adjustments to your treatment.
  • Refinements and Retainers In some cases,refinements may be required – additional sets of aligners that help fine-tune your treatment toward its completion. Once your final set of aligners is complete,you will be fitted for retainers to maintain your new smile.

The Cost of Invisalign: Is the Clear Choice Feasible?

One of the most common questions surrounding Invisalign is the cost,which can vary depending on the complexity of the treatment and where you live. The average traditional braces  is comparable to traditional braces but may be influenced by several factors,such as insurance coverage,the need for any additional treatments,and the type of provider you choose.