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Do You Need Invisalign? Find Out With Our Guide

Everyone looks better when they are smiling. Besides, happiness is contagious and people love to be around others that can make them feel happy with just a smile. However, people that have crooked teeth are more reluctant to smile and have a higher chance of developing gum disease and tooth decay. This is where Invisalign comes into place. It has made it a lot easier to fix teeth alignment issues. Invisalign is used by over 4 million Americans and Canadians to improve their smile. 
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So What Is Invisalign?
In the simplest of words, Invisalign is a treatment that makes use of clear plastic aligners for slowly shifting your teeth towards their correction position. The Invisalign aligners fit perfectly over your teeth as they are made of durable plastic and are molded to fit your mouth. Several sets of aligners will be provided by the dentist to straighten the teeth. They will be changed every two weeks as your smile starts to slowly straighten. Generally, the dentist will provide 18 to 30 aligners in total depending on how much shifting your teeth require.

Should You Choose Invisalign?
Invisalign is an excellent choice for patients that have mild teeth alignment issues. It corrects a wide range of issues as mentioned below.
●      Overbite
●      Open bite
●      Underbite
●      Gapped teeth
●      Cross bite
●      Over jet
●      Crowded teeth
●      Crooked teeth

The dentist would evaluate your teeth to determine if Invisalign is the right choice for you. Although Invisalign is perfect for many patients, it might not be the best decision for patients that have dental bridges, dental implants or dentures, and untreated periodontal disease.

How Does Invisalign Work?
When you first consult with the dentist, he or she would create a customized Invisalign treatment plan for you keeping your needs in mind. It will help you achieve what you desire. A 3D image of your teeth would be taken by the orthodontist to assess the underlying condition of the teeth. It will allow the orthodontist to evaluate the extent of the alignment issues. 

The dentist would create a customized treatment plan based on the data. It is during this time that you would find out how many sets of aligners will be needed. 
Typically, you will need to wear the aligners for 2 weeks before you can wear the next set. It will help your teeth slowly shift with each new set. This, your teeth will move towards the ideal position. You will need to wear the aligners for about 20 to 22 hours every day to achieve the best results.

What Are the Different Types of Invisalign?
There are many different types of Invisalign that are available. Each type of Invisalign is exclusively designed for addressing different issues and is used by a different age group. At present, Invisalign is available as below.
●       Invisalign Teen
●       Invisalign Go
●       Invisalign Lite
●       Invisalign i7
●       Invisalign Express
●       Invisalign Full

What Makes Invisalign Different From Traditional Braces?
Invisalign functions similar to traditional braces as it shifts the misaligned teeth slowly towards their ideal position. But, traditional braces have to be tightened and adjusted regularly by the dentist, whereas Invisalign aligners are simply switched for the next set.

Moreover, Invisalign and traditional braces use different materials. Traditional braces use rubber bands and metal wires. They have to be cemented on the front of the teeth to ensure correct alignment is achieved. Therefore, traditional braces are difficult to clean and visible. On the other hand, Invisalign is invisible and the aligners can be easily removed. There is no need to make any changes to your diet or oral hygiene routine when you opt for Invisalign. This makes it a better option for people that have minor alignment issues and need to wear them for a shorter period. As for traditional braces, they take about 18 months to correct severe alignment issues at most, whereas Invisalign would take about 9 to 12 months for the same results. If patients only require minor adjustments, they can achieve the desired results in just 2 months.

How Much Will Invisalign Cost You?
The cost of an Invisalign treatment is based on a few factors such as the number of aligners required. Since most insurance companies do not distinguish between Invisalign and most orthodontic treatments such as braces, if you have a plan that covers orthodontic treatments, it should also cover Invisalign. Moreover, you can always consult with a dentist to know your options. 

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3 Situations in Which You Need a Family Lawyer

There are so many branches of law, and it can be confusing to know when you need a certain type of attorney. There are family attorneys that deal with legal situations related to divorce, custody arrangements, child support and alimony payments and even adoption. There may be times in your life that you find you need these services, and it is important that you know when it is recommended to seek out the expertise of a family lawyer.
Photo by Emma Bauso from Pexels

1. Making Child Custody Arrangements

Family lawyers like Cordell & Cordell law professionals can help you finalize child custody arrangements after a divorce. Divorce can be a messy process, and it is important to have a third-party who can help determine what is best in regard to the child's living arrangements. When you have these matters settled by a legal professional, there are clear guidelines for you and your co-parent to follow. This can help ensure that everyone is putting the child's needs first instead of their own.

2. Adopting a Child

Adopting a child can be a wonderful way to grow your family, but it does take a lengthy legal process to see this through. Family lawyers can make sure that you are doing the adoption process properly so that everything is legal and final.

3. Receiving Due Child Support

If you are divorced from your spouse and have children by them, you may be entitled to child support payments. However, if your ex-partner is not keeping up with the payments, you can contact a family lawyer to help you fight the case. Your legal team can help you receive back payments in some cases, which are often needed to properly care for your child.

If you find yourself in any of these situations, contacting a group of family attorneys like Cordell & Cordell can help you make the right move in your journey.

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DIY Home Ideas for Summer 2020

It’s time to get your house in order and ready to enjoy the summer weather. Skip the long construction projects and take advantage of some easy DIY ideas to upgrade your home this summer. 
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The Garage 

The summer is a great time to reinvent areas of your house. What better place to begin than with your garage? Besides a home for your car, your garage is an excellent spot for storage, an enclosed terrace, and even an extra room for entertaining. To help you take advantage of this space, install your own DIY garage screen door, add a few planters and perhaps even a DIY bar. With a screen door in your garage, you can enjoy the summer in the shade, and without the bugs. These doors are relatively easy to install and allow you to open up a whole new room for the season. 

The Sun Room 

When the summer hits, finding the perfect spot to read and relax is always a priority. No matter the space you have, you can create your summer oasis at home. Start by looking at the area and thinking about how you want to utilize it. If you are looking to create a place to relax during the day, you may want to line the area with lush plants and rich colors. For those looking for an evening hangout, a DIY fire-pit creates the ultimate hangout spot to unwind with friends after a hot summer day. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to add some lights so day or night your oasis is ready for you.
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The Restroom 

You may not think about your bathroom in the summer, but whether you are rinsing from a day in the pool or after working in the hot sun, you end up spending more time than you realize in your bathroom. This summer, take the time to invest in creating a sanctuary for you to relax from the heat of the day. To help you get on some of the summer's hottest trends, consider adding bold colors and patterns to give your bathroom a fresh look. Don't forget to add plenty of storage space, so everything you need is available without ever having to leave the room.
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The Kitchen 

During the summer, your menu changes to match the season. As you steer away from hot hearty dishes, you want your kitchen to reflect this switch in dining. Follow some DIY kitchen ideas to help you get the room ready to prepare the best meals possible. Before you get started with any big changes, take the time to update your storage and organization. Then, think about the small touches you can add to brighten up the room. Whether adding a splash of color as a backdrop or accessorizing the counter, there are tons of unique ideas you can do to make it summer-ready. 

No matter how you update your house, make sure it reflects your personality. Keep in mind where you will spend the most time, and enjoy your home this summer.

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Ways To Get Your Child Interested in Reading

When you were a kid, if you loved reading you probably don't remember how you discovered it. All you knew is you lost yourself in books for hours at a time. Now that you're a parent, you'd like your kids to develop good reading habits, too. Here are four different ways you can pique their interest starting now.

Read With Them

If you're not spending time actually reading with your child, they might not pick it up on their own. Set up a time each day for reading a good book together. Storytime is usually before bed, so make it a nightly routine. Your child will be excited about continuing the tale or starting a new one. Kids love to use their imagination when it comes to stories, so ask them plenty of questions.

Get Them a Personalized Book

One way to really get your little one's attention for reading is by giving them their very own adventure such as a personalized birthday book for child reading levels. In this story, they star as the main character and family members have roles, too. Not only is their very own storybook fun to receive, they'll ask to read it over and over. Remember to let a child read aloud as they're learning. It can help them to expand their vocabulary quickly.

Use Reading As a Reward

Reading is one activity that you can safely use as a reward for a job well done. Remember, reading is knowledge so more storytime is never a bad thing. If your child sees reading as a reward, the more they'll look forward to it. Reading in exchange for good behavior, or doing a chore, is much more beneficial than buying them another toy or handing out a sugary treat.

Set an Example

If you want your kids to be truly interested in the world of books, make sure you set a good example. Kids follow their parent's leads and by reading yourself, you'll demonstrate that reading is a lifelong love. Visit book stores often and keep plenty of books at home with your favorite ones in an important place where they can be treasured and admired.

Start Them Early

Reading can benefit your child in many ways, including expanding their vocabulary and letting them use their imagination. By starting as early as possible, you'll be setting them up for an activity they'll enjoy for the rest of their lives.
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Delicious Mashed Sweet Potatoes Side Dish Recipe

Are you a fan of sweet potatoes? They have been a family favorite in my home for decades. My husband and kids love the classic Southern style candied yams, while I prefer a them baked or as a mashed sweet potato side dish. One of our favorite steakhouses makes a delectable sweet potato casserole. While I do love it, the topping adds so much extra sugar that can be a bit too much.

I have experimented with sweet potatoes and finally came up with the winning combination that makes for a delicious side dish. I like serving mashed sweet potatoes with pretty much any protein and some steamed or sauteed veggies. I used to bake the sweet potatoes in the oven, but it takes way too long and heats my kitchen up a lot, especially during the warmer months. Now I use my electric pressure cooker which takes about one third of the time to bake them to perfection.

The first step is choosing sweet potatoes that are very close to the same size and thickness. This ensures that they will all cook through properly. Trust me, I've used different sizes before and it was a disaster! I recommend going with smaller, slimmer potatoes if they are available. It might all be in my head, but I find them to have a smoother texture and a sweeter taste.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes Side Dish Recipe

Ingredients: 

4 small to medium size sweet potatoes
3 tbsp salted butter
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/8-1/4 cup maple syrup
pinch of salt

Preparation: 

Rinse off sweet potatoes with cold water and dry with paper towels. Pierce whole sweet potatoes with a fork in multiple places. Pour 1 1/4 cup water in the bottom of your pressure cooker. Place rack on the bottom. Place whole sweet potatoes on rack as evenly as you can. Set pressure cooker on low setting for 14 minutes. I use a Cuisinart 6-qt pressure cooker, so you might have to check your instruction manual for the brand you have. 

Let sweet potatoes sit for 5 minutes when the cooking process ends, then release the remaining pressure. Place potatoes on a plate and carefully remove the skin and place in a large bowl. Mash the sweet potatoes and add the butter, brown sugar, maple syrup and salt. Give it a taste to see if you need to add any additional brown sugar or syrup if needed. 

Transfer sweet potatoes to a oven-proof baking dish. Add several tiny pieces of butter on top of potatoes (optional) and microwave for 5 minutes or bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 20 minutes. Serve with your favorite fish, chicken or beef dish. Enjoy! 


This sweet potato dish is so creamy and delicious! You can make it as sweet as you like. If you aren't a fan of maple syrup, you can omit it and add a little bit of cinnamon and some vanilla extract. 


Our favorite main dishes we enjoy pairing with these mashed sweet potatoes are meatloaf, salmon, air fried chicken thighs and ribeye steaks. We also love to serve it at holiday dinners along with this mac and cheese recipe
If you are a sweet potato lover, you will definitely enjoy this recipe. If you decide to give it a try, drop me a line and let me know what you thought of it. Thank you so much for stopping by today! 
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