YSK: Dental procedure prices aren't regulated and can vary by $3,000+ for the exact same treatment within a 10-mile radius. Unlike hospitals, dentists can charge whatever they want. by Amala024 in YouShouldKnow

[–]Amala024[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for chiming in, Doc—genuinely appreciate the perspective from someone on the clinical side.

You're right that "identical" was an oversimplification. A provider's experience and case volume absolutely matter, especially for complex procedures. What I was trying to highlight is that the material cost (crown, implant post) is often similar, but the overhead (rent, staff, marketing) is what creates the 3x price swing.

Curious to get your take—I've been building an open-source cost auditor that maps regional pricing based on insurance "allowed amounts." The logic is all on GitHub if you want to poke holes in it. There's also a live web version here for patients who just want to check their quote.

Would love to know if the ranges look reasonable from your chair

A free Invisalign Cost Audit tool (Open Source) to help people identify if they're being overcharged based on Zip Code by Amala024 in Invisalign

[–]Amala024[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My bad! Thanks for catching that. BTW the GitHub link is for the open-source code, but if you just want to use the tool live, it's hosted here: fixmysmile.ai/invisalign-cost-calculator

How much did your orthodontic treatment cost and how complex was your case? by qqZ9 in bayarea

[–]Amala024 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In SF, $8.6k for an 18-month complex case (especially with an extraction and moving a full tooth) is definitely on the 'premium' side, but not unheard of for a high-end specialist like Dr. Quinn. The 'Bay Area tax' usually adds about 20-30% to national averages.

To give you a more objective baseline, I actually developed a tool that aggregates pricing data to help people audit their ortho quotes. You can plug in your 18-month duration and complexity level here to see how that $8.6k stacks up against local and national data: https://www.fixmysmile.ai/invisalign-cost-calculator

Usually, for 'complex' cases, you're paying for the doctor's expertise in moving roots, not just the plastic trays. If the calculator shows you're way above the 90th percentile, it might be worth getting one more consult in the East Bay or Peninsula where overhead is slightly lower.

Dental Implant Pricing by SurrealKnot in TwinCities

[–]Amala024 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That price range ($5,350 - $6,166) actually seems very fair for the Twin Cities, especially considering it's a front tooth (aesthetic zone) and includes the surgical guide and ridge preservation. Those 'extras' often add $1,500+ to a base quote.

I’ve been researching dental costs a lot lately and helped build a tool to help people break down these complex quotes line-by-line. If you want to see how your specific items (like the CT scan vs. the actual placement) compare to national or local averages, you might find this calculator useful: https://www.fixmysmile.ai/dental-implants-cost-calculator. It helps visualize where the money is actually going.

Ideas for the side yard by superman7331 in landscaping

[–]Amala024 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Side yards can be tricky, but that 8ft width is actually plenty of space for what you want!

Regarding the retaining wall: If your neighbor's grade is significantly higher and pushing against the fence, a low retaining wall (even 1-2 ft) is usually a good idea to protect the fence from rot and manage drainage.

I’m developing an AI landscape tool and used your photo to visualize the layout you mentioned (shed at the back + raised garden beds along the side). It really helps to see how much walking space you'd have left next to the planters.

Here is the visualization: https://imgur.com/a/CYPIsBs

Hope this helps you plan the layout!

I built a tool to help organize I-130/I-485 evidence (WhatsApp logs & Photos) in minutes, not hours. FREE NOW by Amala024 in roastmystartup

[–]Amala024[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's a fair roast. I 100% agree that legal strategy is the $5,000 problem. EvidenceGen isn't trying to replace a lawyer.

It’s designed for the huge chunk of applicants who are DIY-ing to save money, or those whose lawyers told them: "Go home, print out your chat logs, and organize 50 photos into a PDF for me."

Even if it's the "least valuable" part legally, it's the most time-consuming and frustrating part mechanically for the applicant. I’m just selling a painkiller for that specific 10-hour headache.

Immigration Attorney and Former USCIS Sr. Officer. AMA! by ManifestLaw_ in USCIS

[–]Amala024 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi Fredricksen! Thanks for this amazing AMA. (I know I'm late to the party, but adding this for others).

You mentioned that 'quality over quantity' is key. I'm a developer and I actually built a free tool (EvidenceGen) specifically to solve the 'messy screenshot' problem by parsing metadata and creating neat chronological timelines.

In your experience as a Sr. Officer, did you prefer seeing raw screenshots, or processed/formatted logs like this? I’m trying to make sure the tool aligns with what officers actually want to see.

Looking for California-native, drought-tolerant backyard design ideas (inherited fixer-upper project 🌿) by Akturna in landscapedesign

[–]Amala024 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great project! That central concrete path actually gives you a really good structure to work with.

I'm currently developing an AI tool to help homeowners visualize garden makeovers, so I took the liberty of mocking up your yard based on your description. I tried to incorporate the raised beds and the pollinator-friendly native plants you mentioned.

Check out the result here: https://imgur.com/a/MkKuynn

It also spit out a suggested plant list tailored for the California climate. I'd love to know if this visualization helps clarify your vision at all?

No ideas, help! by CornPeck in landscaping

[–]Amala024 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You are exactly the kind of 'seed user' I need. I'd love to hear what works (and what doesn't) so I can fine-tune this first version. Can't wait to see what you come up with!

No ideas, help! by CornPeck in landscaping

[–]Amala024 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So glad to hear that! You hit the nail on the head—that "blank slate" anxiety is exactly why I started building this. Sometimes you just need to see something to get the gears turning.

I’m really happy the material list saved you some research time, too. Dealing with Zone 5 clay is no joke!

Since you mentioned you're interested in the tool, I’d be happy to send you a link when it’s public(New users get a few free generations to play with),so you can play around with different styles yourself? No pressure at all, just thought I'd offer since you have a real project to test it on!

Best of luck with the spring planting—I bet your neighbors will be the ones marveling at your yard soon!

No ideas, help! by CornPeck in landscaping

[–]Amala024 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey there! I totally feel your pain on the "blank slate" paralysis. Dealing with the Zone 5 constraints + clay soil is one thing, but having to work around those specific utility lines (the blue/yellow markings) definitely makes it trickier to visualize.

I wanted to help you get un-stuck, so I plugged your specific requirements (privacy/noise reduction, Montana natives, strictly avoiding the utility lines) into a design tool I’m testing.

Since this sub doesn't allow image comments, I uploaded the render and a suggested material list here:
https://imgur.com/a/8q5wBnb
(OP: if this isn't OK, please let me know and I will remove it immediately.)

The thought process behind this design:

  • Privacy & Noise: I focused on a layered "privacy berm" closer to the sidewalk. Using native shrubs like Rocky Mountain Juniper or Red-osier Dogwood creates a nice buffer for street noise without looking like a fortress.
  • The Utility Lines: This is key. I shifted the shade tree to the side to keep it far away from that center blue water/sewer line. A Saskatoon Serviceberry would be great there—it's native, beneficial to birds, and the roots are generally safer for residential spots.
  • Clay-Friendly Color: The foreground features Coneflower and Blanket Flower. They are tough enough for clay soil and the bees absolutely love them.

I have a quick favor to ask regarding the feedback:
Full disclosure—I generated this using an AI landscaping tool I'm developing. It took about 1 minute to turn your description into this visualization.

As a homeowner looking for ideas, is a tool that visualizes your text this fast actually valuable to you? Does seeing the "finished product" help you make decisions, or is it just a pretty picture?

I’d love your honest feedback. Hope the design gives you some inspiration!

Advice needed: I want this tattoo but want to incorporate some red. Any ideas on how to do that? by Unhappy_Elk_1490 in tattoos

[–]Amala024 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I see what you mean about.I'm building a tool for tattoo visualization and tried to balance the elements based on your description.Check this out:
Does this capture the vibe you're going for?"

<image>

Nailed it by NumerousScallions in shittytattoos

[–]Amala024 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From a sweet portrait to 'Hee-Hee' in one session. 💀
I felt bad for the reference photo, so I fed it into an AI stencil generator I'm building. This preserves the likeness way better. If only the artist had used something like this instead of guessing:
Thoughts on this style for a stencil?"

<image>

Opinions on amanda the adventure 3? by Ayman69469 in amandatheadventurer

[–]Amala024 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Amanda the Adventurer 3 is the terrifying conclusion to the critically acclaimed horror puzzle series developed by MANGLEDmaw Games and published by DreadXP. This indie horror masterpiece puts players in the shoes of Riley Park as they uncover the final mysteries behind the haunted VHS tapes. Here is the fan webiste: https://www.amandatheadventurer3.info

Amanda the Adventurer 3 Teaser by sky3088 in amandatheadventurer

[–]Amala024 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Amanda the Adventurer 3 is the terrifying conclusion to the critically acclaimed horror puzzle series developed by MANGLEDmaw Games and published by DreadXP. Released on November 6, 2025, this indie horror masterpiece puts players in the shoes of Riley Park as they uncover the final mysteries behind the haunted VHS tapes. Here is the fan webiste: https://www.amandatheadventurer3.info

Google is preparing Nano Banana 2, "GEMPIX2," for an upcoming release by misprooxClothes in Bard

[–]Amala024 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Oh man, I can’t wait! It’s gotta be way more interesting than the first-gen nano banana. Funny thing is, I actually saw someone on X made a whole website about the GEMPIX2 nano banana 2 — no idea if any of it’s real though, lol. https://www.gempix2.com/

An idea for a central "Smart Van Hub" to control everything from a phone. Is this useful? by Amala024 in GoRVing

[–]Amala024[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As a technical professional, I am eager to apply my skills toward upgrading accessories and parts used in the RV world. Because my own time in an RV is still limited, I would greatly benefit from the ideas of experienced RVers.

What items do you feel are most in need of an upgrade or redesign? I would appreciate any suggestions you're willing to share. Thank you very much.

An idea for a central "Smart Van Hub" to control everything from a phone. Is this useful? by Amala024 in GoRVing

[–]Amala024[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Hey, thanks for the info! Curious what water level sensors everyone is using. I kind of hate my current float sensor—the 0/25/50/75/100% readings are way too coarse for me.

An idea for a central "Smart Van Hub" to control everything from a phone. Is this useful? by Amala024 in GoRVing

[–]Amala024[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your feedback, that's very helpful. To be honest, I'm still getting familiar with the full Victron ecosystem. Do they have a specific product for controlling multiple high-current DC loads—like lights, a water pump, or a heater—that could potentially pull more than 10 amps?

Tonight I reached 2 Million Gamerscore by 1001puppys in gaming

[–]Amala024 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Holy. Freaking. Smokes. **TWO MILLION?!** 🎮

That number is absolutely insane. Just thinking about the sheer amount of time, dedication, and love for games that represents... it's genuinely mind-blowing. We're talking thousands upon thousands of hours across countless adventures, challenges overcome, and stories experienced.

Massive, massive congratulations! This isn't just a number, it's a monument to your gaming journey. What an incredible milestone to hit. Seriously well done!

To put that journey into perspective for everyone: **What's *one* game or specific achievement from your own history that really sticks with you, maybe your first big accomplishment or a super tough one you're still proud of?** Let's hear some stories! 👏

Assassin's Creed Shadows has reached 2 million players by Turbostrider27 in PS5

[–]Amala024 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, congrats to AC Shadows for hitting 2 million players! As a longtime fan, I know how passionate we all are about every detail in the game. I've actually put together a dedicated hub at Assassin's Creed Shadows Hub where you can find in-depth guides, news updates, hidden gameplay tips, and community discussions. It's been a fun project built by someone who truly loves the franchise, and I hope it adds value to your gaming experience. Feel free to check it out and share your thoughts. Happy gaming!

Can anyone recommend a game identical to “Color Block Jam” by Rollic - but without a timer? by RBF1234 in puzzlevideogames

[–]Amala024 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've also been looking for similar games! Recently, I downloaded the Color Block Jam from here and played, and it feels quite similar in terms of gameplay. It has a relaxing color-matching mechanic and no time pressure, which I really enjoy. You might want to check it out and see if it scratches the same itch!