Category: health

health

What are Social Security Survivor Benefits?

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Social security benefits are mostly known for those of partial or full retirement age,though there are several different types of benefits,such as survivor benefits. The official name of the program is Old-Age Survivors and Disability Insurance (OASDI) which helps your spouse or dependents receive a passed-on spouse’s social security benefits on top of their own. 

Below you’ll find information that gives a more in-depth understanding of a widow’s social security benefit derived from their spouse and some advice on how to navigate the complex rules of the program. 

Who Qualifies for Social Security Survivors Benefits?

To qualify for social security survivor benefits,you’ll have to meet the requirements for eligibility,which include:

  • You must be a widow or widower of any age who is caring for the deceased’s child or children under the age of 16,or who are disabled.
    • Step-children,grandchildren,step-grandchildren,and adopted children can be included under certain circumstances
  • A widow or widower who is 60 years older or more who has not remarried
  • Any unmarried children of the deceased who are younger than 18 years old or have a disability that surfaced before 22 years old.
  • Parents that are 62 years or older that were dependent on the deceased for at least half of their income and whose social security income would not be larger than of the deceased’s children. 
  • A surviving divorced spouse may receive benefits if they meet other eligibility requirements

Another point of qualification is shared with social security retirement requirements,meaning you would have to have worked a certain number of years and gained the proper amount of credits each year for your loved ones to be eligible for the benefits. 

How are Social Security Benefits Calculated for a Widow?

How the benefits are calculated for a widow can quickly become complex as there are several provisions for different circumstances. One such provision is the one-time death benefit payment of $225,which can be issued if the deceased spouse either lived with the widow(er) or was receiving social security benefits on their record. If there is no surviving spouse,the one-time payment can be given to a child who is eligible for the benefits. Another provision is if the death leaves a spouse with dependent children,which allows the benefits to be paid to them if the deceased had earned at least 6 credits within the three calendar years prior to their passing. 

To gain the benefits,a specific amount of credits are needed to be eligible,depending on the age of the spouse who has passed. The younger they are,the fewer credits are needed,but the maximum required is 40. Also,just as with the Social Security Administration’s retirement SSI program,the amount of survivors benefits depends on the average lifetime earnings of the spouse who passed. The more that was earned,the higher the benefit till a maximum amount is reached. 

How Big Can the Benefits Be?

The benefits survivors receive can depend on their age and the type of relationship they had with the deceased:

Widow(er) Benefits

If at the full retirement age,the surviving spouse can receive the total amount of the deceased’s benefits. If they are between the ages of 60 and full retirement age,they can receive between 71% to 99% of the amount. A disabled spouse between 50 and 59 years of age can receive up to 71%,and a spouse caring for a child under the age of 16 at any age can receive up to 75%. A divorced spouse,if they qualify as previously mentioned,can receive the same amounts listed above.

Children and Parent Benefits

Children under the age of 18,or 19 if still in school or disabled,can receive 75% of the deceased parent’s benefit. A parent that is dependent on the deceased is eligible to receive 82% of the benefits,but if both parents are alive and were dependents,then they each can collect 75%.

As you can see,it can become quite complicated to ensure you receive your social security from your loved one. Here at Marken Law Group,we have a comprehensive understanding of social security benefits for surviving spouses. We understand how stressful benefits can be and don’t want to add to your plate during this sad and stressful time. Partner with an experienced ally that is by your side from start to finish with a qualified social security lawyer to help you through this process to secure your benefits.

Secure Your Social Security Benefits Today

How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost?

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Crowns are a common dental treatment,but the cost of crowns can vary Once it is determined you need a crown,Dr. Frahm explains your  options. Ultimately,the cost of your crown depends on the materials it’s made of.  

What are dental crowns made of?

Permanent dental crowns are made from either porcelain,ceramic,base metals,composite resin,and even zirconia. Let’s break down each type and what you can expect for the cost:

Porcelain: is a non-toxic dental material that works with the body’s natural systems. Porcelain naturally adheres to your DNA,making it five times stronger than your natural teeth. Porcelain can also be perfectly matched to the exact color of your teeth. As for cost,according to Authority Dental,porcelain crowns can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500.

Ceramic is a beautiful option for crowns. Their color and sheen match your tooth’s natural aesthetic. Ceramic crowns are long-lasting,making them a great option. Ceramic crowns typically cost about the same as porcelain at $1000-$2,500 per crown.  

Metals like gold,platinum or nickel are commonly used for crowns on back molars. These metals are incredibly strong and long-lasting. The downside of metal crowns are they do not match your tooth color and can cause allergic reactions in some people. Depending on the type of metal,each of these crowns can cost between $800-$2,500. 

Zirconia is the newest material being used for dental crowns. It’s a type of ceramic that offers superior strength and durability to withstand many years of wear. However,it can be difficult to match zirconia exactly to your tooth color. The cost of zirconia crowns can cost upwards of $1,000-$2,000 each. 

Composite resin crowns are a popular option since they cost less than other materials. However,resin crowns are more likely to crack and wear down. This means they will need to be replaced more frequently. Resin composite crowns average about $300. 

Please note: Depending on your location,the expertise of your dentist and lab fees,the cost for crowns and other dental treatments may differ. 

Paying for dental crowns

The prices listed above are out-of-pocket costs. Dental benefits typically cover a portion of crown costs.  One caveat to keep in mind: some insurance policies have waiting periods of one to two years before they’ll cover a crown. So,it’s always a good idea to review your dental benefits policy before treatment. 

Talk to Dr. Frahm about custom porcelain and ceramic CEREC crowns that can be fitted and placed in just one visit. If you are ready to see how quickly and beautifully custom crowns can transform your smile,click the link below!

DDS

What is Crown Lengthening?

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You may have heard about crown lengthening as an emerging trend in dentistry. Crown lengthening is a procedure performed by dentists and periodontists to increase your tooth surface. This is done by recontouring gum tissue to expose more of your tooth. Thereby it lengthens how much tooth is visible. 

Reasons for crown lengthening

Crown lengthening is often recommended for the proper placement of crowns or bridges. It’s also used to enhance the aesthetic beauty of your smile. For some patients Dr. Frahm recommends crown lengthening prior to the placement of veneers.

Crown lengthening for tooth replacement: Crowns,bridges

To properly place crowns and bridges,you must have enough of a healthy tooth to support them. But what happens if you don’t have enough of your original tooth left due to either decay,a weak tooth structure,or because your tooth is broken? By sculpting your gumline,more of your tooth’s surface Is exposed to accommodate a crown or a bridge. 

Crown lengthening for aesthetics: Veneers and smile enhancement

Veneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment that improves the appearance of your smile. As we saw with crowns and bridges,veneers also require a stable tooth surface.  Crown lengthening can add surface and allow for a beautifully proportioned smile and gumline. 

But,the most common reason for crown lengthening is to correct a “gummy smile.” This term describes gums that are visible above the teeth when you smile. A gummy smiles can make you feel self-conscious. Crown lengthening sculpts your gums.  This enhances your smile so more of teeth show. Dental professionals refer to the golden ratio which allows for balanced proportions of your facial features,gumline,and teeth.

You may have heard to the golden proportion in relation to art and nature. Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man was drawn with ideal body proportions. A peacock’s feather contains a natural golden ratio. So too can dentists sculpt gums to bring a symmetry,dominance,and proportion for a beautiful smile. 

How is crown lengthening performed?

There are a few different techniques for crown lengthening. Reshaping gums is usually done with either a laser or scalpel.  Dr. Frahm prefers to use lasers. They are less invasive and result in less downtime and discomfort than scalpels. 

Gum reshaping is a one- to two-hour treatment. It can be done right in the dentist chair. The procedure feels familiar. Just like when a cavity is filled,Dr. Frahm numbs your gums. You’ll remain awake. The treatment consists of:

  • A soft tissue laser to remove a few millimeters of gum tissue.
  • Resculpting the gum line to expose more of tooth surface.  

Whether you are looking for crown lengthening to restore dental health or give you the smile you want,it’s a wonderful option to discuss with Dr. Frahm. Click the link below to get started!

Restore Your Smile Today

The new normal in 2023: Optimizing Business Achievements Through Structured Strategy

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One of the key determinants of this efficiency is actually the craft and scientific research of preparation. Suitable preparation makes certain the placement of organizational purposes with information,predicts difficulties,as well as develops actions in development.

  1. Clarity in Eyesight and Objectives
    Very clear organizational goals offer a road map for the entire company. Through employing in thorough planning,business can clarify their objectives and make sure that every participant understands their job in obtaining them. Goal-Driven Retreats to Design a Strategy Your Team Will Rally Behind

  2. Information Marketing
    Organizations are actually commonly constrained through their resources,be it opportunity,money,or workforce. Successful preparing makes certain that these sources are made use of optimally. By forecasting potential needs as well as mapping out resource allowance ahead of time,business may avoid wastefulness and ensure that vital ventures acquire the needed support. This sort of effective source utilization not simply curtails prices yet additionally boosts earnings.

  3. Proactive As Opposed To Responsive Technique
    Without preparation,providers can easily locate on their own frequently snuffing out fires. They become responsive bodies,responding to problems as they occur instead of anticipating as well as organizing them. A tactical organization,however,possesses the forethought to prepare for prospective difficulties. This positive position permits providers to develop strategies in development,switching potential risks into possibilities for growth.

  4. Agility and also Adaptability
    It may appear counterintuitive,yet a convenient organization is actually better outfitted to take care of unpredicted adjustments. When an unexpected activity develops,a planned organization may rapidly pivot and also conform,drawing from its well of well prepared responses.

  5. Improved Communication and also Cooperation
    Organizing is actually certainly not a singular exercise. When every person is on the very same web page,the organization works extra harmoniously,leading to improved general performance.

  6. Ongoing Tracking and Reviews
    The preparation method does not end once the strategies are actually laid out. Continuous monitoring is actually vital to make certain that the institution is actually on track to fulfill its own purposes.

  7. Worker Permission as well as Interaction
    Organizing supplies this clarity. Through being actually included in the preparation process,or even at the very least comprehending the result,employees can find the value they carry.

  8. Long-Term Sustainability
    While immediate increases are actually constantly welcomed,the true worth of planning deceptions in its capacity to make sure the long-term sustainability of an association. By thinking about the future,companies can position themselves to use out economic downturns,adapt to market adjustments,and remain appropriate in the face of developing individual tastes.

Retreats to Align Inspire and Fuel Business Growth

Improving company functionality is certainly not the end result of blessing; it is actually a product of strict preparation. Hence,for any kind of association serious regarding increasing its performance,a commitment to durable planning is actually non-negotiable.

One of the major factors of this functionality is actually the art as well as scientific research of planning. Effective preparing makes certain the positioning of organizational purposes along with information,predicts challenges,and develops reactions in advance. Improving organizational efficiency is certainly not the end result of luck; it is actually an item of strict preparation. business. Preparing serves as the compass that overviews the business with thick as well as thin,ensuring that goals are satisfied,resources are improved,and challenges are actually foreseed. Thus,for any kind of association significant concerning improving its functionality,a dedication to strong preparation is non-negotiable

The Advantages Of Composite Fillings Over Amalgam Filling

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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. Sarah Frahm.