You’re at your favorite restaurant with friends, and everyone’s ordering whatever sounds good. You can order the grilled chicken or the crispy fish without thinking twice about your teeth.

With new teeth in South Florida, you’ll rediscover the simple pleasure of choosing food you actually want, not food you can manage.

Call Smile Institute at 305-990-2314 in Miami or 305-990-2532 in Key West.

The Joy of Eating Without Limits

Meals with family and friends are about more than what’s on your plate. They’re about connecting with the people who matter most and creating moments you’ll remember.

When your teeth work the way they should, eating becomes effortless again. You can fully participate in the experience — telling stories, sharing laughs, and being present — instead of worrying about every bite.

Being able to bite into an apple, enjoy a steak, or crunch on fresh vegetables might seem simple. But these everyday pleasures mean you’re getting better nutrition and feeling more independent. You’re not planning your life around what your teeth can handle.

How Dental Implants Change Your Dining Experience

Dental implants work like natural tooth roots anchored in your jawbone. They stay firmly in place while you eat, giving you the security that removable dentures simply can’t provide. You’ll rediscover the confidence to bite into crunchy or chewy foods without hesitation.

Here’s an added benefit: implants actually preserve your jawbone. When you chew, they send signals to your bone that keep it active and strong, just like your original teeth did.

This bone stimulation is crucial for maintaining your facial structure. Without it, your jaw can gradually shrink, leading to that sunken appearance that makes people look older than they are.

With new teeth in South Florida through dental implants, you get back nearly all of your natural chewing power. That’s a huge difference from traditional dentures, which only give you limited bite strength. You’ll taste your food better, too, since implants don’t cover your palate like upper dentures do.

The Contrast: Missing the Moments That Matter

Without stable teeth, dining out can become stressful instead of enjoyable. You might avoid social gatherings because you’re worried about eating in front of others. Some people start turning down dinner invitations or making excuses to stay home.

The isolation can affect your whole quality of life. You miss birthday dinners, work lunches, and spontaneous coffee dates. Food becomes a source of anxiety instead of pleasure, and your social circle can start to shrink.

Your Path to Confident Dining Starts Here

You deserve to enjoy every meal without worry or embarrassment. New teeth in South Florida can restore the dining freedom you’ve been missing for too long. Picture yourself savoring a perfectly cooked meal, completely relaxed and engaged in conversation.

The life you want — full of spontaneous restaurant visits and carefree meals — is within reach. Call Smile Institute today to book your dental implant consultation and take the first step toward eating, smiling, and living without limits.

Visit the Smile Institute in South Florida! For our Miami location, call 305-990-2314. For our Key West location, call 305-990-2532. Or schedule online for Miami or Key West.

The new year brings fresh opportunities to prioritize your family’s wellness with renewed healthcare benefits. Your HSA or FSA accounts have reset with new contribution limits, giving you resources to invest in oral health in South Florida. 

January is the perfect time to schedule dental appointments and establish healthy habits that last all year long.

Call Smile Institute at 305-990-2314 for Miami or 305-990-2532 for Key West to make an appointment.

Making the Most of Fresh Benefits

Your dental insurance deductible resets to zero at the start of each year. Your maximum coverage allowance refreshes, giving you full benefits again. Combining these renewed insurance benefits with your healthcare account creates an ideal situation for addressing dental needs.

What Your Healthcare Dollars Cover

These special accounts can be used to pay for dental services across all age groups. Everyone in your household can benefit.

Your funds work for:

Why January Appointments Matter

Starting the year with a dental checkup establishes a baseline for your oral health in South Florida. Your dentist can identify any concerns that developed during the holidays. Addressing problems early in the year prevents them from worsening over the next 12 months.

Getting dental work done in January means you won’t carry problems forward. You’ll move through the year with a healthy mouth and confident smile.

Benefits for Every Family Member

Children need regular monitoring as their teeth develop and permanent teeth emerge. Teens often require orthodontic evaluations or wisdom teeth assessments. Adults benefit from preventive care that catches issues before they become serious.

Using your healthcare account for the whole family maximizes the value of your contributions. Everyone receives quality care without straining your household budget.

Building Healthy Habits Early

The choices you make in January often set the tone for your entire year. Scheduling dental appointments now creates momentum for consistent preventive care. Regular visits become routine rather than something you put off until problems arise.

Good oral health connects to overall wellness throughout your body. Taking care of your teeth and gums supports heart health, manages inflammation, and prevents infections.

Planning Your Healthcare Spending

Review your HSA or FSA contribution levels for the new year. Consider increasing contributions if your family has dental work planned. Higher contributions reduce your taxable income while ensuring you have funds available when needed.

Budget for regular preventive visits every six months. Factor in any restorative work your dentist recommends during checkups.

Layering Your Benefits

Your dental insurance pays its share first, based on your plan’s coverage levels. Your healthcare account then can be used to cover deductibles, copays, and services beyond insurance limits. This layered approach means your family gets comprehensive care with minimal direct expense.

Many procedures cost you very little when both benefits work together. The combination makes quality dental care accessible and affordable for oral health in South Florida.

Begin Your Best Year Yet

Smile Institute helps families throughout South Florida start each year with excellent dental care. We process HSA and FSA payments seamlessly and explain your coverage in simple terms. Reach out to our practice now to book appointments for your entire family and make oral health a priority this year.

Visit the Smile Institute in South Florida! For our Miami location, call 305-990-2314. For our Key West location, call 305-990-2532. Or schedule online for Miami or Key West.

A new year brings opportunities to refresh your approach to self-care and wellbeing. Taking charge of your oral care means fewer unexpected problems and more reasons to smile with confidence.

These five practical resolutions will guide you toward achieving healthy smiles in South Florida no matter where life takes you.

Also, call Smile Institute at 305-990-2314 for Miami or 305-990-2532 for Key West.

1. Replace Sugary Snacks With Smarter Options

Frequent snacking on sweets feeds harmful bacteria that produce enamel-damaging acids throughout the day. Choosing alternatives like raw vegetables, cheese cubes, or unsalted nuts gives you satisfying crunch without the cavity risk. When you do enjoy treats, having them with meals reduces the total time your teeth face acid exposure.

Drinking water after snacks helps rinse away lingering food particles until you can brush properly. Small substitutions add up to significant protection for your teeth over weeks and months.

2. Set Reminders for Consistent Oral Care

Life gets hectic, and it’s easy to rush through or skip brushing when you’re tired or running late. Phone alarms or calendar notifications can prompt you to maintain your routine even on chaotic days. Aim for two full minutes of brushing in the morning and again before sleeping each night.

Linking dental care to existing habits like showering or getting dressed helps cement the behavior. Automation removes the need to rely solely on willpower when establishing new patterns.

3. Protect Teeth During Physical Activities

Sports and recreational activities put your teeth at risk for chips, cracks, and complete avulsions. A properly fitted mouthguard absorbs impact forces that would otherwise damage teeth and jaw structures. Custom guards from your dentist offer superior fit and protection compared to store-bought versions.

Even non-contact activities like skateboarding or cycling warrant protection given the potential for falls. Replacing a mouthguard costs far less than repairing or replacing damaged teeth.

4. Address Teeth Grinding Before Damage Occurs

Clenching and grinding wear down enamel, cause tooth fractures, and create chronic jaw pain over time. Stress management techniques like exercise, meditation, or therapy can reduce the intensity of grinding habits. A custom nightguard worn during sleep prevents upper and lower teeth from making destructive contact.

Many people don’t realize they grind until a dentist spots the telltale wear patterns. Proactive treatment preserves tooth structure and prevents the need for extensive restoration work later.

5. Keep Up With Professional Cleanings

Home care handles daily maintenance but cannot remove calcified deposits that accumulate below the gumline. Professional cleanings reach these areas and prevents the progression of gum disease. Twice-yearly visits give your provider chances to monitor changes and address concerns while they’re still manageable.

These appointments are essential for maintaining healthy smiles in South Florida, where you want to look and feel your best. Skipping cleanings allows minor issues to escalate into major complications that require intensive treatment.

Turn Intentions Into Lasting Changes

These five resolutions provide a roadmap for taking control of your dental health this year. Consistency with basic preventive measures protects you from avoidable damage and discomfort. The time you dedicate to these habits pays off through stronger teeth and healthier gums that last.

Looking for a partner in achieving healthy smiles in South Florida? Connect with our experienced team today to book your appointment and start building the smile you deserve.

Visit the Smile Institute in South Florida! For our Miami location, call 305-990-2314. For our Key West location, call 305-990-2532. Or schedule online for Miami or Key West.

The way your teeth look influences your happiness and success in countless ways. When you’re proud of your smile, everything from job interviews to first dates becomes less stressful. Creating an amazing smile in South Florida involves working with skilled cosmetic dentists who understand how the right treatments can reshape your daily experiences. 

Call Smile Institute at 305-990-2314 for Miami or 305-990-2532 for Key West. Modern dental care offers solutions that deliver both immediate visual improvements and lasting lifestyle benefits.

Gaining Self-Assurance in Every Situation

Feeling embarrassed about your teeth holds you back in ways you might not even realize. Cosmetic dentistry fixes these concerns so you can stop hiding behind closed-lip smiles and start expressing yourself freely.

Whether you’re giving a presentation at work or meeting someone new at a party, you’ll notice how much easier conversations flow when you’re not self-conscious. People respond positively to genuine smiles, which opens doors to better opportunities and deeper connections.

Restoring a Fresh, Vibrant Appearance

Your teeth show signs of aging just like your skin does. Years of coffee, tea, and natural wear can leave your smile looking dull and tired. Cosmetic procedures like professional whitening treatments, porcelain veneers, or composite bonding refresh your entire face. Friends and family often comment that you look more energetic and youthful after completing your dental makeover.

Supporting Better Long-Term Dental Wellness

An amazing smile in South Florida means more than just good looks. It means healthier teeth and gums too. Correcting alignment issues makes your daily cleaning routine far more effective at preventing decay.

Restoring broken or worn teeth protects them from additional harm that could require extensive repairs later. Investing in cosmetic work today saves you from painful and expensive problems in the future.

Rediscovering the Joy of Eating

Dental problems shouldn’t dictate what you order at restaurants or avoid at family gatherings. When teeth are missing, damaged, or misaligned, simple things like biting into fresh fruit or enjoying a sandwich become difficult.

Solutions such as dental implants, bridges, or clear aligners restore full chewing power and eliminate awkward moments at the dinner table. Food tastes better and digestion improves when you can chew properly again.

Eliminating Constant Worry & Self-Doubt

Living with dental imperfections creates ongoing anxiety that drains your energy. You might avoid cameras, skip social gatherings, or feel tense during conversations because you’re thinking about your teeth.

After receiving cosmetic treatment, patients consistently report feeling relaxed and free in ways they haven’t experienced in years. Life becomes richer when you stop letting dental concerns control your choices and behavior.

Take the First Step Toward Your New Smile

You don’t have to spend another day feeling unhappy about your appearance. Building an amazing smile in South Florida is easier than you think when you have the right dental team supporting you.

Reach out to us to learn about personalized cosmetic options that fit your lifestyle and budget. Schedule your consultation now and discover how great life feels when you love your smile.

Visit the Smile Institute in South Florida! For our Miami location, call 305-990-2314. For our Key West location, call 305-990-2532. Or schedule online for Miami or Key West.

The day after Thanksgiving is National Flossing Day across America. This wellness event highlights how simple string can transform your oral health. Taking just two minutes each evening protects healthy gums in South Florida from holiday damage and year-round bacterial threats.

Also, remember to get regular dental checkups to treat and prevent gum infections.

Call Smile Institute at 305-990-2314 in Miami or 305-990-2532 in Key West.

Florida Holiday Feasts Create Gum Challenges

Traditional sides like cornbread crumble into small pieces that hide deep between molars. Hot, humid weather makes bacterial growth happen faster in your mouth. Food particles spoil quickly in these warm conditions.

Your gums become inflamed more easily when bacteria levels spike after meals.

Breaking Through Common Flossing Myths

Many people believe that bleeding gums mean they should stop flossing immediately. The opposite is actually true for most situations. Gentle, consistent flossing reduces bleeding by removing the irritants causing inflammation.

Some folks think mouthwash can replace floss entirely for cleaning between teeth. Liquid rinses cannot physically scrape sticky plaque from tooth surfaces. Only mechanical removal with floss or similar tools gets the job done properly.

Others assume that toothpicks work just as well as dental floss for cleaning. Wooden picks can actually push debris deeper into gum pockets. They also risk splintering and leaving fragments behind that cause infections.

Reason to Floss Daily 

Researchers have documented clear connections between flossing and overall wellness:

Adapting Your Technique for Success

Start flossing sessions when your hands feel steady and relaxed. Rushing through the process increases mistakes and tissue damage. Soft lighting helps you see problem areas more clearly.

Angle your floss at 45 degrees against each tooth surface for maximum plaque removal. Press firmly enough to feel resistance, but not so hard that cutting occurs. Move floss around your teeth rather than straight up-and-down motions.

Rinse to wash away loosened material. This prevents redistributing bacteria from dirty areas to clean ones. Finish by brushing your teeth to remove any remaining particles.

South Florida Lifestyle Considerations

Beach days and pool parties may mean more sugary drinks and snacks throughout summer months. Restaurant dining happens frequently in tourist areas with rich, complex foods. Social eating creates more opportunities for food to get trapped.

Air conditioning dries out your mouth and reduces natural cleaning from saliva flow. Dry conditions help harmful bacteria multiply faster than normal. Extra flossing attention compensates for these environmental challenges.

Travel schedules can disrupt normal oral care routines during busy seasons. Pack individual floss picks in purses, cars, and office desks. Having supplies readily available eliminates excuses for skipping sessions.

Professional Partnership for Optimal Results

Dental professionals understand the unique oral health challenges of living in Florida. Regular cleanings remove tartar buildup that forms despite excellent home care. Professional fluoride treatments strengthen teeth against acid attacks from tropical fruits and beverages.

Your hygienist can identify early warning signs of gum problems before they become painful. Healthy gums in South Florida require expert monitoring due to climate and lifestyle factors. Professional guidance ensures your home routine stays effective over time.

Begin Today for Better Tomorrow

National Flossing Day marks the perfect starting point for improved gum health habits. Small daily actions lead to significant long-term benefits for your smile. Schedule your next appointment with Smile Institute to complement your flossing efforts and maintain healthy gums in South Florida.

For our Miami location, call 305-990-2314. For our Key West location, call 305-990-2532. Or schedule online for Miami or Key West.

Competitive high school sports put tremendous physical demands on student athletes. Basketball players battle for rebounds while wrestlers grapple for position, creating situations where dental injuries can happen in seconds. 

Custom mouthguards in South Florida help young athletes maintain peak performance while protecting their smiles from costly damage.

To get mouthguards for your family, 

The Problem With Standard Options

Most athletes start with cheap mouthguards from local sports stores, only to discover these generic versions create more problems than they solve.

Bulky plastic makes breathing difficult during intense moments when oxygen matters most. The poor fit causes constant shifting that distracts athletes from focusing on their technique and strategy.

Parents spend money on protection that ends up unused because athletes can’t perform effectively while wearing it. This leaves talented young competitors vulnerable to injuries that could have been easily prevented.

Professional Custom Advantages

Crafted mouthguards eliminate the common problems that cause athletes to abandon protection altogether. Here’s how professional fitting makes the difference:

Basketball Benefits

High school basketball involves constant physical contact as players drive toward the basket, defend against aggressive opponents, and compete for loose balls. The fast pace means athletes don’t have time to adjust poorly fitting protection during crucial moments.

Our mouthguards allow basketball players to maintain their natural playing style without compromise. Players can call out defensive assignments, encourage teammates during timeouts, and stay properly hydrated between quarters.

Wrestling Competitive Edge

Wrestling demands exceptional cardiovascular endurance combined with precise technique execution. Athletes need every advantage possible to maintain energy levels throughout matches while protecting themselves from accidental contact.

Custom mouthguards in South Florida are designed for wrestling’s unique requirements. The fit allows breathing while providing protection during intense grappling exchanges.

Creating Your Perfect Fit

The custom creation process starts with a comprehensive evaluation of your mouth structure and athletic needs. We take detailed impressions that capture every detail necessary for optimal fit and function.

Advanced techniques transform these impressions into your personalized protection using medical-grade materials designed for athletic performance. The manufacturing process typically takes one to two weeks from impression to delivery.

Final fitting appointments ensure your new mouthguard meets your comfort and performance expectations.

Smart Athletic Investment

Serious athletes understand that preventing problems costs far less than fixing them later. Emergency dental treatment can cost thousands of dollars and force athletes to miss critical games or tournaments during their seasons.

Take Action for Better Protection

Don’t risk your athletic career or oral health with inadequate protection that interferes with your performance. Custom mouthguards in South Florida provide the -grade safety that competitive athletes deserve.

Schedule your consultation with Smile Institute today to begin the process of getting properly fitted athletic protection. Your teammates, coaches, and parents will notice the difference in your confidence and performance.

For our Miami location, call 305-990-2314. For our Key West location, call 305-990-2532. Or schedule online for Miami or Key West.

Your vibrant lifestyle shouldn’t be limited by diabetes complications, especially when proper dental care can significantly improve your quality of life. At Smile Institute, we’re passionate about helping our patients understand how exceptional oral health in South Florida directly supports successful diabetes management throughout the year.

Call Smile Institute at 305-990-2314 for our Miami office or 305-990-2532 for our Key West location.

Understanding the Glucose-Gum Connection

Diabetes affects nearly every system in your body, including your mouth. When glucose levels remain elevated, your saliva becomes a breeding ground for destructive bacteria. These microorganisms produce toxins that irritate gum tissue, leading to swelling, tenderness, and bleeding.

What many don’t realize is that infected gums release inflammatory substances into your bloodstream. These compounds interfere with insulin function, making blood sugar control more challenging.

Essentially, neglected oral health can sabotage even the most careful diabetes management efforts.

Prevention Strategies That Work

Protecting your smile while supporting diabetes control requires consistent, targeted care. Begin each day with thorough brushing using an antimicrobial toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive gums.

Electric toothbrushes often provide superior plaque removal compared to manual brushing, particularly beneficial for patients with decreased dexterity from diabetic complications.

Incorporate antimicrobial mouth rinse into your routine to reduce bacterial loads between brushing sessions. Choose alcohol-free formulas to avoid dry mouth, a common diabetic concern that can worsen oral health problems.

Stay hydrated throughout South Florida’s warm climate. Proper hydration helps maintain healthy saliva flow, your mouth’s natural defense against harmful bacteria. Sugar-free gum or mints can also stimulate saliva production when needed.

Professional Care Makes the Difference

Regular dental visits become even more critical when managing diabetes. At Smile Institute, we recommend more frequent cleanings and examinations for our diabetic patients – typically every three to four months rather than the standard six-month interval.

During these appointments, we perform comprehensive periodontal evaluations to catch problems early. Advanced diagnostic tools help us identify inflammation before it becomes visible, allowing for prompt intervention that protects both your oral health and blood sugar stability.

Our team coordinates with your endocrinologist or primary care physician to ensure your dental treatments align with your diabetes management plan. This collaborative approach maximizes the benefits of both medical and dental care.

Recognizing Warning Signals

Monitor your mouth for changes that could indicate problems. Unusual taste alterations, persistent dry mouth, or slow-healing sores may signal that your diabetes is affecting your oral health. 

Gums that appear bright red, feel unusually tender, or bleed easily during routine care need professional attention.

If you notice your blood glucose readings becoming more erratic without obvious dietary or medication changes, consider whether dental issues might be contributing to the instability.

Comprehensive Care in South Florida

Living well with diabetes in South Florida means taking advantage of every tool available to maintain your health. At Smile Institute, we’re committed to being your partner in achieving optimal wellness through superior dental care.

Don’t let diabetes complications dim your smile or compromise your health. Schedule your comprehensive evaluation with Smile Institute today and discover how exceptional oral care supports your diabetes management goals while keeping your smile bright and healthy.

For our Miami location, call 305-990-2314. For our Key West location, call 305-990-2532. Or schedule online for Miami or Key West.

Do you have old silver fillings that make you feel self-conscious about your smile? If you’re looking for better fillings in South Florida, composite fillings might be the perfect solution for you. 

Tooth-colored fillings are becoming more popular because they offer many benefits that can make your daily life better and more comfortable.

Call Smile Institute at 305-990-2314 for Miami or 305-990-2532 for Key West.

Better Appearance for Confident Smiles

One of the biggest advantages of composite fillings is how natural they look. Unlike metal fillings that stand out when you talk or laugh, composite fillings match the color of your teeth perfectly. 

This means you can smile, speak, and eat without worrying about people noticing your dental work. When you feel good about how your teeth look, you’re more likely to smile often, which can boost your confidence in social situations and at work.

Stronger Protection for Your Teeth

Composite fillings bond directly to your tooth, which makes the whole tooth stronger. Metal fillings don’t stick to teeth the same way, so they can sometimes allow bacteria to sneak in around the edges. 

With composite fillings, your tooth gets better protection against future decay. This means fewer dental problems and less time spent in the dentist’s chair for repairs.

Less Sensitivity to Hot & Cold

Many people with metal fillings experience pain when they drink hot coffee or eat ice cream. This happens because metal conducts temperature changes quickly. Composite fillings don’t have this problem because they’re made from materials that don’t react to temperature changes as much.

This means you can enjoy your favorite foods and drinks without the sudden sharp pain that metal fillings can cause.

Smaller Holes in Your Teeth

When we remove decay to place composite fillings, we only need to remove the damaged part of your tooth. With metal fillings, dentists often have to remove healthy tooth material to make room for the filling. This means composite fillings help you keep more of your natural tooth, which is always better for your long-term oral health.

Faster Healing Time

Because composite fillings bond gently to your teeth, most people experience less discomfort after getting them. You can usually eat normally within a few hours, compared to metal fillings that might cause soreness for several days.

This means less disruption to your daily routine and faster return to enjoying all your favorite foods.

If you’re considering upgrading your old metal fillings in South Florida, composite fillings offer many advantages that can improve your daily comfort and confidence. These modern fillings look natural, protect your teeth better, and cause less sensitivity to temperature changes.

Learn more about how composite fillings can benefit you. The best fillings in South Florida start with choosing the right dental practice. Visit the Smile Institute in South Florida! 

For our Miami location, call 305-990-2314. For our Key West location, call 305-990-2532. Or schedule online for Miami or Key West.

Dec. 31 marks the end of more than just the calendar year for your dental benefits in South Florida. It’s also the deadline that wipes out any unused insurance coverage you’ve paid for all year long. 

Every month, money comes out of your paycheck or bank account for dental insurance, but if you don’t use it, those payments simply vanish.

Call Smile Institute at 305-990-2314 for Miami or 305-990-2532 for Key West.

Use It or Lose It Forever

Your dental insurance operates on a strict annual cycle. The coverage you’ve been paying for throughout the year comes with a spending limit that resets to zero when January arrives. There’s no banking these benefits for later use or carrying them forward to the next year.

Think of it this way: you’ve been paying for these benefits all year through your premiums. Not using them is like throwing money in the trash. Your employer or you have already paid for this coverage, so why not get the full value?

Common Treatments You Can Get Now

Many dental procedures can be completed before the year ends. Here are some popular treatments that patients often schedule in the final months:

Start Planning Your Treatment Today

The key to maximizing your dental benefits in South Florida is to act fast. Popular appointment times fill up quickly as the year winds down.

December brings a rush of patients who suddenly remember their expiring benefits. Beat the crowd by booking your appointment early. A professional checkup can reveal exactly which treatments make the most sense for your situation and budget.

Your dental team can map out a smart strategy that maximizes your current year’s coverage. For larger procedures, they might suggest starting now and finishing in January, allowing you to tap into two separate benefit periods for the same treatment.

Prevention Beats Emergency Repairs

Dental problems rarely announce themselves with early warning signs. By the time you feel pain, damage has usually progressed far beyond simple fixes. Think of dental care like car maintenance. Small tune-ups prevent major breakdowns.

Early intervention saves both money and discomfort. Catching decay while it’s still small means quick, affordable solutions.

Let it spread, and you’re looking at complex procedures that eat up multiple years of benefits. Your insurance works best when you use it for prevention rather than crisis management.

Holiday Timing Works in Your Favor

Getting dental work done before the holidays makes sense for many reasons. You’ll have a healthy, clean smile for family gatherings and photos. Plus, many people have time off work during the holiday season, making it easier to recover from procedures.

Using your dental benefits in South Florida now also means you’ll start next year with a fresh set of benefits and a healthy mouth.

Make the most of your benefits. Schedule your appointment and put your dental insurance to good use before it’s too late.

Visit the Smile Institute in South Florida! For our Miami location, call 305-990-2314. For our Key West location, call 305-990-2532. Or schedule online for Miami or Key West.

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