The Advantages Of Composite Fillings Over Amalgam Filling

If you have a cavity or an old filling due for a replacement, you may wonder whether to opt for a composite or amalgam filing. How do you decide which is material is right for you?

The difference between composite and amalgam

Composite fillings are made of a mixture of liquid acrylic resin. They are reinforced with finely ground ceramic. Composite has many benefits. It’s a non-toxic material that naturally bonds to your tooth structure. Composite makes teeth strong, durable, and less prone to breakage. Composite also provides a natural appearance, matched to the color of your teeth.

Amalgam fillings are also known as silver fillings. But they aren’t made of pure silver. Amalgam is a mix of metals including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. They are very strong and can last years. Amalgam fillings create two risks to your health. First, mercury can leak if an amalgam filling is compromised., amalgam expands and contracts. Overtime it will fail. And as the name implies, these fillings are silver in color Amalgam does not match your natural teeth.

Which type of filling material should you choose?

Both composite and amalgam fillings are used to fill cavities. Choosing which material is right for you comes down to four considerations.

1. Aesthetics. For a beautiful set of teeth composite fillings, are the right choice. They are matched to your tooth color and are indistinguishable from your existing teeth. Composite is always used for front teeth and other visible teeth. It is the best choice if you want all your teeth to be uniform in appearance.
2. Durability. Both amalgam and composite are extremely strong materials. In recent years resins used in composite fillings have become stronger. Now a days composites and amalgam are equally durable.
3. Biocompatibility. The body has natural reactions to materials that cause allergies and toxicities. Amalgam fillings contain mercury. According to the FDA, people with multiple amalgam fillings may have higher mercury levels. But the level is considered safe. Composite fillings, on the other hand are made of biocompatible materials. Biocompatible materials are non-reactive. These materials naturally adhere to the body’s DNA. The result is teeth that are five times stronger than natural teeth. For more information, read the report from the National Center for Biotechnology Information at the NIH.
4. Cost. The cost of any dental treatment varies depending on insurance coverage. Both amalgam and composite fillings are usually covered by insurance plans. Always check with your insurance company when in doubt. And don’t forget, our practice offers financing and cash discounts.

If you are looking to replace old amalgam fillings, or would like a more aesthetically-pleasing, natural-looking smile, we’re available to talk about your options. 

For more information, please check out Dr. Frahm DDS. 

Medical Evidence for Disability: What Do You Need to Know

The goal of an SSA analyst is to determine if you fall under their definition of Disability so that you can claim long-term disability benefits. As a claimant, you’re responsible for providing medical evidence of your impairments and their severity. While SSA can gather the evidence based on your list of resources, having proof ready makes processing your benefits faster.

Submitting Medical Evidence Scenarios

The SSA analyst will need medical evidence such as copies of your medical records, health worker reports, and recent test results. However, there are some misconceptions people may have that they unintentionally delay filing their claims. Here are some scenarios we hope to clear up:

Scenario 1: You have your copies of medical evidence

Submit them immediately. When you have it ready, it makes filing your claims faster.

Scenario 2: You have incomplete copies of medical evidence

Submit the ones you have immediately. Applying early may help you retain your disability benefits. SSA will do the rest by contacting your medical source(s) to send your other evidence to them. Or you can gather the rest to make the process faster. 

Scenario 3: The obtained evidence from you and your medical source(s) is insufficient 

The SSA analyst will ask you to undergo a Consultative Examination (CE) paid from their pocket. However, SSA may prefer an independent medical source to your hospital or clinic to conduct the CE.

The Three Keys for a Strong Medical Evidence

Ideally, CE is a convenient way for claimants to get a complete and detailed medical record sufficient for SSA. But to save time and energy, you can build robust medical evidence to make your process faster without requiring CE or making several trips to the SSA.

Admissible evidence must have the following:

1. Severity of impairment(s),
2. Duration of the impairment(s), and 
3. Limited functions that the impairments cause (walking, lifting, going to the bathroom, etc.)

We can use SSA CE’s objective and subjective evidence requirements to show the severity and duration of impairment(s) and how it limits the claimant. 

How to Strengthen a Disability Case with Objective Evidence

Objective evidence is measurable or clear signs of abnormalities that cannot be faked or exaggerated:

• Get all recommended diagnostic and laboratory testing.
• Have additional testing to provide more accurate proof of your symptoms and limitations.
• Create a detailed list of your medical appointments. 

How to Strengthen a Disability Case with Subjective Evidence

Subjective evidence is documented symptoms experienced by the claimant. The more consistent the subjective evidence is, the stronger it is as evidence:

• Reporting all your symptoms to your doctors at every appointment for proper documentation
• Following your doctors’ prescriptions and recommended treatments (non-compliance can be seen as disinterest in getting better)
• Keep a detailed record of your medications and their side effects to give SSA an understanding of how your meds can impact your daily Living

How to Strengthen a Disability Case with Medical Expert Opinion

Your healthcare provider’s assessment of your condition can provide insightful information on how it impacts your life. A signed evaluation or narrative letter of your chief complaint(s) can strengthen your case.

Getting treated frequently helps your doctor be familiar with your conditions and their consistency within your medical record.

How Marken Law Can Help You

Consistency among the objective and subjective evidence and medical consultation strengthens your disability case. At Marken Law, we review your disability case for inconsistencies and missing requirements. Then, we add more supportive medical opinions to create your extensive medical evidence. 

Depending on the case, here are our methods to make explicit disability claims for you:

• Interview your doctor through a questionnaire. The questionnaire we provide is relevant to your specific conditions. The results are drafted so the SSA analyst understands how your condition limits your daily activities.
• Collect clarifying answers for you. We contact your healthcare providers on conflicting data, unexplained findings, and complicated conditions so the SSA analyst does not have to.
• Get medical opinions from our medical Network. As lawyers licensed in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and California, our medical connections objectively review your medical evidence, and we record their evaluations. Their evaluations can support the expert opinions of your healthcare providers.

Glaring medical evidence cannot be ignored. To get approval for your disability claims fast, you’ll need to get everything right. 

To learn more about this, please check out Marken Law

The Power and Practice of Distance Energy Healing: Bridging the Gap Beyond Physical Boundaries

In a world where modern medicine and technology dominate the healthcare landscape, there exists a realm of healing that transcends the limitations of physical proximity – distance energy healing. This alternative approach to healing has gained significant attention and popularity in recent years, as people seek holistic and non-invasive methods to enhance their well-being. Rooted in ancient traditions and increasingly supported by modern scientific research, energy healing offers a fascinating bridge between the metaphysical and the physical.

Understanding Distance Energy Healing:

At its core, distance energy healing is based on the belief that everything in the universe is interconnected by energy. This approach asserts that individuals possess an energy field or aura that surrounds and penetrates their physical bodies. Disruptions or imbalances in this energy field are thought to manifest as physical, emotional, or psychological ailments. A distance energy healer work on the premise that by manipulating these energies, they can facilitate the healing process, even when the recipient is far away.

Methods of Distance Energy Healing:

Various practices fall under the umbrella of distance energy healing. Some of the most prominent include:

Reiki: A Japanese technique that involves the practitioner channeling energy into the recipient’s energy field to promote healing and balance.

Pranic Healing: Originating from ancient Indian and Chinese practices, pranic healing involves cleansing and energizing the body’s energy centers, known as chakras, to promote healing.

Quantum Healing: Built upon principles from quantum physics, this method posits that healing intentions can influence the behavior of particles at the subatomic level.

Sound Healing: Using vibrations from instruments or the human voice, practitioners believe that specific frequencies can harmonize a person’s energy field and promote healing.

The Scientific Perspective:

While the concepts behind distance energy healing might sound esoteric, there is a growing body of scientific research exploring its potential efficacy. Some studies suggest that intention and focused thoughts can influence physical matter and biological systems. The interconnectedness of all Living things at the quantum level, as described by quantum entanglement, lends some credence to the idea that distant healing could have an impact.

Moreover, the placebo effect demonstrates the power of belief in influencing healing outcomes. If a person believes in the efficacy of a healing method, their body’s natural healing mechanisms might be enhanced, regardless of the physical proximity of the healer.

The Role of Belief and Openness:

Openness to the concept of distance energy healing is crucial for its potential effectiveness. The recipient’s belief in the method and the healer plays a significant role in the outcomes. Skeptics might argue that any perceived benefits are a result of the placebo effect, but proponents argue that dismissing the practice outright might mean missing out on a potentially valuable healing tool.

Ethics and Responsible Practice:

As with any healing practice, distance energy healing comes with ethical considerations. Practitioners should make no false claims, and recipients should be informed that this is a complementary method, not a substitute for conventional medical treatment. It’s essential to seek practitioners who adhere to a code of ethics and provide transparent information about their practices.

The Boundless Potential:

Distance energy healing opens up a world of possibilities. It challenges the conventional boundaries of healing and encourages a more holistic view of health. By integrating ancient wisdom with modern understanding, individuals can explore new avenues for well-being that extend beyond the confines of time and space.

While distance energy healing might not be embraced by all, its continued popularity and the growing body of research exploring its mechanisms suggest that its impact, even if largely psychosomatic, is significant. As the quest for holistic well-being continues, practices like distance energy healing remind us that the mind-body connection is a powerful and mysterious force that can potentially shape our health in unexpected ways.