Category: Beauty and Fashion Tips

If your teeth need straightening, braces are the only solution, right?

Most people with crooked teeth probably think that they need braces to solve this dental issue, but that’s not always the case. Braces should be viewed as a sort of last resort for tooth conditions that aren’t fixable.

Today, we’re going to tell you how to straighten teeth without braces because it is possible and you can sometimes do it without a dentist’s help. Of course, it depends on the situation you have in your mouth, so read on and see if you can course-correct your teeth by yourself.

How to Straighten Teeth Without Braces

There are a few common conditions that are fixable without the costly and time-consuming help of braces. If you’ve got limited overcrowding, other malocclusions, or an underdeveloped palate that is making your teeth crooked, you can fix them with the help of retainers and other, less-invasive devices.

Overcrowding

Limited overcrowding is when your teeth are slightly crooked because they’re crowding in too small a space within your mouth. It’s the most common condition that (often) requires braces, but that’s not always necessary. 

Many cases of limited overcrowding can be solved with a fixed or removable retainer. A fixed retainer is mounted behind your teeth with luting cement to prevent them from moving for a period of time. A removable retainer has the same function as a fixed one, but you can take it out when it becomes uncomfortable.

Malocclusion

Overcrowding is a form of malocclusion, which is any kind of misalignment of the teeth. Other forms are crossbites, over and underbites, and open bites. Depending on which class of malocclusion you’ve got, you may be forced to get braces or Invisalign to get straighter teeth.

In more minor cases, retainers will once again come into play. In class 2 or 3 malocclusions, it might be more beneficial to insert a device to adjust the jaw.

Underdeveloped Palate

Sometimes you’ll need to adjust your palate to make room for your teeth. This is most common with children whose jaws are too small for their permanent teeth. In the old days, an orthodontist would perform an extraction to accommodate the teeth, but now we have something called rapid palatal expansion.

With RPE, a device is fitted into the mouth that gradually expands the palate (roof of the mouth) so that it can fit those permanent teeth that are coming in. The process usually takes between a few weeks and a few months to complete.

Take Care of Your Teeth

While retainers and other devices are meant to help you avoid getting braces, sometimes it’s the only way. Going down the path of learning how to straighten teeth without braces should only happen with the help of a dental professional.

Most people associate having straight teeth with being more confident about their appearance, but there are practical benefits as well. The biggest is that it’s much easier to catch food and particles when you’re brushing. Crooked teeth can also put pressure on your jaw and lead to chronic headaches.

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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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The average family spends just shy of $2000.00 per year on clothes. That’s enough money for most Americans to take a vacation to Disney World!

We get that clothes take priority over Mickey Mouse photo ops and fun rides but understand that you don’t have to be spending anywhere near $2000.00 on clothes on an annual basis. There are a number of clever strategies that everyday people like you use to save extraordinary amounts of cash on everything from shoes to shirts.

Curious to know what these awesome savings strategies are? Well, you’re about to find out.

Below, we share our top tips on how to shop for clothes without breaking the bank!

1. Be Open to Hand Me Downs

When you were a kid, you probably dreaded getting your sibling’s or your cousin’s hand me downs. As an adult, you should be more open to digging through people’s used clothes to see if there are any good pieces in the pile.

After all, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure, right?

Let people that are roughly the same size as you know that you’re always looking for interesting pieces of clothing to experiment with and that you’d appreciate it if they’d drop their bags of used garments on your doorstep before they go to the dumpster.

You can even sweeten the deal by saying that you’ll donate anything that you don’t use!

2. Go Thrift Shopping

Every how to shop for clothes affordably guide is going to recommend that you go thrift shopping. That’s because thrift shopping rocks!

You’d be shocked by how many high-end pieces get donated and go on a $2.00 rack at your local Goodwill or Salvation Army store.

Also, most thrift shops donate proceeds to charitable causes. That means that you can upgrade your closet for pennies on the dollar while improving someone else’s quality of life. Talk about a great deal!

3. Go to Overstock Stores Before Outlets

There are overstock stores and there are outlet stores. Understanding the difference between those two places is instrumental to you saving big time on clothes.

Outlets, for the most part, aren’t a very good deal. Most outlets advertise insane markdowns but those markdowns are based on MSRP which doesn’t always turn out to be a better deal than you’d get at a standard mall. Also, many outlet malls have lower quality clothing that were produced specifically for outlet retailers which won’t last you long.

On the other hand, overstock stores are an excellent value! Overstock stores like Marshalls or Ross legitimately get name brand retailers to sell them their overstock inventory at a discounted rate. They then pass those discounts onto you.

Consequently, you can find high-quality garments at overstock stores for prices that will make your jaw drop!

4. Hit the Sales Rack

Any time that you walk into a store, go straight to the sales rack. Sure, most items on a sales rack won’t be what you’re looking for. Occasionally though, you’ll bump into an incredible deal that you would have missed out on if you hadn’t of looked.

Can’t find the sales rack at your local store? Don’t be afraid to ask a store associate where you can find it.

Floor managers sometimes tuck sales racks into the back of their stores to let their more expensive merchandise enjoy the limelight.

5. Click the Clearance/Sales Tab on Websites

Do you like shopping online? If you do, you’re not alone. About 10% of all sales are generated over the internet. As it turns out, your how to shop for clothes at discounted prices ambitions can be achieved over the web if you know where to look.

Our recommendation is to head over to the “clearance” or “sale” tab on clothing sites like Lulu & Rose which should either be at the top or bottom of a homepage.

There are usually several excellent deals in online clearance sections that you can’t find in a store’s brick-and-mortar locations.

6. Buy out of Season Fashion

Don’t buy cute coats in late November. Don’t buy sexy swimsuits in May. Instead, buy swimsuits in the winter and coats during the summer.

While that may seem counterintuitive, retailers try to clear out fashion that’s not in season to make room for more relevant inventory by offering huge discounts. Stock up on all of the cheap, out of season fashion that you can get your hands on and debut it to the public once the appropriate weather blows into town.

7. Sell Your Old Stuff to Save on New Purchases

While this isn’t a way to explicitly save money while buying new clothes, it achieves the same end. If you have clothes that are in good condition but don’t fit you anymore, you can actually sell those garments and use the money to discount the new stuff that you buy.

Popular places/platforms to sell your old fashion on include Poshmark, The Buffalo Exchange and eBay.

8. Never Shop Without Coupons

There’s a coupon for just about anything that you buy in life. Especially when you’re shopping online.

Before you check out that shopping cart on Amazon or on Nike, scour the web to see if there’s a coupon that you can apply to your purchase to bring down your price. To make things even easier, you can use applications like Honey which will source coupons on your behalf.

9. Take Care of Your Threads

If you buy a shirt for $15.00 and you ruin it in one year, that shirt cost you $15.00 per year to own. If you bought the same shirt, took care of it and it lasted you four years, it cost you $3.75 per year to own.

Most people don’t think about clothing prices that way but you definitely should. Take better care of your threads and they become cheaper to own over time.

10. Be Honest About When You Need to Go Shopping

Another way to bring down the amount of money that you spend on clothing is by being honest about when you need to shop. We get that shopping can make for a great release after a stressful workweek. But how about finding another way to take the edge off like exercising?

We’re willing to bet that if you need a new outfit to wear, you could mix and match old pieces to create a fresh look. If that’s true, get creative instead of pulling out your credit card.

11. Don’t Buy Pricey Workout Clothes

Niche clothing outfits like “yoga clothes” or “workout clothes” are some of the biggest scams of all time.

In reality, you could use any large shirt and comfy sweats/shorts to work out or do yoga. Since that mindset isn’t going to make retailers money, they’ve constructed this idea that everything you do requires a specialized outfit.

Ditch that nonsense and stop being so concerned about how you look all of the time. If you can take a more pragmatic attitude when it comes to the kinds of outfits that you wear, you’ll save a boatload of money.

12. Check the Men’s Section

Ladies, we’ve got some bad news for you… Your clothes tend to be a lot more expensive than men’s clothes.

Why is that? A number of reasons, some of which have to do with how much women are willing to pay for clothing in comparison to men. The good news is that there’s no reason why you need to buy lady’s clothing!

If you’re looking for something androgynous like sweats, a hoodie or a shirt, mosey over to the men’s section to see what they have available. We’re willing to bet that you’ll find something that looks great for at least 20% off of what you would have paid in the women’s section.

Now That You Know How to Shop for Clothes for Less Money, Start Saving!

You can read about how to shop for clothes for less money until you’re blue in the face. Until you put forward the effort that’s required to enjoy deals though, you’re going to overspend on threads and waste cash that you could have spent on a vacation or other fulfilling purchases.

Remember, there’s no shame in getting a great deal. Get out there, start shopping smart and start enjoying the extra cash that you’re going to be building up in your wallet.

Can’t get enough of our savings-related content? If you’re craving more tips and tricks on all things money, dive deeper into the newest content that we have up on our blog!

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!

We all want dazzling teeth, but so many of us can’t afford the hefty price tag that comes with it. Dentists recommend we go for a check-up every six months, but sometimes we encounter emergency dental problems that cost a fortune.

There are, however, many ways we can forgo the eye-watering bill and keep your savings for a dream vacation or as a back-up fund. Here are tips on how to save money on dental work.

1. Take Preventative Measures

A simple way to save on dental procedures is to ensure you are taking good care of your teeth. Regular brushing and flossing will decrease the chances of having to get fillings. Another solution, great for kids, is to have a dental sealant which prevents 60% of decay at one-third of the cost of filling a cavity.

Also, keep a balanced diet to protect your teeth by providing them with the right nutrients. You can do this by limiting your sugar intake, taking vitamins and drinking plenty of water throughout the day. 

2. Triage

If you need more dental work than expected, ask your dentist which procedures are urgent and which ones can wait. If your dentist knows you’re tight on funds, she or he may recommend temporary fixes to hold you over until a permanent fix is possible. 

3. Ask for a Cash Discount

It sounds cheeky but you can ask for a dentist cash discount if you’re paying cash. Since you’ll be saving him credit card fees and billing hassles, he’ll most likely agree. Emphasize that you can pay full up-front so he knows that you’re reliable and making a serious offer.

4. Get Dental Insurance 

Buying dental insurance can save you money if you know you’ll be in the dentist chair often. Make sure you can postpone treatment until the policy is valid and verify that it covers your treatment.

5. Buy a Dental Discount Plan

Another way to save on dental care is to buy a dental discount plan. This is an option if your employer doesn’t offer dental insurance or if the premium ones are out of your budget. A dental discount plan means you pay a small, one-time fee each year (around $100) and all your dental work will be discounted.

6. Go to a Dental School

If you want a super discount on your dental care, consider having cleaning and work done at a dental school. Students (under the supervision of instructors) will undertake the procedure and you only have to pay a fraction of the normal cost.

Dental schools offer a variety of treatments such as crowns, fillings, implants, braces, and whitening, so check up a local school near you.

7. Visit Dental Care Events

For those who want to save dental, there are many events that offer free dental care nationwide. Sometimes at large-venue events, thousands of people are treated in a day or over the weekend. Many dentists offer a free exam, cleaning, extraction, and other dental procedures.  

8. Use Coupons

Many dentists send coupons in the mail or you can find them on Valpak.com. To find a coupon, type in your zip code or city name and narrow the results by adding “dentist” to your search. You’ll find many deals offering an exam, x-rays, and cleaning for as low as $48.

9. Use Online Reviews

Checking out dentist reviews gives you a better idea of their rates and services. You should create a list of acceptable dentists and call the office directly to ask about a specific treatment like dental implants.

10. Be Wary about Corporate Dentists

Corporate and private-practice dentists have major differences. For example, corporate dentists are employees and their bosses are determined they meet quotas and profit goals.

Corporate dentists are less flexible about offering cheaper alternatives and try to up-sell compared to a private practice. Taking to the owner of a practice is far more comfortable when discussing treatment and payment options.

12. Use a Health Savings Account 

A Health Savings Account is another way to save money for your dental work. Finding a suitable Health Savings Account lets you put pre-tax money to the side which you can use for dental care whilst lowering your overall health costs.

The Internal Revenue Service allows money to be saved in an HSA to be used for procedures such as teeth cleaning, apply sealants and fluoride treatments to prevent tooth decay.

12. Go to a Specialist Only When Necessary

Many patients splurge on an appointment with a specialist when a more affordable general dentist is all they need. If you’re getting a wisdom tooth extracted by an oral surgeon, compare costs as it could save you a bundle.

13. Get a Second Opinion

If you go to your dentist with a toothache and he proposes a treatment plan that will cost you hundreds, take a step back. Call another dentist for a second opinion. And when you schedule an appointment, ask for a free consultation to avoid another exam and bring recent X-rays so you don’t have to pay extra.

Now You Know How to Save Money on Dental Work, Good Luck!

Going to the dentist can be scary not just for the potential discomfort, but because of the potential cost of your treatment. Luckily, there are many ways to prevent this such as searching for coupons, applying for dental insurance and even receiving treatment from student dentists.

Finally, always double-check how much your treatment should cost and compare it with other dentists to ensure you’re getting the best deal. 

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