There is science behind how teeth whitening works. Teeth whitening is a cosmetic Dental treatment. There are different teeth whitening methods. Each teeth whitening method has slightly different science.

What is Used in the Three Types of Teeth Whitening

If you’ve been thinking about whiter, brighter teeth, chances are you came across some different options. From whitening toothpastes to in-office whitening, there’s truly something for everyone. Let’s break the different types down:

• 1. Whitening toothpastes can remove stains on the tooth surface by polishing your teeth. However, most whitening toothpastes are a whitening waste! According to the NIH, most whitening tooth pastes include non-naturally occurring acidic chemicals and abrasives. Acidic and abrasive toothpastes can damage tooth enamel. If you insist on a whitening tooth paste, opt for a product dentists prefer like Cocoshine Whitening Tooth Paste.

• 2. Over-the-counter and take-home whiteners such as strips, gels with trays remove extrinsic stains. The most common whitening ingredients for these products are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Without custom fit or oversight from a dental professional, you could burn your gums with over-the-counter teeth whitening.

Extrinsic tooth stains are stains on your tooth enamel. These are mostly caused by tobacco, dark fruits, mustard, and beverages.

• 3. In-office whitening is performed in the dentist’s chair. In-office whitening is safest way to whiten your smile. In office whitening is faster and whitens better than other options. With in-office teeth whitening, medical-grade hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are applied to the surface of your teeth. The chemical reaction that whitens teeth is accelerated with an LED whitening light. The light activates the peroxide for faster results. And when we say fast, we mean fast! With the ZOOM teeth whitening system, you’ll see of up to 10 shades whiter in an hour.

Bonus!

Dr. Sarah Frahm’s patients receive a free professional whitening kit.

What is the Chemical Reaction Involved in Teeth Bleaching?

Solution with carbamide peroxide is used is used with your custom teeth whitening trays. Scientifically, here is what happens: When carbamide peroxide is applied to teeth, it releases about one-third of its content as hydrogen peroxide. Once the hydrogen peroxide soaks into the enamel of your teeth, it undergoes a chemical oxidation Process which whitens your teeth. Reactive oxygen molecules interact with organic-colored compounds in the enamel.

According to the ADA, depending upon how your teeth became stained influences the effectiveness of whitening treatments. Yellow and brown stains are more responsive than white stains. Veneers, implants, crowns, and restorations cannot be whitened. Whitening treatment only enhances natural teeth.

If you are looking for a brighter smile, talk to Dr. Sarah Frahm about the benefits of teeth whitening. From gel and tray whitening to in-office ZOOM treatment, there’s something for everyone. Give us a call at 831-372-8011 to schedule an appointment or contact us through the link below. 

Dr. Sarah Frahm | Science Behind Teeth Whitening

SSA Appeals: What Are They and When to Request One

SSA stands for the social Security Administration, a federal agency in the United States that manages social security benefits programs.

SSA appeals are a process through which a person who has been denied social security benefits or is unhappy with the amount of benefits received can request a review of their case. The appeals process can result in the original decision being overturned or modified.

What Is A Social Security Determination?

A determination is a decision that SSA makes for a claim. If you disagree with the SSA’s determination for your claim, you can make an appeal. If you submit a claim for your SSI payment, SSA will give you the amount they determined you are eligible for. If you think that the payment is too low, you can make an appeal.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) Appeals Process: Step-by-Step

The stages of SSA appeals are: 1.) Reconsideration, 2.) Hearing by an administrative law judge (ALJ), 3.) Appeals Council Review, and 4.) Federal Court. The SSA appeals process comes in stages and timelines so that if you disagree with the second determination, you move higher up to take your case to a person of a higher position. Each stage may need you to meet requirements within 60 days to proceed. You can also have a hearing with an ALJ to discuss your case.

Tips For Preparing For A Hearing For An SSA Appeal

When you are in a hearing, the judge will have to explain why your case has been determined as such and ask you and your representative questions about your case. You may bring a witness to answer the judge’s questions under oath. The judge may also call an expert if needed to testify.

Therefore, you can do the following for your hearing preparation:

1. Review all evidence in your case file. Submit new evidence, if available, to strengthen your case. The new evidence must be submitted within five days before the hearing. If you have less than five days before the hearing, you can appeal for a time extension to review the new evidence.

2. If you have any evidence you want the ALJ to consider, submit them as soon as possible. You can send electronic evidence through a special fax number and bar code provided by the hearing office through the Electronic Records Express (ERE).

The Reconsideration Stage: How to Request Another Review

At the reconsideration stage, a different SSA claims examiner reviews the original decision to ensure all evidence is considered and the correct decision is made. You must fill out the following forms based on your SSA appeal. Once the request is received and reviewed, the SSA will send a notice of reconsideration determination.

During this stage, we recommend adding any additional evidence that you have available.

Appeals Council Review: The Final Administrative Step

If the ALJ decision is not satisfactory, the next stage of appeal is to request a review to the SSA Appeals Council. The Appeals Council may review the case and make a new decision or send the case back to the ALJ for further review.

The Appeals Council can either grant, deny or dismiss your case upon examination. Therefore, you must have new evidence on or before the hearing decision. If there is reasonable cause to believe that said evidence would change the outcome, the Appeals Council will review your case.

Upon reviewing your case, they can return it to the ALJ for another hearing. If they choose to decide your case, it can go two ways.

1. If they make a less favorable decision to you, you will be sent a notice before issuing the decision. This way, you or your representative can respond appropriately.
2. However, if the decision puts you in a more favorable end, they will enact it and send you a notice afterward.

Either way, you get a copy of the review process and the reasons behind the decision-making.

Appealing to Federal Court: What You Need to Know

If the Appeals Council decision is unfavorable, the final stage of appeal is a federal court appeal.

In this stage, you must file an action in the US District Court. The deadline will be up to 60 days after receiving your notice of the Appeals Council’s action. You are expected to receive the notice five days after the date of the notice.

The US District Court will process the presenting case and determine the final Agency decision. You can expect the court to:

1. Send the case back to SSA for a new hearing and issue a new decision
2. Order the SSA to award the benefits
3. Dismiss the case.

Why You Need a Representative to Help with Your Appeal

Appealing claims can take a lot of time and energy that you can use for your other priorities. A representative experienced with the SSA appeals process can help increase the likelihood of a successful appeal. They can help you get your benefits by navigating the complex appeals process and qualifications.

Many qualified non-attorney representatives work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your appeal. This can be a helpful option for individuals who cannot afford Legal fees upfront.

Here at Marken Law, we know how valuable your time and effort are. Schedule a consultation to get successful appeals today by clicking the link below.

Marken Law Group | Social Security Appeals Process