Is Invisalign a Better Choice than “At Home” Clear Aligner Options? | Greater Houston Orthodontics

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In recent years, there have been new ways to straighten teeth without going to the orthodontist. Not very smart, but some consumers are doing this!

Some companies such as Smile Direct Club offer at-home clear aligner treatment as a convenient and cheaper alternative to Invisalign. However, it’s important to understand why Invisalign is still the best choice.

At-home clear aligner treatments can’t fix severe teeth misalignment. They might work okay for mild or moderate cases, but complex issues need more advanced techniques.

Level of Professional Care

The level of care and supervision by a trained orthodontic specialist during Invisalign treatment is not provided with at-home care. With Invisalign, you regularly visit your orthodontist who can check your progress and make adjustments as needed. This close monitoring ensures that everything goes smoothly and any problems are fixed quickly. At-home treatments rely mostly on remote check-ins, which may not be as thorough or provide the same level of care. In-person care and supervision by an Invisalign trained professional contributes to higher success rates and happier patients.

Customer Support with Invisalign

Customer support and personalized care are also crucial. Invisalign has a great reputation for excellent customer Service. Each Invisalign patient receives individual attention from their orthodontist, who listens to their concerns and makes sure the treatment plan fits their needs. This personalized care is important for a successful orthodontic journey from beginning to end. At-home treatments do not offer the same level of support.

Invisalign Track Record for Over 20 yrs.

Invisalign has a proven track record of delivering high-quality results. It has been available to orthodontic Invisalign providers for over 20 years with a proven track record, undergone extensive research and improvements over the years. Many clinical studies support its effectiveness in treating various orthodontic conditions from simple correction of minor crowding to advanced skeletal growth corrections in the correct hands. At-home treatments may be convenient and cheaper, but they haven’t been studied and clinically tested for the same quality of orthodontic results. Their outcomes are less predictable and might not be as satisfactory.

Cost of Invisalign

Lastly, let’s address the cost. Some people believe that Invisalign is much more expensive than at-home treatments. While Invisalign usually costs between $3,000 and $9,000, it’s important to think about the value it offers. Invisalign provides precise treatment, effective results, and comprehensive care, which can lead to a healthier and more confident smile over a lifetime, not a quick fix short term aesthetic correction.

When it comes to falling short on cash for Invisalign treatment, many orthodontic practices are here to help! Many practices have put in place various payment plans and clear aligner treatment, allowing you to invest in your long-term oral health in an affordable and flexible way. The benefit of Invisalign goes beyond just a straighter smile—a straighter smile can actually improve the longevity of your dental hygiene as well as significantly enhance your appearance. So make sure to talk with your orthodontist today about how you can take the leap for Invisalign within the boundaries of a budget that’s most comfortable for you!

For more information about Invisalign clear aligners and all its options, contact Greater houston Orthodontics for a complementary Invisalign evaluation


Are Sealy Mattresses Toxic?

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Sealy mattresses are an ideal option for individuals who prefer innerspring models, offering both comfort and support layers to accommodate various sleeping positions.

https://www.organic-mattress.net/are-sealy-crib-mattresses-toxic

Many individuals are concerned with the chemicals contained within mattresses. Some mattresses may include flame retardants, formaldehyde or fiberglass that could potentially pose health Hazards to users.

VOCs

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by mattresses can be dangerous to both people and animals alike, posing both respiratory problems and eye irritation for people, while contributing to pollution and climate change. These gases may even increase indoor air pollution levels as well as contributing to climate change.

VOCs can be found in household cleaners and furniture polish, and can transfer from mother's bodies during pregnancy. Many mattresses contain high levels of VOCs; in particular those made of memory foam. It is advised to purchase mattresses that have been third-party tested and certified as low emitters like those from Sealy Naturals line.

All Sealy mattresses are CertiPUR-US Certified, which means they do not contain any toxic or harmful chemicals. In contrast to 80% of mattress brands, Sealy does not use fiberglass as a flame retardant – instead opting for natural silica as their flame retardant instead. Silica provides a safer alternative than Pentabde which was commonly used prior to 2004 but known to be hazardous to liver, thyroid and nervous System health.

Chemical Flame Retardants

Many chemicals used in mattress production rely on polyvinyl chloride (PVC), commonly known as vinyl. To make PVC flexible, manufacturers add plasticizers containing various chemical ingredients including phthalates which have garnered negative attention in recent years due to being banned in certain plastic products.

Most mattress companies rely on chemical flame retardants to meet federal flammability standards, though there are safer alternatives that are more costly and require additional manufacturing processes. Manufacturers generally don't reveal what chemicals they use since most are considered trade secrets; one such chemical, known as PentaBDE from polybrominated diphenyl ethers family used prior to 2004, has now been proven toxic to liver, thyroid and nervous system functions.

Sealy mattresses use CertiPUR-US certified foam, meaning their mattresses are free from formaldehydes, ozone depleters and heavy metals. When first unboxed though, some Sealy mattresses may emit an off-gassing odor caused by VOCs emitted by materials present. This process is called off-gassing.

Formaldehyde

Chemical by-products used in polyurethane foam manufacturing produce this hazardous substance, which has been linked to respiratory conditions as well as headaches, skin rashes, asthma attacks and eye irritation. Exposure can also increase your risk of cancers such as hematologic and lymphatic cancer.

Sealy mattresses are constructed using various materials, such as polyurethane foam and cotton fibers; some even feature fiberglass fill. Sealy also offers Hybrid mattresses made of eco-friendly materials like organic cotton from responsibly farmed farms, natural hemp fibers, modal, and wool-blend yarn that acts as a natural flame retardant.

These mattresses have been rigorously tested for toxic emissions and have received all necessary safety standards certifications. Furthermore, they boast CertiPUR-US program certification indicating they do not contain harmful chemicals and ozone depleters that might compromise air quality. Unfortunately, however, these mattresses might not suit everyone – those allergic to latex or seeking one made exclusively of organic materials should consider other brands or manufacturers instead.

Latex

Latex mattresses made with synthetic rubbers such as Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR), which release many volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and off-gasses can be toxic; to avoid this problem, look for mattresses made of 100 percent natural latex that carry Global Organic Latex Standard certification (GOLS).

Polyvinyl chloride, more commonly known as vinyl, is one of the most toxic plastics on earth. From its production through disposal, vinyl's harmful effects extend throughout its entire lifespan – from manufacturing to disposal. Plasticizers may be added to make vinyl flexible; these chemicals absorb into our bodies through our skin and can have lasting ill effects on our health.

Sealy offers the Naturals Collection of mattresses which combine natural latex and ethically harvested wool for comfort, breathability and support. Furthermore, their hand-tufting process eliminates glue usage by up to 65% – which ensures less chemical exposure for healthy sleep environments. Sealy also offers innerspring mattresses featuring coils in combination with various layers of foam for additional support and comfort.


Babocush Deaths

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Every week it seems, a new baby soothing product emerges on the market to calm fussy infants and reduce colic pain. Most recently is Babocush Cushion which attaches to rockers or seats and vibrates while playing heartbeat sounds – perfect for soothing fussy infants and colic pain relief!

https://www.organic-mattress.net/can-a-used-crib-mattress-cause-sids

Irish company behind the babocush warns parents that it should never be left unsupervised when lying on it and suggests moving them into a crib once their infant has fallen asleep.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Sudden unexpected infant death (SIDD), also known as Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome, occurs when an infant under one year old dies unexpectedly while sleeping or in their sleeping area for no apparent reason. While its cause remains unclear, SIDS could be caused by genetic patterns, subtle brain abnormalities and environmental stressors which make breathing more difficult; such as being tangled up in bedding or overheating. Furthermore, maternal risk factors like smoking during gestation or alcohol consumption could play a part.

Boston Children's Hospital researchers recently conducted a study that revealed how SIDS victims' brain tissue contained altered versions of a receptor responsible for helping infants gasp for air. This evidence backs up the American Academy of Pediatrics' "Back to Sleep" campaign which recommends healthy infants sleep on their backs as opposed to stomachs; doing so increases risk as infants may roll onto their front, making oxygen Delivery harder.

Premature Infants

Infants born prematurely (known as premature birth) are at greater risk for complications and death. Premature infants may develop breathing or digestive issues and even experience bleeding in their brains; additionally they often face greater long-term health and developmental issues than full-term babies.

Preterm babies tend to be less healthy and are at an increased risk for dental issues. Furthermore, they are at increased risk of an eye condition called Retinopathy of Prematurity that occurs when blood vessels swell excessively and grow too much in light-sensing tissues at the back of the retina, potentially leading to blindness.

Premature babies often face metabolic issues that include low levels of sugar as their bodies struggle to convert food and drink to energy, and an increased risk of infections due to their immature immune systems – they should therefore usually be cared for in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Concussion

Un concussion can sometimes cause microscopic brain cells to be injured that cannot be detected with CT scanning, leading to swelling that entraps it within its skull and compresses blood vessels that supply it with oxygen and glucose for healing and function, potentially leading to stroke.

If a baby falls asleep on a Babocush device, its manufacturer advises parents to transfer them immediately into their crib as an important safety measure as, in rare instances, second concussion while the brain is still recovering can lead to massive swelling and potentially result in Second Impact Syndrome, potentially leading to massive blood loss from strokes.

Students diagnosed with concussion should remain out of School until their symptoms have diminished, then gradually return with a recovery plan created by their physician and family doctor.