Seniors are susceptible to several ailments owing to the weakening of the immune system and other ailments that tend to occur as one begins aging. Given the ongoing outbreak of Covid-19, which affects the elderly more severely than others, seniors will need immediate medical assistance in case of an emergency. So, it is advisable to invest in the right medical alert system that caters to the needs of seniors. These wearable devices can summon timely help during an emergency; all seniors have to do is hit the button! Medical alert systems or alert buttons for seniors are a necessity these days, and if you need help finding the right one, this article is for you.

Home-based or mobile system?
One of the first things you need to decide is whether you wish to opt for a home-based senior medical alert system with an emergency button or a mobile one. Home-based alert buttons for seniors work inside your home and are connected to your landline. However, these days, several companies also offer the option of using a home-based system that works with cellular connections if you don’t have a landline. When it comes to mobile systems, it is a wearable device that can be used outside your home and connects you to the dispatcher right away. Besides, it uses cellular network and incorporates GPS technology. Between these two types, you must decide on the type of senior alert button you wish to invest in.

Water-resistance
If you are looking for a medical alert system for seniors, ensure that you pick one that is water-resistant. Most accidents happen in the bathroom, and it would be difficult for seniors to call for help if their device doesn’t function. Whether it is a medical alert pendant or a wristband, it has to be water-resistant. This ensures that they can receive timely help in case of accidents.

Easy to use
Most seniors aren’t tech-savvy, so opting for alert button devices that are loaded with features but are difficult to use defeats the purpose. Instead of opting for a medical alert system that is technologically advanced but complicated and does not connect the individual with emergency services, choose a system that is easy to use and access.

Automatic fall detection
This is one of the most essential features in a medical alert system. This feature can detect a fall automatically and summon help without the wearer needing to do anything from their end. There are instances when people fall and cannot get up, or even move, due to an injury. A senior alert system with automatic fall detection can alert medical personnel and provide them with timely assistance.

Medical alert systems can be a viable option for seniors living independently as they can help seniors get timely medical assistance during an emergency. All they have to do is press the senior alert button, and they will be automatically connected to an emergency responder. If you are looking for a medical alert system for your parent or grandparent, this article will help you along the way. We have listed down 3 top medical alert systems that help safeguard the well-being of seniors and give you some peace of mind while you’re away.

Medical Guardian
You can choose from multiple medical alert systems by Medical Guardian, including landline and cellular in-home options, a combination of Wi-Fi and cellular devices for more active users, and a water-resistant alert button for seniors. The automatic fall detection system is offered as an add-on. Additionally, the in-home devices come with a backup battery of 32 hours, while the battery life of the mobile system is 24 hours. To top it all off, there are no long-term contracts involved.

Bay Alarm Medical
Bay Alarm Medical offers landline and cellular in-home emergency medical alert systems, apart from a mobile variant with 4G LTE coverage and GPS. Also, they provide an in-car medical alert and water-resistant alert buttons for seniors. Their additional features consist of the “vial of life” medical information pack that helps medical personnel quickly review the senior’s medical history, wireless wall buttons, and caregiver tracking portal on mobile systems. The in-home systems come with a 32-hour battery backup, while the mobile systems boast of battery life of 72 hours. Also, they don’t impose long-term contracts and are free of any equipment costs.

LifeFone
Alert buttons for seniors are provided by LifeFone as part of at-home (with or without a landline), on-the-go GPS, a two-way mobile voice system or a bundled system that offers both at-home and on-the-go arrangements. Some of its extra features are wall-mounted buttons, lockbox options, and fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide monitoring with the complete home package. Individuals and family members can also get a mobile app for an additional cost. Their at-home system has a lasting backup battery of 32 hours, and users can also receive free spouse coverage. Like Medical Guardian and Bay Alarm Medical, LifeFone doesn’t levy long-term contracts either.

Invisible teeth aligners braces are also commonly known as Invisalign®. These are a popular alternative to regular braces among teenagers and adults. If you too have been considering getting these invisible teeth aligners as an alternative to braces, here is a list of some pros and cons that you must consider. 

Pros of invisible teeth aligners

Invisible braces are a wonderful technology. The pros of using them over metal braces are as follows:

• Comfortable to wear
  These aligners do not have any sharp parts, unlike the structure of metal braces, which requires wires. As a result, you will not have to deal with any rough edges or possibilities of scrapes and cuts when you speak or chew.
• Easy to clean
  Invisalign® pieces can be easily removed for cleaning. Now, you do not have to deal with the difficulty that comes with cleaning your mouth in regular braces. This helps to maintain good mouth hygiene and also minimizes the risk of foul mouth odor. 
• Neater appearance
  The reason why most people reject traditional braces is that they look extremely jarring and affect one’s self-esteem. This is especially true for adults who are working professionals. Aligners let you get your teeth corrected while looking almost invisible to an onlooker. So, you can head out for functions and meetings with ease and style. 

Cons of invisible teeth aligners braces

There are also a few downsides to Invisalign®, which you should be aware of before opting for it. The cons are as follows:

• Suited to mild cases
  Invisalign® can only treat those who have mild orthodontic problems. People with severe issues might still need to opt for traditional metal braces. 
• Requires regular wear
  According to doctors, these invisible aligners need to be worn at least for 22 hours for them to work on your teeth. This means that if you remove them frequently to eat or forget to put them back in, you could face an issue with how fast your teeth get corrected. If you are ready for this commitment, then Invisalign® is right for you. 
• Easy to lose
  Since you can remove these invisible aligners whenever you feel like it, there is a high possibility that you can lose them. This means you have to be extra careful at keeping your Invisalign® safe especially since you have paid good money for it.

Everybody wants a winning smile, but is it that easy to get one? Luckily, the answer is yes. Nowadays, you can use invisible teeth aligners or braces to get the smile you want. What are aligners? They are a series of tight-fitting personalized mouthpieces that slip over your teeth. One of the largest selling producers of invisible teeth aligners is Invisalign®. Other manufacturers are Inman Aligner, ClearCorrect, and Smart Moves®. You should note that clear aligners are not for everyone, and it is advisable to check with your orthodontist to help decide what’s best for you.

Why use invisible teeth aligners over braces?

A clear invisible aligner lets you avoid the possibility of having a metal mouth, which refers to the unsightly metal look that comes with hard metal braces. Braces cannot be removed easily, while invisible teeth aligners can be. The latter also makes it easier to floss and brush, helping to maintain better overall oral health.

Who can get invisible teeth aligners?

Invisible teeth aligners are ideal for teens and adults, as compared to braces. For a child, the latter is preferable. This is because trying to straighten your child’s teeth calls for a more invasive and complex process as their mouths are still in the developing phase. Invisible teeth aligners are also meant for moderately to mild crowded teeth or teeth that have minor spacing problems.

How do invisible teeth aligners work?

After your orthodontist or dentist determines that invisible teeth aligners are the right option for you, you will have to wear a series of aligners for approximately 2 weeks each. These will gradually shift the teeth into the position desired and make them straight. Invisible teeth aligners are made from acrylic material or clear plastic to fit snugly over your teeth. These can be removed when you need to floss, brush, or eat.

How much time do invisible teeth aligners take to work?

Invisible teeth aligners work at different rates for different individuals, not unlike braces. This is because it is based on how much your teeth require to be moved. The more crooked your teeth or the more your bite is off, the longer the process will take to achieve the desired result. On average, invisible teeth aligners take around 10 months to two years to work. However, the good news is that if you had braces as a child, then you may need these for not more than 10 weeks. The average cost of invisible teeth aligners braces treatment ranges between $5,000 – $6,000.

Important information you need to know about teeth whitening toothpastes

Teeth staining and sensitivity are two of the most common issues present today. However, they are equally easily overlooked by a majority of people. While there are in-office treatments, over the counter medications, and other methods available to deal with these issues, the most convenient way is brushing.

Although brushing might not give you instant results, it helps in putting up a consistent fight. Considering how neither sensitivity nor teeth staining can be cured once and for all, affordable teeth-whitening toothpaste for sensitive teeth is your best bet. Research has suggested that regular brushing with such specifically designed toothpastes helps remove surface stains caused by the foods we eat. This, however, does not help with the natural color of your teeth or the discoloration present beneath the surface.

What you should know about teeth whitening toothpastes

Whitening toothpastes can be abrasive, and they work by polishing the stains off. Some other types contain chemicals like peroxides that break down the stains. If you are worried that these might harm your teeth, you can opt for products that have items like charcoal or activated carbon and zinc citrate in them.

Some other whitening toothpastes contain blue covarine. Instead of cleaning out the stains, blue covarine coats the teeth and provides instant whiteness. These, however, are superficial results and don’t actually help the staining issue.

Which whitening toothpaste is the best?

So if you haven’t been using teeth whitening toothpastes to get rid of teeth stains, we’re here to help. Given below is a list of affordable teeth-whitening toothpastes for sensitive teeth so that you know which are the best ones in the market.

• Colgate® Optic White®

Contrary to most commonly available whitening toothpastes, this one works on intrinsic stains along with surface stains. Apart from hydrogen peroxide, Colgate® Optic White® also contains fluoride that helps fight cavities.

• Sensodyne ProNamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste

All Sensodyne products aim at providing protection from sensitivity. This product also contains silica, which is a natural ingredient that helps in gently scrubbing away dental stains. The toothpaste’s active ingredients, along with silica, help provide all-round dental care.

• Crest 3D White Brilliance

This two-step whitening toothpaste provides amazing results by first cleaning and then whitening the freshly cleaned teeth.

Your basic dental care requires you to keep your teeth cavity-free. To ensure that you do not take that aspect lightly, it’s best to read the ingredients of your toothpaste. Pick which whitening method or chemical you want to go ahead with and ensure that it has fluoride for cavity and decay protection. Additionally, ensure that your choice of affordable teeth-whitening toothpaste for sensitive teeth has the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. The ADA’s seal of acceptance is proof of product safety and should not be ignored.

Multiple myeloma is a cancerous condition that affects a form of white blood cell known as plasma. The plasma cells are instrumental in warding off infections. They do this by creating antibodies that identify and destroy any germs in the system.

This cancer causes cancer cells to amass in the bone marrow where they outnumber the healthy blood cells. Instead of the disease-fighting antibodies, these cells then produce anomalous proteins that can further trigger complications.

The treatment for multiple myeloma isn’t always needed for individuals who are asymptomatic. Although, the doctor will regularly keep an eye on the patient’s condition with the help of blood and urine tests. For patients experiencing signs and symptoms, here are the following treatment options for multiple myeloma.

Treatment for multiple myeloma

Biological therapy
The medications used in biological therapy take the help of the patient’s immune system to deal with myeloma cells. They enhance the immune system cells that recognize and kill cancer cells. Typically, these are taken in the form of pills.

Targeted therapy
In this type of multiple myeloma treatment, the medicines concentrate on specific abnormalities within the rogue cells that enable their survival. These medications then inhibit the action of the element in those myeloma cells that breaks down the proteins, causing them to die. Such therapy can be administered intravenously or via oral medications. Another targeted therapy involves monoclonal medicines that bind on to the cancerous cells, leading to their death.

Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are given to regulate the immune system so that the inflammation in the body can be brought under control. Additionally, they also actively work against myeloma cells. These medications can be taken in the form of pills or intravenously.

Chemotherapy
This method is used to target the rapidly-growing cancer cells. This treatment is given in the pill form or administered through the vein. Chemotherapy can be used before the bone marrow transplant to reduce cancer cells and after the surgery to kill the remaining ones.

Bone marrow transplant
Also known as a stem cell transplant, in this form of surgery, the doctors will replace the patient’s diseased bone marrow with a healthy one. Before the procedure, blood-forming stem cells are gathered from the blood of the affected individual. Then the patient is treated with high doses of chemotherapy medications so that the affected bone marrow is destroyed. Later these stem cells are introduced in the body where they travel to the bones and rebuild the bone marrow.

Radiation therapy
In this multiple myeloma treatment, beams of energy such as protons and X-rays are used to destroy the myeloma cells and thwart their growth. It can be employed to quickly shrink the myeloma cells in a certain area. For example, when an accumulation of abnormal plasma cells creates a tumor that causes pain or is damaging the bone.

Multiple myeloma also causes certain medical complications, so patients might also need treatments to treat them. Other health issues could include bone pain, bone loss, kidney damage, infections (flu and pneumonia), and anemia.

Alternative solutions such as exercise, art therapy, music therapy, spirituality, and relaxation techniques can further help ease the stress of managing this condition.

Although the ideal age to get your teeth fixed is the teenage years, adult braces are new quite common. If you’re an adult with disoriented teeth, perhaps you have a few important questions about these braces. Fortunately, adult braces are now more effective and don’t affect your physical appearance much. Dentists maintain that how the braces affect their aesthetics is the primary concern for adults, cost and comfort follow later.

Types of braces
It is very convenient for adults to get braces since they have several options to choose from. However, we must keep in mind that each alternative has its own pros and cons.  

• Traditional braces
  With gentle pressure, these braces align your teeth over time. They are connected using metal wires with a single metal bracket glued to the front of your teeth. You can also replace the metal with tooth-colored ceramic brackets and white-colored wires. These braces might be conspicuous, but the treatment time with them is the shortest.
• Teeth aligners
  Aligners are transparent plastic trays that fit over your teeth and remain there throughout the day. You are supposed to remove them only while eating or cleaning. If you’re using aligners, it is important that you keep them for as much time as possible and replace the trays every two weeks. If you’re not cautious of this, it may take more time to see the results when compared to the traditional option. 
• Self-ligating braces
  These adult braces are placed over your teeth much like the traditional ones. The difference here is that special clips or brackets are used to allow the archwire to move your teeth into the correct spot. This technique makes the need for elastic bands redundant. 
• Lingual braces
  These are like traditional braces, except the brackets are glued to the rear side of the tooth. Lingual braces are almost invisible, and it takes the same amount of time as that of traditional braces to get your teeth aligned.  

Cost of adult braces
The cost of the treatment primarily depends on the type of your braces and the duration for which you will be wearing them. Sometimes, your options can be limited based on your specific teeth alignment situation. Typically, the overall orthodontic treatment cost with conventional metal braces can be anywhere between $3,000 and $6,000, while ceramic brackets will increase your expenses between $4,000 and $8,000. Although lingual braces are virtually invisible, they are custom made and the treatment can cost you between $8,000 and $10,000. The most common brand of teeth aligners, i.e., Invisalign, will cost you between $3,000 and $8,000, depending on various factors. 

Treatment duration
The time taken for treatment considerably depends on the severity of the tooth misalignment and the type of solution you chose. A general orthodontic treatment using metal or ceramic braces takes 18 to 22 months. If you’re an adult using an aligner, the duration of the treatment will vary if you’re not using them properly. Aligners are supposed to remain in your teeth for 20-22 hours daily and must be taken off only during eating, brushing, and flossing.

Braces are more than just cosmetic treatments as overlapping and misaligned teeth also cause issues like a greater susceptibility to tooth decay, improper bites that lead to facial pain, and more. Getting braces for teeth alignment is a thought that crosses the mind of every adult with misaligned or overlapped teeth. Here we have put together some basic information that might help you make your decision about getting those braces.

While the thought of perfectly aligned teeth is appealing, the results of getting adult braces and whether the procedure is worth the cost are some things that might pull you back. Also, although childhood is the ideal time to get any dental correction treatments done, even adult treatments show promising results nowadays.

How do braces work?
Orthodontics functions on the principle of aligning teeth in the desired position by applying pressure. An orthodontist relies on this principle to achieve the desired results with the help of mechanical devices that put pressure to force the subjected tooth or teeth to reposition.
Braces, whether for kids or adults, can be used to reposition multiple teeth at once and are extremely versatile. It is common to experience soreness or discomfort after having braces installed, but the pain can be treated with an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen.

Types of braces
For the longest time, people have avoided getting braces because they are afraid of how others will perceive it, and the concern is even greater when it comes to adult braces. While the “metal mouth” is the most common picture of braces that comes to mind, it is not the only option available:

1. Traditional metal braces
   The regular braces use gentle pressure to realign your teeth over time. These have brackets glued to the teeth and interconnected with a wire, which is tightened every 4-6 weeks, depending on the amount of change desired and the achieved results.
   These adult braces stay for anywhere between 18 months and 3 years and cost approximately $3,000 to $6,000.
2. Ceramic braces
   Ceramic braces are another option if the “metal in your mouth” smile is a cause of concern for you. The brackets of these braces are colored to blend in with the teeth, which means they are not so prominently visible.
   These braces, however, cost more than their metal counterparts and can be priced between $4,000 and $8,000.
3. Lingual braces
   Lingual braces tend to be costlier than both the conventional metal and ceramic braces. Installed on the back of the teeth, the difficulty of installation and adjustment is what makes them even more expensive.
   These can land you a bill of anything from $8,000 to $10,000.
4. Invisalign
   Invisalign moves ahead of brackets and uses clear plastic molds that can be worn over the existing teeth to achieve the desired alignment. These molds are changed after a set time, with the next one increasing the strain and helping correct the position of the teeth slowly and gradually. The only drawback here is the slowness of the procedure and the ineffectiveness in case of severe misalignment.
   This treatment costs between $3,000 and $8,000.

Since braces are considered a cosmetic procedure, finding an insurance plan that covers the treatment is improbable. The few options that you can find only offer partial coverage, so you must speak to your orthodontist about the treatment. Ensure that you ask questions about the best brands and types of adult braces, the time required for the procedure, and other important aspects to be considered. Also, consider the time and effort required for care after getting the braces installed.