Category: Beauty and Fashion Tips

You go to the dentist regularly and brush your teeth two times a day as directed but still, your teeth are a bit discolored and not as white as you want them. 

Having pearly white teeth sometimes seems like a dream and not a reality. But what if there are many options for you to get those shiny white teeth that you’ve always dreamed of?

Keep reading for our complete guide on teeth whitening options for you.

Why Do Teeth Turn Yellow?

Before diving into teeth whitening options you should know why your teeth turn yellow or look discolored. There are two reasons and both of these reasons speed up as you get older. 

Enamel is the outer layer of your teeth and this is what makes them appear to be white. Underneath your enamel is a layer of tissue called dentin and this is a yellowish-brown color. So when your enamel wears away this is what makes your teeth look discolored. 

Your teeth can also appear to look discolored from stains. Stains can come from foods and beverages such as coffee, soda, berries, curry, among other things. When trying to whiten your teeth you may want to try to actively avoid things that can stain your teeth.  

Teeth Whitening Strips

If you’re looking for a convenient way to whiten your teeth, then teeth whitening strips may be the right call for you. Teeth-whitening strips are sold in pretty much any drug store and they are fairly inexpensive so you can buy them whenever you need them.  

They’re also very easy to use as long as you follow the directions right on the box. The downside to teeth whitening strips is it may take longer to produce the result you want depending on the amount of peroxide in the strip. 

Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

Another easy and affordable option is to start using teeth whitening toothpaste daily. This is a super easy option because you don’t have to add anything new to your daily routine. 

Teeth whitening toothpaste works to remove surface stains with mild abrasives. They contain additional polishing agents and special chemicals that are more powerful at removing stains than regular toothpaste.

On the other hand, this type of toothpaste does not bleach your teeth so you may not see lasting results. If you rely on this toothpaste too much, then you may feel a bit of tooth sensitivity or damage to your enamel over time. 

Go to a Professional

If you want to change your entire look you may want to start with your teeth and the best way to do this is by hiring a cosmetic dentist. They can help you change the look of your teeth and give your entire face a healthy glow. Finding the best cosmetic dentist could be a bit difficult but there are some major things you should look for when looking to hire one. 

When you hire a cosmetic dentist you’re going to get the best service for your teeth possible. This type of dentist is all about changing the way your teeth look. They can help you get rid of that discolored look and give you the perfectly straight teeth you’ve always dreamed of. 

In-Office Bleaching

In-office bleaching is a great way to see results fast. To have this procedure done you will go to a dentist office. It usually takes a little over an hour so it’s a very quick procedure. 

You may experience a bit of pain but it is just because your teeth are sensitive to the peroxide used. This procedure can be very costly and you will want to stay committed to keeping your teeth as white as possible. The benefit is that you can see the results of the procedure immediately which is why it is very popular. 

Teeth Whitening Rinses

Another popular way to get whiter teeth is by using a whitening rinse. They work just like mouth wash by reducing bad breath and helping to fight dental plaque as well as gum disease. You will want to look for a product that contains hydrogen peroxide. 

Unfortunately, this is a lengthy process and you may not really see the results until 12 weeks of use. But it is very easy to use! All you do is swish it around your mouth for 60 seconds before brushing your teeth. 

A whitening rinse is a great thing to add into your daily routine but it may not give you the teeth whitening results that you’re craving. It only comes in contact with your teeth for about two minutes a day so it isn’t as effective as many other teeth whitening products. 

Teeth Whitening Gels and Trays

Teeth whitening gels and trays can be very effective but do not give immediate results. You can wear these gels and trays for a couple of hours a day or even while you sleep at night. It can take anywhere from 3 days to a few weeks to see results with gels and trays. 

There are two different types of teeth whitening gels and trays that you can buy. The kind that your dentist can sell you or the kind that you can buy over the counter. When you get teeth whitening gels and trays from your dentist you may see faster results because they contain a higher amount of the peroxide bleaching agent. 

Another benefit of purchasing trays from your dentist is that they can have them custom fit for your teeth. When you purchase over the counter whitening gels and trays they are just generic so they may not fit your teeth correctly. This could result in the gel coming in contact with your gums which could cause irritation. 

Many Teeth Whitening Options

There are many different teeth whitening options that you can choose from. You may have to experiment with the different methods but finding the best one for you should be easy. 

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It’s no secret that much of the fashion industry isn’t too concerned with environmental consciousness. Almost three-fifths of clothing will wind up in an incinerator or landfill within a year of production. In 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency reported that 12.8 million tons of textile waste were in our landfills. 

What’s an environmentally-conscious fashion lover to do when their closet no longer brings them joy, then? Upcycle clothes, of course.

Reusing your old articles of clothing and breathing new life into them is both wallet-friendly and better for the environment. You won’t need to take trips to the mall or online shop when you have an infinite amount of options already in your closet. 

If you’re wondering how to upcycle clothing, keep reading. We’ve outlined seven unique ways to repurpose the clothes in your closet. All you need to bring is your creativity, an open mind, and a few craft supplies.

1. Bring out the Bleach

One of our favorite ways to upcycle clothes is by taking a little bit of bleach and getting artsy. 

There are several techniques you can use to bleach your clothing. If you love drawing, you can buy a bleach pen and draw designs on your old shirts or pants. Think spiral designs, inspirational phrases, animals, or whatever else your heart desires.

If you’re less artistically inclined, pair your bleach with any stencil from Hobby Lobby or Michael’s. Stencils come in all shapes and sizes so the skies the limit here.

One thing to keep in mind before taking bleach to your clothing is the fabric. Natural fibers like cotton and silk will be easier to customize with bleach than others. 

2. Raid Your Significant Other’s Closet

If your husband or boyfriend has a closet full of clothes he never wears, they’re fair game for you to upcycle. 

All you need is an oversized shirt, a pair of scissors, and a bit of creativity and the possibilities are endless.

Their side of the closet is especially fun to raid if you have little ones to dress, too. You can turn a large men’s shirt into a little girl’s t-shirt dress with some scissors and a sewing machine. 

3. Upgrade Your Denim

Jean anything is timeless. Though what’s on-trend may change with the seasons, it’s always a good idea to have some denim in your closet.

If you’re handy with scissors and a sewing machine, you can create almost anything from your old denim. Turn last season’s jeans into a make-up or tote bag. 

If you’re particularly fond of your jean jacket, consider upgrading instead of upcycling. Turn it into a jean vest if you’re feeling punky. You can use the bleach trick above or even buy some iron on patches to give your jacket a new life, too.

4.  Get Lacy

Leftover lace or fabric scraps from other upcycling or craft projects can help transform your old clothes. Sew lace to the hem of a dress to make it more modest while adding vintage flair. 

Add lace trim to your jeans or on the sleeves of your jean jacket to uplevel your denim. If you have a pair of holy pants destined for the trash, sew lace into the holes for a sexy peekaboo effect. 

 5. Reuse Blankets

Upcycling isn’t a practice reserved just for clothing. Do you have an old blanket collecting mothballs in a closet somewhere in your home? It’s time to repurpose that beauty into something new and fashionable.

With an old wool blanket, you can create a homemade coat perfect for those cold winter months. You’ll be looking fashionable and staying warm with a few cuts of fabric and several stitches. 

Blankets can also be repurposed into things like Christmas stockings, tote bags, throw pillows or winter hats.

6. Turn Tees Into Tanks

You don’t need to be a whiz with a sewing machine to make upcycling clothes a hobby. There are countless ways you can repurpose old t-shirts into tank tops with a pair of scissors and some ribbon. 

The first step to transforming any tee into a tank is taking off the sleeves. Once the sleeves are off, you’ll need to decide what width you’ll want your new tank top straps to be. Don’t forget to determine how big you want the armholes to be, too. 

The next steps will be different depending on what style tank top you’re going for. You can cut off the bottom two inches of the shirt and use this strip of fabric as a tie to make your tank a racerback.

Not a fan of the racerback silhouette? Maybe a crop top is more your style? That’s an easy DIY that’ll only take a few minutes to complete. 

7. Give Your Sweaters a Second Chance

Just as with blankets, your old sweaters can be repurposed in infinite ways.  

One of our favorite sweatshirt upcycle ideas is to transform them into other winter attire. Since sweaters are already designed for warmth, using them as a winter-specific upcycle is a logical choice. You can make them into warm hats, leg warmers, a mug cozie, a cowl, or even a pair of mittens. 

Another great thing about repurposing sweaters is that their second life can extend beyond clothing. Make an autumn wreath by wrapping the fabric around a wreath ring. Wrap a vase for a chic take on winter table decor. 

Do Your Part and Upcycle Clothes

Making clothes out of old clothes can be a fun way to spend your spare time. Not only are you helping the environment by not contributing to textile waste, but you’re also sharpening your crafting skills.

When you upcycle clothes, your closet will always feel fresh, and you won’t need to spend a dime. Repurposing clothes allows you to contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry that’s better for the world.

If you’re interested in learning more about sustainability in the industry, be sure to keep browsing our page. We’re raising awareness about ethical fashion and need help spreading the word. 

Somewhere between the age of 35 and 45 is when we begin to notice big changes to our skin. There’s a loss of elasticity and the emergence of wrinkles. You start to notice dark spots and dryer skin. 

You can combat these changes to your skin tone with the right daily skin care routine. Certain techniques and products work to keep skin healthy, clear, and smooth. 

Read on for the best skin care regimen for 40-year-olds to live by. 

Choose the Right Moisturizer for Your Skin Type

It’s common to notice your skin get more dry and sensitive with age. A daily moisturizer that works for your complexion is a key part of your skin care routine.

It should get applied to your face and neck at the start of every day. This will help to keep the skin hydrated and healthy. 

Products that include anti-aging ingredients are ideal. Niacinamide is a type of B3 vitamin with the power to slow the aging process. It also works to reduce the appearance of dark spots. 

Peptides are important amino acids that promote healthy skin growth. They help with collagen production and skin elasticity.

Ceramides offer hydration and act as a skin protectant. Alpha-lipoic acid helps with inflammation and has antioxidant powers.    

Apply a Daily Serum

Daily serums are ideal for improving skin quality over time. They contain key ingredients that help to fight free radical damage. 

Serums also reach further into your skin than a lotion can. This works to promote healthy skin cell growth. 

Essential ingredients include antioxidants and C and E vitamins. These help improve skin tone for more radiant skin. You’ll also notice a boost in collagen production. 

Hyaluronic acid gets known to help hydrate and brighten the skin. Yet, as you age, your body’s production of it will start to decrease. This makes a Hyaluronic acid serum part of the best skin care regimen for 40-year-olds. 

Use a Restorative Night Cream 

Night creams are important for your skin care regimen as they help restore your skin while you sleep. They work to lock in the most amount of moisture while your cells regenerate. 

Many skin professionals recommend using ingredients like retinol in your night cream. This form of Vitamin A has powerful antioxidant properties.

It provides a collagen boost and works to help reduce wrinkles and fine lines. You’ll notice a change in your skin appearance and texture when using retinol. 

When using these type of products it’s essential to keep your skin well hydrated. As retinol can be drying to the skin. You may also want to patch test an area when adding retinol to your beauty regimen.  

Exfoliate While in the Shower

Exfoliating is the secret to getting flawless skin. Using a gentle exfoliant will help to remove dead skin cells. Doing this 2 to 3 times a week will result in smoother glowing skin. 

The idea is to use a gentle scrubbing motion to protect the skin. It’s best to have a separate exfoliant product for your body and face. The face calls for gentler ingredients. 

You also want to pay attention to the water temperature in your shower. Taking too hot of a shower can take away natural oils and dry your skin out even more. Lukewarm temperature is best for skin and hair health.

You can even try a dry-brushing technique to exfoliate the skin. This works the lymphatic system to help detoxify your body as well. 

Don’t Forget to Target Your Eyes

As we age, the skin around our eyes begins to thin. This makes the eyes one of the first spots to begin to age and one that needs extra attention. 

An eye cream can help to target wrinkles and fine lines. It also works to reduce bags, puffiness, and dark circles. Look for natural ingredients like chamomile, green tea, and jojoba oil.  

Stay Safe in the Sun 

Proper protection from the sun is one of the most crucial skin care tips for women of all ages. Anytime you’re in the sun, always use at least 30 SPF. Be sure to apply it after your serum and moisturizer.  

This works to reduce skin damage and lowers the risk of developing skin cancer. It can lessen your chance of getting wrinkles and sunspots.  

You should also see your dermatologist on a regular basis. This is important for regular skin check-ups. They may recommend a chemical peel or laser resurfacing to remove damaged skin. 

Sun hats and sunglasses are other important accessories to use to protect your skin. You may want to try a light and refreshing face mist as well. This product is ideal for keeping your skin hydrated when outdoors.

Speaking of hydration, drink plenty of water. You should aim for at at least 8 glasses of water every day for glowing skin. 

Go All-Natural 

It seems the clean beauty routine is here to stay. It’s becoming clear that women should avoid harmful ingredients like parabens and sulfates. These can interfere with hormone production and cause skin issues. 

Going all-natural also includes your diet. For healthier skin, you want to avoid processed foods and refined sugars. It’s best to stay away from preservatives and GMO’s as well. 

Focus on foods that promote healthy skin. This includes whole foods that provide vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. This helps to support the immune system and healthy cell growth. 

Stock your kitchen with fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Yogurt with probiotics is great for balancing your system. 

Berries get packed with antioxidants which are great for skin health. Leafy greens, salmon, olive oil, and nuts are other skin-friendly foods.  

Get Enough Sleep Every Night

Sleeping ensures you’re giving your cells plenty of time to regenerate. For best skin results, aim for an average of 8 hours a night.  

Be sure you’re cleansing your face every night before bedtime. This removes makeup, dirt, and oil that can clog pores.   

You want to use a gentle cleanser that will clean your face without removing natural oils. A nightly facial massage can also boost blood flow for healthier-looking skin. 

The Secret to the Best Skin Care Regimen for 40-Year-Olds

The best skin care regimen for 40-year-olds is about using the right products for your skin type. These tips will help to improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and prevent damage. The result is healthier and more radiant skin. 

Looking for more advice on secret skincare tips and tricks? Check the latest in the beauty and fashion section of the blog!

Believe it or not, nearly 91 percent of adults have some degree of tooth decay. But getting that decay treated comes at a cost.

Dental appointments are expensive. Even a simple cleaning can set you back more than $100. So, what do you do if you need to schedule an appointment but can’t afford dental work?

Should you forgo getting treatment? Absolutely not!

Try these strategies to help you get the dental care you need without blowing your budget to smithereens.

Look for Dentists That Offer Financing

When you think of going to the dentist, you probably assume you have to pay the full amount up-front after your treatment. While this is the case with some dental practices, it’s not true for every single one.

Some dentists offer in-house financing or payment plans that allow you to pay for your treatments over time.

Most of these plans function much like a loan. You apply for financing through the dentist’s office. If you’re approved, you repay your treatment cost plus any interest accrued. They will check your credit score and determine an interest rate based on that score.

The higher your score is, the lower your interest rate will be.

But if you’re lucky, you may be able to find a dentist that offers a simple payment plan through their office. In some instances, you may not even have to pay interest — you just pay off what you owe in monthly installments.

Take Out a Personal Loan

If your dentist doesn’t offer financing, you can always take out a personal loan to cover the cost of your treatments.

You apply for personal loans on your own and can do it prior to receiving any treatments. During the application process, you’ll need to provide proof of income and authorize the lender to run a credit check.

The lender will then determine how much of a loan you’ll qualify for based on your income and credit score. In most cases, it will be more than enough to cover the cost of your dental work.

Keep in mind that you don’t have to borrow the full amount. View this page to learn about the types of treatments you might need and borrow only what those treatments cost.

The last thing you want to do is borrow more than you need. It hurts your credit score and you’ll end up paying more in interest over the life of the loan.

Search for a Dental School Near You

Dentists have to learn how to treat different conditions and different types of patients. And they do this by getting hands-on experience in their dental school programs.

Most dental schools over low-cost treatment options if you’re willing to receive the treatment from a student. Every treatment, no matter how minor, gets overseen by a licensed and experienced dentist. But the student does most of the work.

Sound risky? It’s not. Before they can start seeing patients, the students have to prove themselves in the classroom. And since there’s always an experienced dentist in the room, you’re in great hands.

The end result is an affordable treatment option. You’re helping aspiring dentists learn their trade and, in return, get a great discount for each appointment.

Shop Around

Believe it or not, different dentists charge different prices for their services. This means that if you can’t afford treatment at one office, you may be able to afford treatment at another.

Don’t be afraid to shop around and get prices from several dentists. You can do this even if you don’t have insurance.

By comparing the prices they offer, you’ll be better prepared to choose the best option for your needs.

Ask About Discounts

When you can’t afford dental work, it’s important to look for ways you can save money wherever possible. But most people don’t realize that you can always ask your dentist about current promotions or discounts.

Throughout the year, many dentists offer discounts on regular cleanings and basic dental work. Often, these discounts coincide with the start of the school year. Other times, it could be a discount marketed to new patients.

If you ask, you may qualify for those discounts, even if you’re a returning patient.

They may also be able to save you money based on how you pay. If you’re paying cash up-front, you’re sparing them the cost of the credit card transaction. Often, they’ll pass those savings onto you.

Save Your Spare Change

Every little bit can make a huge difference, so start saving the little stuff.

Anytime you make a cash purchase, save the change. Put it in an envelope or jar and use those savings for your next dental visit. If it’s not enough, you can always combine it with another form of payment — think credit cards or personal loan — to decrease how much you’ll have to pay off.

Over the course of the year, you’ll feel surprised at how much you can save by just tossing your extra coins in a jar.

Make Regular Cleanings a Priority

Preventative maintenance is the best way to avoid costly dental appointments. And it almost always begins with dental cleanings.

Make those cleanings a priority and schedule them twice a year like clockwork. When you consistently clean your teeth and practice good dental hygiene throughout the rest of the year, you’ll have less tooth decay to deal with.

With less decay, you’ll need less dental work, saving you hundreds of dollars each year.

Don’t Panic If You Can’t Afford Dental Work

When you can’t afford dental work, it’s easy to panic and avoid scheduling an appointment altogether. But doing so puts your health and your wellbeing at risk.

Take a deep breath and try these tips if you find that money’s a bit tight. If you’re patient and determined to make it work, you’ll be able to find a dentist you can afford to see more than once every few years.

Looking for more tips to help you save money? Check out our latest posts.

Only a little more than half (58 percent) of people report going to the dentist on a regular basis.

There are lots of reasons why people skip visiting the dentist. One of the most common, though, is the high cost of a lot of dental treatments.

Do you fall into this camp? Have you been putting off a trip to the dentist because you think you can’t afford it?

If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, keep reading. Listed below are some tips that will help you make your dental care more affordable.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Dental Treatments

Before we get into the steps you can take to save money at the dentist, it helps to know why dental treatment costs what it does. There are a lot of factors that influence the price of treatment, including the following:

Type of Treatment Needed

Some dental treatments are more labor-intensive and time-consuming than others. As a result, their prices are higher.

If you need an involved treatment like a root canal or dental implants, you’re going to pay more than you will for a regular cleaning or cavity filling.

Number of Treatments Needed

You also have to consider the number of treatments you need. If you need multiple procedures done, your dentist will have to charge you more because of the additional time and energy they have to spend working on your teeth. 

Oral Health Complications

Depending on the current state of your oral health, your dentist may have to put more time and effort into your teeth than they would with someone else.

Poor oral health can contribute to complications like infections and severe bleeding when the dentist starts to work on your teeth. If this happens, they’ll have to spend more time and use more resources to take care of the issue.

Dental Practice Overhead Costs

One of the many factors that contribute to the price of dental treatment is the overhead costs associated with the dental clinic itself.

Dental overhead costs are already quite high due to office rents, the cost of paying employees, and the cost of equipment.

Remember, all the money you’re paying for treatment isn’t going straight into your dentist’s pockets. Often, only a small portion of it actually goes to the dentist themselves.

Changes in Lab Prices

Every lab charges different rates for its services. One dentist might have to charge more than another to have molds or devices made, and the price is completely out of their control. 

Insurance Obstacles

In many cases, insurance companies don’t cover as much as patients assume they will. More often than not, the assistance is minimal and doesn’t make much of a dent in the total bill.

This isn’t the dentist’s fault. It’s an insurance issue. However, a lack of insurance or poor insurance coverage can still keep a lot of people from seeking the care they need.

How to Save Money on Dental Treatments

Understand the factors that influence the cost of dental treatments can be very helpful when it comes to planning ahead and knowing about how much you’ll have to pay before you head to the dentist. If you’re not happy with the estimated price of treatment, though, there are a few different steps you can take to lower the cost.

Give these seven tips a try at your next dentist visit:

1. Get Regular Cleanings

There’s a lot of truth to the adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” If you make it a priority to have your teeth cleaned on a regular basis, you can avoid many more serious and expensive treatments in the future.

2. Prioritize Treatments

If you need to have several treatments done and can’t afford to pay for all of them at once, talk to your dentist about which ones are most important. Make those the top priority and schedule the rest for a later date so you have time to save for them.

3. Invest in Dental Discount Plans 

If you don’t have dental insurance, you can still save money on dental services by purchasing a dental discount plan.

Many dentists offer a plan that allows you to receive a variety of basic services for a flat fee. Find out if your dentist offers any kind of program like this, and take advantage of it if possible.

4. Ask About Cash Discounts

Sometimes, your dentist will also give you a discount if you pay for your treatment upfront in cash.

This saves them from having to deal with the administrative headaches of filing insurance claims. As a result, they may be willing to work with you and charge less if you can pay for your treatment then and there.

5. Consider Payment Plans

If you can’t afford to pay for your entire treatment at the time of service, ask your dentist if they can set up some kind of payment plan for you. Many dentists provide this option and charge low interest rates or no interest if you pay for the treatment within a specific period.

6. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Again, prevention makes a big difference when it comes to the cost of treatment. If you make your oral hygiene a priority and brush and floss on a regular basis, you’ll be less likely to need expensive treatments.

7. Ask Questions First

Finally, be sure to ask questions about the cost of treatment before you go in for your appointment.

Find out how much routine things like x-rays will cost and find out what you can skip in order to bring the price of treatment down.

If you need special devices made, ask how much things like mouthguards or clear retainers cost ahead of time so you can start saving for them.

Start Saving Money Today

If you’ve been putting off going to the dentist because you’re worried about how much your dental treatments will cost, you’re in luck.

These tips can help you get the care you need without having to spend an arm and a leg. Keep them in mind as you schedule your next appointment so you can avoid paying more than is necessary.

Do you want to learn more about how to save money on other dental and healthcare treatments? If so, check out the Health and Fitness section of our site today for additional information.