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What Your Child Should Expect Before and After Braces 1

What Your Child Should Expect Before and After Braces

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LAST UPDATED: JULY 31, 2017

What Your Child Should Expect Before and After Braces

When a child first learns that they will need braces, it is natural for them to have some concerns and worries. However, most of this type of fear is usually just uncertainty about the unknown. Once your child knows what to expect during the entire orthodontic process, they will not need to feel upset or nervous. Here are the things a child should know about what to expect before, during, and after braces.

FAQ

Is The Application Process Painful?

It sounds intimidating to get metal objects attached to your teeth, but the process of putting orthodontic equipment on is actually not uncomfortable. After cleaning your teeth, metal brackets will be bonded to the surface of each tooth. The special orthodontic glue used to do this may taste a little odd, but it is completely harmless. Then an archwire, which is what will actually be putting pressure on the teeth and moving them into proper alignment, is attached to the brackets. Once this is done, the installation process is finished, and the entire experience just takes one to two hours.

Does It Take Time to Get Used to Them?

Most children do not experience any extreme pain with orthodontic procedures but keep in mind that you may have to deal with some discomfort or awkwardness at first. As teeth shift, you might feel a dull ache, so it is advisable to use oral numbing gels and eat soft foods after getting orthodontic work done at first. Your mouth may also be slightly irritated by the metal, so you might need to cover the metal with orthodontic wax to avoid any sores. It will also seem a little tricky to eat certain foods and brush and floss your teeth at first. However, after just a few weeks with orthodontics, it will seem completely normal to you.

Will You See Results Immediately?

Because it can be a little uncomfortable, some children are disappointed when their teeth do not immediately straighten. It is important to remember that getting your teeth aligned takes time. Depending on the type of orthodontics you are wearing, it can take quite a while to actually notice a difference. People who are wearing Invisalign will probably notice their teeth moving in just a month or two. For those with traditional equipment, it will take a little longer for the changes to be visible below all the metal.

Will There Be a Lot of Orthodontist Appointments?

Some children are surprised to learn that they will actually have to visit the orthodontic office several times, instead of just getting equipment put on and removed. The tooth straightening process will require regular check ups where wires are tightened and adjusted to pull teeth into place. Though the time varies by patient, you should expect to visit your orthodontist every month or so. Patients with Invisalign instead of traditional methods will also need regular appointments so they can get new aligner trays and ensure that everything is proceeding according to the treatment plan.

The Top 10 Orthodontic Facts

Is Getting Them Removed Easy?

After having orthodontic equipment for so long, it is understandable to be worried about the removal process. However, brackets and archwires are designed to be removed after a certain period of time, so it is not really difficult or unpleasant. After the archwire is taken out, the brackets will be popped off of each tooth. You might feel a little bit of pressure during this, but no pain. Once the brackets are removed, any remaining glue on your teeth will be scraped off. If you did not maintain proper oral hygiene while the brackets were in place, you may notice slightly lighter spots on your teeth where they were.

Do You Need to Wear a Retainer Afterwards?

Keep in mind that the orthodontic process is not over as soon as orthodontic equipment is removed. In order to avoid having your teeth shift back into their old alignment, you will need to wear a retainer continuously for the next few months. A retainer is normally a plastic plate that sits on the roof of the mouth and a metal arch that fits over your teeth, and it helps teeth to stay in their new position. Even after you can cut back on retainer wear, it will still be necessary to wear it at night for quite a while. Follow your orthodontist’s instructions so you can maintain your new tooth alignment.

Schedule an Orthodontic Examination in Larkspur Today

In Marin County, Calif., you can visit Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics to have an examination and treatment from these professionals:

• Dr. Jasmine Gorton
• Dr. Bill Schmohl

An orthodontist will discuss orthodontic options with you to repair problems such as crowded teeth, crossbites or overbites. Depending on your malocclusions, you can wear one of these devices:

• Retainers
• Invisalign
• WildSmiles
• Braces with colors
• Traditional or Damon Clear

We also offer WowSmiles and Acceledent options to our orthodontic patients. Schedule an appointment by calling 415-459-8006 today.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle,Suite 200 Larkspur CA 94939 Tel: (415)-459-8006

What Your Child Should Expect Before and After Braces

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What is an Orthodontist?

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Real Patients - What is an Orthodontist
LAST UPDATED: JUNE 28, 2017
Orthodontics refers to the special branch of dentistry that works to correct the teeth and jaws on individuals where they’re improperly positioned. Crooked teeth are not only incorrectly aligned and therefore more difficult to keep clean, but are also at a greater risk for being lost prematurely due to periodontal disease and tooth decay. Crooked teeth can also put undue stress on a person’s chewing muscles, which can lead to chronic headaches as well as TMJ syndrome and back, shoulder, and neck pain. For many people, their misaligned teeth can be visually unattractive as well.

The key benefits of receiving professional orthodontic treatment include a better appearance, teeth that will probably last a lifetime, and a much healthier mouth overall.

FAQ

Who Needs Orthodontic Treatment?

Only an orthodontist specialist can determine whether or not you require orthodontic treatment. Based on a full spectrum of diagnostic tools that involve both dental and medical history, plaster models of the teeth, a clinical exam, and X-rays and special photographs, will determine if orthodontics are right for you.

You may be a likely candidate for orthodontics if any of the following apply to you:

• Overbite:
Often referred to as buck teeth, whereby the upper front teeth noticeably stick out over the lower teeth
• Crossbite:
When biting together in a normal manner, the upper teeth don’t come down properly in front of the lower teeth
• Underbite:
Has the appearance of a ‘bulldog’ where the upper teeth are too far back and the lower teeth jut out too far
• Open Bite:
Significant amount of space between each biting surface of the side and/or front teeth when the teeth in the back bite together
• Crowding:
Too many teeth for the person’s dental ridge to properly accommodate them all
• Spacing:
Spaces, or gaps, between the teeth due to teeth that don’t quite fill up the person’s mouth or because of actual missing teeth
• Misplaced Midline:
When the upper front teeth’s center doesn’t line up with the lower front teeth’s center

 

How Orthodontics Work

Several different kinds of dental appliances, both removable and fixed, are utilized in order to help shift teeth, impact how the jaw develops, and retrain key muscles overall. These special appliances effectively work by gently placing pressure on both the teeth and jaws of the patient. The specific orthodontic approach that will likely have the most impact is primarily based on the severity of the problem.

Some fixed dental appliances include the following:

Traditional Braces

Braces are comprised of numerous bands, brackets, and wires and are the most common dental appliance. The bands are placed around the patient’s teeth and used as an anchor for the specific appliance, as brackets are commonly bonded to the front of the teeth. Arch wires are then passed through the brackets and subsequently attached to the dental bands. When the arch wire is tightened, it puts considerable tension on the patient’s teeth and gradually shifts them into their correct position, which can be accomplished within just a few short months or as long as a couple of years. Today’s dental braces are much lighter, smaller, and reveal far less metal. They’re also available in many bright, fun colors for younger children in addition to clearer styles that most adults prefer.

Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign treatment is an alternative approach to traditional adult braces. Innovative serial aligners are used today by more and more orthodontists in order to effectively shift teeth much the same way that fixed dental appliances work, except without the need for metal brackets and wires. Virtually invisible, aligners are easily removed to brush and floss teeth, and to eat. Custom aligners are changed approximately every few weeks and over time, the teeth are gradually moved into the correct position.

If you think you may be in need of orthodontic treatment and want to make your smile as healthy as possible, contact Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics today to schedule your initial consultation.

Fix Your Smile Today

Contact Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics today to set up your consultation. There’s no reason to put off a visit to our helpful team of professionals. It is our goal to help you make the most of your smile.

Dr. Jasmine Gorton

Dr. Bill Schmohl

When your teeth are aligned properly and your jaw is flowing smoothly, you will find more reasons to flash those pearly whites every day. Let Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics be your partner in good oral hygiene.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics 900 Larkspur Landing Circle, Suite 200, Larkspur, California 94939 415-459-8006

Have​ ​you​ ​made​ ​someone​ ​smile​ ​today?​ ​-​ ​Debasish​ ​Mridha 2

Have​ ​you​ ​made​ ​someone​ ​smile​ ​today?​ ​-​ ​Debasish​ ​Mridha

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get a great smileHave​ ​you​ ​made​ ​someone​ ​smile​ ​today?​ ​-​ ​Debasish​ ​Mridha

Improve Your Smile By Fixing Your Teeth

Dr. Debasish Mridha is an author who wants to know if you have made someone smile today. If you don’t like to smile because your teeth are misaligned, then it is time to visit an orthodontist for a consultation. You might have only a small malocclusion of one tooth that is easy to fix with Invisalign aligners that are worn for one year or less. Alternatively, you may have major orthodontic problems, including crowding or an overbite. When you have serious malocclusions, you will need to wear braces for two to four years to shift your teeth into the correct positions.

You Can Smile While Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment

When you wear aligners, no one will notice the devices while you smile at them. Aligners are made of clear plastic so that other people can see your natural teeth. You are required to wear aligners for the majority of the day and night, but you can remove the devices to brush your teeth. However, if you are wearing metal brackets and wires, then other individuals can see the items easily. To prevent others from seeing your wires and brackets, you can choose lingual devices or ceramic color-matching brackets.

Call Our Orthodontic Facility Today

At Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics in Larkspur, Calif., you can request an appointment with an orthodontist. We have three experts working in our orthodontic facility, including:

• Dr. Jasmine Gorton
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jeff Nichelini

We offer an assortment of orthodontic treatment options for children, teenagers or adults, including:

• Invisalign aligners – clear plastic devices that you can remove from your mouth
• Braces – colorful, ceramic or clear brackets and wires
• WildSmiles brackets – brackets in unique shapes such as stars and hearts
• Retainers – provided after your brackets and wires are removed

To schedule your first orthodontic appointment, contact us today at 415-459-8006.

What Makes a Good Orthodontist 3

What Makes a Good Orthodontist

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orthodontistWhat Makes a Good Orthodontist

An orthodontist is a dental professional who specializes in re-aligning teeth, such as moving crowded teeth apart or moving teeth that have a gap between them closer together. Moving, or straightening, teeth is accomplished with braces or Invisalign. If you need the services of a good orthodontist, there are several factors to look at. Consider the following:

Proper Training

The difference between an orthodontist and a regular dental professional is that the orthodontist has spent an additional two to three years honing his or her craft. Many have also gone to extra workshops to learn techniques like Invisalign or information about new orthodontic procedures and technology.

Consultation

Many orthodontists offer a free consultation which consists of an examination and a conversation between you and the orthodontist. The orthodontist discusses the work that needs to be done as well as the cost of the care. The orthodontist should allow time to answer questions and provide explanations about why the recommended treatment is necessary.

Good References

A good orthodontist will be able to put you in touch with other clients so you can talk to them about his or her services. Another way to get good references is to talk to family members or friends who have used an orthodontist. Ask him about his or her strong and weak areas. Ask them if they would use the services of that practice again.

Manner

Many people are nervous about dental procedures. Furthermore, your relationship with your orthodontist will last several months if not years. You want to find a professional who treats you with kindness and respect and who puts you at ease. One characteristic you may want to look for is empathy, or the ability to understand how others are feeling. Compassion is also a useful quality. During your consultation, pay attention to how you feel about the orthodontist. Are you comfortable talking to him or her? Does he or she put you at ease? If not, you may want to work with someone else.

Efficiency

Occasionally, your orthodontist will run late due to an emergency or meet the needs of another patient. On the whole, though, your orthodontist should keep to his or her schedule and see you at the appointed time. This is a matter of convenience as well of respect. If your orthodontist is habitually late, you may want to find another professional. Another option is to ask for an appointment early in the day before the orthodontist has time to fall behind.

Open About Finances

Your orthodontist should give you an estimate of cost during your initial consultation. He or she should also keep you up to date if anything changes during treatment. Most dental insurances do not cover orthodontic services, but it’s worth asking your orthodontist if he or she accepts any type of insurance. If you can’t afford all of your care at once, the orthodontist may be able to arrange for you to spread out your treatments and pay a little at a time.

Uses the Latest Technology

Orthodontics is an ever evolving field. For instance, do you remember the “train tracks” braces of the 1980s? Today, braces can be designed to match the color of your enamel so that they are practically invisible. A good orthodontist never stops learning. Not only does he or she go through an intense residency, he or she also attends continuing education classes. This ensures that you receive the most up-to-date options and treatment. It is also a positive if the office uses up to date electronics such as paperless billing.

Good Communicator

Each profession has its own lingo. Your orthodontist should be able to communicate in a language that is clear and that makes sense to you. If you don’t understand what your orthodontist says, ask him or her to explain further. Keep asking until you are sure you understand. Again, communication skills are something you can assess during the initial consultation.

Works Well with Children

Adults aren’t the only people who seek help from orthodontists. Children, too, sometimes need their teeth straightened. If you are looking for an orthodontist for your son or daughter, have your child sit with you during at least part of the consultation. Afterward, ask him or her about his or her opinion of the orthodontist. It may be a good idea to sit in on the first treatment or two to observe how the orthodontist interacts with your child.

Schedule a Consultation With an Orthodontist

In Larkspur, Calif., you can learn more about orthodontic treatments that will help you find your smile. Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics has a team of orthodontists who include:

• Dr. Jasmine Gorton
• Dr. Bill Schmohl

At our orthodontic facility, we provide treatments to children, teenagers, and adults with these devices:

• Braces – WildSmiles, traditional or ceramic
• Aligners – made by Invisalign
• Retainers – to keep your teeth in place
• Damon Clear – self-ligating devices

Our patients are treated using the Wow Smiles system that creates a unique smile for your face. Call us today at 415-459-8006 to schedule your first appointment.

What Makes a Good Orthodontist

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics

900 Larkspur Landing Circle, Suite 200 Larkspur, California 94939

Phone

415-459-8006

Why should I feel confident about Invisalign? 4

Why should I feel confident about Invisalign?

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Invisalign

LAST UPDATED: APRIL 25, 2017

In the course of exploring all the different options, there are for straightening your or your children’s teeth, you’ve most likely heard about Invisalign. This revolutionary system is a great alternative to traditional wire braces.
The use of wire hardware to straighten teeth is notorious for its discomfort and impracticality. Not only that, but it also carries the possibility of other, more serious problems, such as plaque build-up, tooth/bracket breakage or even tooth loss, due to decay from not being able to clean your teeth properly under the wire obstruction.

FAQ

Is Invisalign Customized Just For You?

The Invisalign system is just as effective at straightening teeth, yet is much more comfortable, practical and stylish than its old-fashioned counterpart. This makes it a great choice for adults and teenagers alike.  If you have not yet experienced the benefits of this system for yourself, you may be asking: why should I be confident that it will be the best thing for me or my teen? There are many ways in which this modern system of teeth-straightening surpasses the traditional wire model. In terms of comfort, reliability and practicality, this system is unmatched.  This modern approach this system takes to teeth-straightening uses a set of plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit your specific teeth. People all over the world are talking about this.

How Does Invisalign Work?

  • At your initial appointment, your orthodontist will take a 3-D digital scan of your teeth with a laser scanner—far more convenient and appealing than having to take multiple impressions!
  • Based on these images, he/she will create a precise treatment plan just for you, using such personalized information as the exact movements of your teeth, the approximate length of the treatment you will need, and how your teeth are expected to react to each stage of the treatment.
  • A set of aligners is then created just for you based on this individualized treatment plan.

Since your aligners are customized just for you, you can be confident that you will get the exact treatment your individual mouth requires.

What about its design?

Another way in which this alternative system of teeth-straightening has an advantage over its wire predecessor is that its plastic aligners are much easier to wear, due to their comfort and practicality.

Is Invisalign comfortable?

Unlike traditional braces, these aligners are made out of a smooth, comfortable, BPA-free plastic that is comfortable to wear for hours on end. This non-offending, long-wearing plastic won’t irritate your teeth and gums or cause sores the way wire can.

Is Invisalign Practical?

These personalized plastic aligners are removable and should be replaced every two weeks. The aligners also can and should be removed whenever you eat or brush and floss your teeth. This renders these tasks so much easier to do than they would have been in the past with the old-fashioned method of teeth-straightening. Having removable aligners also means that your food won’t stick to any hardware in your mouth. Even though your teeth are in the process of being straightened, you are not restricted in terms of what you can eat. You don’t ever have to worry about getting roughly textured food such as popcorn, apples, corn on the cob or pizza crust stuck in your teeth!

 

 

Does Invisalign Save Time?

Old-fashioned wire hardware often requires you to go to your doctor once a week for tightening. With this new system, those weekly visits are a thing of the past. Besides replacing your custom plastic aligners every two weeks, you only need to go in for a check-up with your orthodontist every four to six weeks to make sure everything’s going all right.

Is Invisalign Great For Teens?

This teeth-straightening system is particularly helpful for and popular with teens for all the above reasons and more. One additional boon for teenagers using this system: the company offers 6 free additional aligners to teens in the case of their originals getting lost or broken. This saves money and also helps puts parents’ minds at ease about anything happening to their child’s aligners. The aligners do not interfere with any extracurricular activities such as sports or playing an instrument. In the past, teens who were straightening their teeth would have to worry about getting their lip cut by a flying volleyball or the mouthpiece of a wind instrument. With this system, teenagers don’t have to put any restrictions on which activities they want to do.

Studies have shown that teenagers are twice as likely to feel more self-confident about their appearance when they are using the clear plastic aligners, versus the traditional wire system. The same certainly holds true for adults. Some adults who need help straightening their teeth later in life may feel self-conscious about it, but this system’s clear plastic aligners are virtually invisible in your mouth, meaning nobody needs to know you’re straightening your teeth other than you.

What are the Health Benefits?

Many people don’t realize that having good oral hygiene is integral to the health of the rest of the body. Taking good care of your teeth is one of the most important ways you take care of yourself. This system is healthier than the traditional one in several ways:

  • Since with the removable aligners you can brush and floss your teeth with no obstruction, this results in much better periodontal health.
  • Having straight and healthy teeth leads to better overall health: you have less of a chance of developing heart disease, pneumonia, and diabetes, among other conditions.

For all these reasons, you know you can be confident in choosing Invisalign for yourself or your teen The professionals at Gordon and Schmohl Orthodontics have years’ worth of experience in using this system with their patients. Drs. Gordon and Schmohl have been providing this service to patients since 1999, and their office has been consistently rated as one of their Elite Preferred Providers every year since. Call Gordon and Schmohl Orthodontics for your initial screening today.

Fix Your Smile Today

Contact Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics today to set up your consultation. There’s no reason to put off a visit to our helpful team of professionals. It is our goal to help you make the most of your smile.

Dr. Jasmine Gorton

Dr. Bill Schmohl

When your teeth are aligned properly and your jaw is flowing smoothly, you will find more reasons to flash those pearly whites every day. Let Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics be your partner in good oral hygiene.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics 900 Larkspur Landing Circle, Suite 200, Larkspur, California 94939 415-459-8006

Smile in the mirror. Do that every morning and you'll start to see a big difference in your life.” – Yoko Ono 5

Smile in the mirror. Do that every morning and you’ll start to see a big difference in your life.” – Yoko Ono

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smileSmile in the mirror. Do that every morning and you’ll start to see a big difference in your life.” – Yoko Ono

A gorgeous smile is an important asset that puts others at ease and lets them know that you care. Unfortunately, for people with misaligned teeth, that smile can be a tremendous source of embarrassment. Fortunately, an orthodontist can help.

Why You Should Straighten Your Teeth

Having straight teeth dramatically improves your appearance. Most people visit an orthodontist because they want to achieve an attractive and healthy-looking smile.

However, achieving straight teeth isn’t just about aesthetics. If teeth are misaligned, it’s more difficult to maintain good oral health. When teeth are crooked or crowded, they become harder to clean. Therefore, by getting your teeth straightened, you can protect the health of your teeth by preventing cavities, gum disease, and other common oral problems.

Straightening Methods

Over the last couple of decades, the world of orthodontic technology has advanced enormously. Today, there is a variety of straightening options available.

Invisalign

One of the most popular straightening methods is Invisalign thanks to its invisible nature. Because Invisalign uses clear plastic trays instead of metal devices, patients can straighten their teeth in a virtually invisible way.

Plus, Invisalign treatment is extremely convenient. Patients can easily take their Invisalign trays out in order to drink, eat, floss and brush their teeth. Invisalign trays are custom-made to fit comfortably over your teeth. Every two weeks, you’ll switch out your pair of trays for the next pair in the series until you have finally achieved straight teeth.

Damon Braces

Also known as self-litigating braces, this method straightens teeth quickly and effectively. These braces are made up of brackets and wires that are attached to the teeth with a bonding material. Unlike traditional braces, they require no elastics. Damon braces are also less noticeable than traditional braces thanks to the smaller brackets and thinner wires.

About Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics

Here at Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics, we are dedicating to earning our patients’ respect and trust – and keeping it! Founding partners Dr. Jasmine Gorton and Dr. Bill Schmohl are each board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, a voluntary certification just 35 percent of orthodontists nationwide currently hold.

We proudly offer the latest technological advances in orthodontic care, including the Damon Clear Braces system, Invisalign and Braces with Colors for kids and teens. Our practice philosophy focuses on maintaining the health of permanent teeth from a very early age, minimizing the need for extractions and invasive surgery later in life.

To make an appointment, please contact us at 415-459-8006 or complete our online contact form.

woman thinking

5 Reasons Widely Spaced Teeth Impact Your Health

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How Can Widely Spaced Teeth Impact Your Overall Health? Widely spaced teeth are a concern not merely for the vain or those overly concerned about their appearance. There are a number of serious concerns associated with widely spaced teeth, including Gingivitis, mouth sores, and tooth decay. In general, widely spaced teeth lead to the extra build up of bacteria including tartar and plaque. The impact of this can be severely life-damaging and, at the very least, highly inconvenient.

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How Can Early Treatment Save (Time, Money, and Effort?)

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Early treatment for any dental issue can save you valuable time, money and effort. In fact, an ounce of prevention is worth an entire mouth of cure when it comes to dental disease. Many dental issues can be simple to fix if caught and treated early, while they can grow to be much more expensive if you wait to get treatment.

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emily wow smile patient

What Are the Discomforts with Invisalign? (Epic Facts)

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Invisalign is an orthodontic set of teeth aligners that exert pressure on the teeth making the teeth to move into a different position. Many people who opt for Invisalign over braces report both positive and negative effects. While teeth aligners are viewed by many people as better treatment options for people with various teeth conditions, patients often experience certain discomforts when they use this form of treatment. Many people over the world are all about this.

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What Happens? (After Invisalign Treatment is Completed)

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Whether you are considering Invisalign treatment or are already a patient, you may have questions about what happens once treatment is finished. To maintain the beautiful new smile you have invested in there are some additional steps and ongoing care. The aftercare process and continued treatments best for you or your child will be determined in consultation with your orthodontist, but there are some basic things you should know.

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