Dealing with infertility can be a demoralizing experience for men and women. Fortunately, the condition is not without a cure; in most people, changing certain lifestyle habits and consuming specific foods can help restore their fertility. Therefore, couples need to make a concerted effort if either of them have been diagnosed with infertility and they desire to start a family. Aside from treatments and therapy, here are some tips to boost fertility naturally:

Get enough sleep
Sleep is closely connected to a person’s ability to procreate. If a person sleeps well, then their melatonin and other hormonal levels are perfectly balanced, which directly plays a part in boosting their fertility. Research studies have found that irregular and low sleep periods can affect melatonin and serotonin levels in people, especially women. Also, for women, low levels of these hormones result in a shorter time gap between ovulation and menstruation, an occurrence that marks low fertility in them. The shortness of this phase is directly linked with an inability to conceive.

Additionally, a lack of sleep also destabilizes the body’s ability to regulate hormones like cortisol, insulin, and adrenaline. All of these issues cause fertility levels to dramatically reduce in people.

Exercise regularly
Physical activity is absolutely essential to keep one’s fertility high at all times. A sedentary lifestyle is one of the main causes of infertility and impotency in males and females. There are many connections between exercise and fertility. For one, intercourse is a strenuous activity and therefore, one needs to be physically fit to be able to perform well in bed and satiate themselves and their partners to the fullest when it comes to sex.

Additionally, exercise has been known to reduce stress levels in people and help maintain a healthy body weight consistently, which can be incredibly helpful in keeping one’s fertility high. One of the other positive effects of exercise that aid fertility is the ability to help keep one’s blood pressure under check.

At the same time, excessive amounts of exercise can have the opposite effect on fertility too. For instance, if a person does not have enough body fat, they will find it harder to ovulate (for women). Causing an anovulatory state in people is a major reason why one should not push themselves too much during exercise or spend large, possibly absurd amounts of time working out every day. Simple physical activities, such as walking, jogging, cycling, and pushups, done daily are just as effective as any other exercise.

Eat plenty of nuts
Rather than opting for options that come with a ton of side effects and long-term health hazards, it is always advisable for people to check out natural solutions to get the best results. This is especially true for restoring or boosting one’s fertility levels. Foods rich in antioxidants are generally recommended for people to boost their fertility in a natural and organic way.

There are not many foods out there that can compare to nuts in terms of the sheer amount of antioxidants they possess. Nuts of all kinds, including groundnuts, hazelnuts, cashew nuts, and almonds, are effective for fertility boosting. Antioxidants, such as zinc and folate, tend to dramatically improve fertility in men and women. These elements can deactivate volatile free radicals in the body; typically, these radicals are the main cause of damage to one’s egg cells or sperm.

Apart from nuts, foods such as grains, fruits, green leafy vegetables, and fatty fish are also filled to the brim with antioxidants such as folate, beta carotene, lutein, and vitamins C and E, as well as a host of other incredible nutrients and components.

All in all, nut-rich foods are definitely at the top of one’s priority list if they are seeking tips to boost fertility naturally.

Eat a big, heavy breakfast
Research has found that eating a heavy breakfast is good for women looking to enhance their fertility levels. For example, a heavy breakfast can improve the hormonal effects associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a massive reason for infertility in women. Eating a heavy breakfast can also reduce insulin and testosterone levels in women. These two elements have also been frequently linked with infertility in women.

Now, one needs to be careful with this meal-based lifestyle change too. A heavy breakfast must be complemented by a moderate to small-sized lunch and dinner. In case one consumes a heavy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, then they simply increase the fat quantity in their body and also muscle mass. An increase in both of these can negatively affect one’s fertility.

Consume lesser rice and soft drinks
Foods that contain refined carbohydrates are among the worst ones to have for those battling infertility. Foods such as soft drinks and white rice contain tons of refined carbs. These carbs contribute very little apart from spiking one’s blood sugar and insulin levels, both of which can seriously reduce one’s sex drive and overall fertility. Insulin, specifically, has adverse ovarian effects in women. High levels of insulin in the blood can reduce the amount of ovarian hormones a woman’s body makes. This automatically dents their reproductive abilities too.

Apart from these tips, some other natural ways to boost fertility are keeping stress levels under control, reducing caffeine intake, and staying hydrated throughout the day.

Detox water is water that has been infused with fresh fruits, vegetables, or herbs for added flavor. It is also known as infused or flavored water. It is easy to make your detox water at home with different combinations of ingredients. As it doesn’t utilize the pulp or sugar from the ingredients and is merely an infusion, it is also low in calories. This makes it a popular addition to many healthy meal plans.

Benefits of flavored water
There are several health benefits associated with drinking flavored water, depending on the combination of ingredients used. Some of the benefits are:

Keeps you hydrated: Drinking infused water can help keep your body hydrated, so your vital organs can function at an optimal level. Flavored water is a great, low-calorie option if you do not enjoy the taste of regular, plain water.

Helps burn calories: Maintaining a regular intake of fluids (either regular or infused water) can also temporarily boost the metabolic system, which helps burn more calories. According to certain reports, drinking 17 ounces of water can increase your metabolic rate by up to 30% for an hour. Drinking water has also been linked to reduced hunger, which can help lower calorie intake.

Aids in digestion: Hydration is necessary for maintaining good digestive health and having regular bowel movements. Fluids help food move through the body with more ease, helping you avoid constipation.

Improves mood and energy levels: Increasing water intake can help boost your mood and give you more energy. This is because even mild (1%) dehydration has been linked to bad moods, decreased concentration span, and headaches. Drinking infused water is a great way to enhance your mood and stay hydrated with a fresh burst of flavor.

Enhances immunity: Flavored water may help enhance your immune system, especially when infused with ingredients rich in vitamin C, such as lemon, lime, or strawberries. Although there is no conclusive data on how much impact it can make, it may help improve your nutrient intake by small margins daily.

Popular detox water recipes
To make detox water, you need to chop all your ingredients and add them to cold or hot water, based on your preferences. If you are using cold water, let the concoction sit in the refrigerator for a few hours before drinking it. This will allow the flavors to seep into the water. Remove any fresh ingredients from the water after infusion to avoid decomposition. Some popular infused water combinations are:

Cucumber and mint: When infused overnight, cucumbers give a subtle flavor to the water. They contain vitamins A and C, along with minerals like silica and potassium. Mint adds a fresh flavor to the water and can help aid digestion. If you are keen on maximizing the benefits of this concoction, consider adding some lemon juice to it as well.

Lemon and ginger: Lemon and ginger flavored water (or tea) can provide relief from nausea, improve immunity, reduce the risk of cardiovascular and liver disease, and offer pain relief. Ginger is popular as an anti-inflammatory ingredient in traditional home remedies across Asia, and lemon is a great source of vitamin C and antioxidants.

Lemon and cayenne pepper: Lemon is a great source of vitamin C and minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Combined with cayenne pepper in the form of infused water, it offers benefits like antifungal and immune-boosting properties. It may also help boost cardiovascular health, promote digestion, and regulate blood sugar levels.

Watermelon and mint: Watermelon and mint make for an exciting yet healthy combination for a fruity summer beverage. It combines the goodness of citrulline from the watermelon, which can help improve liver function and reduce the accumulation of fat in the cells, along with mint, which helps aid the digestive process.

Mango, pineapple, and lemon: Pineapple, mango, and lemon are rich sources of vitamin C and can help bolster our immune system. Infusing them in water may help you reduce calorie intake while still enjoying some of the benefits of vitamin C.

Grapefruit and rosemary: This flavor-packed water is great for people who are looking for a kick of vitamin C combined with the fresh taste of rosemary. Rosemary is also known to aid the digestion process.

Orange and lemon: If you are looking for bold, citrusy flavors, orange and lemon water is rich in vitamin C. If you are adding slices of these ingredients to your water, make sure you retain the peels as well, as they are a rich source of citrus oil.

Lemon and lime: Lemon and lime water, or regular lime-infused water, has several notable health benefits. It rejuvenates the skin for a youthful glow, improves digestion, helps fight infections and reduce inflammation, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and reduces the risk of heart disease and certain forms of cancer.

Strawberry and basil: Strawberry and basil water is another refreshing summer drink that is a good source of vitamin C, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Due to its contents, it can help provide hydration, boost immunity, and prevent heartburn.

Apple and cinnamon: Apple and cinnamon is another delicious detox water combination that may help increase energy levels, reduce menstrual pain, regulate blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease due to the anti-inflammatory and flavonoid content of its ingredients.

The sinus and nasal areas are known for being incredibly sensitive. They can be affected by various factors, such as pollution, poor air quality, allergens, changing climate, humidity, ongoing diseases, etc. Food choices are another aspect that might aggravate issues such as nasal congestion and sinusitis. Foods such as kiwi, berries, pumpkin, papaya, and pineapple, are exceptional for sinus health. On the other hand, some of the worst foods in this regard are listed below.

Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain high levels of acidic content. So, eating tomatoes can increase a person’s histamine levels. Due to that, people with a history of allergies can suffer from allergic reactions and sinus inflammation. Tomatoes have several anti-inflammatory properties, but people with sinus issues shouldn’t eat the fruit too much due to its high acidity.

Furthermore, the high acidity in tomatoes also triggers acid reflux in people. It is bad, especially for people with a history of nasal and sinus issues.

Jalapeños
When people eat jalapeños or other hyper-spicy food items, they might notice that their nose starts watering almost immediately after eating some portions. Spicy foods facilitate the production of plenty of histamine in the body. Histamine, in turn, triggers inflammation and aggravates pre-existing allergic reactions in people. Therefore, one must think twice before dialing up the spice content in their food, especially if they suffer from sinus issues.

Frozen pizza
Pizza is considered an incredibly unhealthy food due to its high amount of processed elements. Even a single slice of pizza contains refined preservatives and taste enhancers that can cause damage to one’s cardiovascular system and digestive tract.

From a sinus perspective, pizza and frozen pizzas must be avoided as they contain high amounts of trans-fatty acids. Apart from the fact that these acids are not nutritional, they also cause inflammation if eaten in small quantities. Hydrogenated oil, a vital aspect of the fast-food industry, is the primary source of trans-fatty acids found in pizzas.

Cakes and pastries
Foods with refined sugars are never too far from the top of any list of the worst foods. For example, cakes, pastries, aerated sodas, and bakery products are filled with refined sugars. These sugars tend to cause inflammation, which, in turn, increases mucus production in a person’s body. As a result, one may experience nasal congestion and sinus issues if one eats these foods regularly. Cakes and pastries must be eaten in minimal portions, especially by people with sinus and nasal issues.

Milk and cheese
Dairy products are generally good for the body as they help strengthen the person’s bone health, keep them away from cardiovascular diseases, and help lower blood pressure. However, dairy products, including milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and mayonnaise, have other properties that trigger nasal congestion and sinus-related issues.

Milk, for example, thickens the mucus inside a person’s body. It increases the chances of experiencing conditions such as nasal congestion and sinusitis. Moreover, a thicker mucus layer causes allergens to remain within the body, making allergic attacks and reactions last longer and more uncomfortable.

What’s more, the milk thickens mucus and stimulates its production. Therefore, people with nasal congestion are usually advised by healthcare experts to avoid milk and other dairy products for a while until their health significantly improves.

Bananas
Like milk, bananas also increase the production of mucus in the body. Additionally, bananas, especially if eaten during winter, can trigger sinus problems in people. Due to this, nutritional experts usually advise people not to eat bananas at night before bed. Doing so can clog one’s nasal cavity and cause shortness of breath while napping.

Nuts
All kinds of nuts can cause severe allergic reactions. Like some of the other foods on this list, nuts can increase the histamine level in some consumers. Therefore, someone with sinus problems or who experiences frequent bouts of nasal congestion is advised to steer clear of walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, and other kinds of nuts. Furthermore, nuts are also high in omega-6 fatty acids, which worsens the condition.

Beef and pork
Red meat-based foods such as beef and pork are also on the list of foods to avoid to keep one’s nasal health in check. Such food items contain high amounts of protein, which causes mucus accumulation in the body and worsens sinusitis symptoms in people with the condition.

Sunflower oil
Sunflower oil contains high amounts of omega-6 fatty acids, a nutrient that aggravates sinus issues in people. Usually, foods rich in this essential nutrient are good for the body as they contain plenty of antioxidative properties. However, this element has also been found to worsen the severity of nasal irritation and congestion. If one eats foods containing omega-6 fatty acids, one will experience issues caused by sinus inflammation.

In short, eating foods such as tuna, sunflower oils, cured meats, and other items containing omega-6 fatty acids is not advisable for people with sinus issues.

Apart from these foods, one must not eat chocolates, pasta, and nuts to maintain sinus health and avoid problems such as nasal congestion. Instead, one can opt for bright-colored veggies and certain fruits that help reduce inflammation and the buildup on the sinuses.

Seniors are susceptible to several ailments owing to the weakening of the immune system and other ailments that tend to occur as one begins aging. Given the ongoing outbreak of Covid-19, which affects the elderly more severely than others, seniors will need immediate medical assistance in case of an emergency. So, it is advisable to invest in the right medical alert system that caters to the needs of seniors. These wearable devices can summon timely help during an emergency; all seniors have to do is hit the button! Medical alert systems or alert buttons for seniors are a necessity these days, and if you need help finding the right one, this article is for you.

Home-based or mobile system?
One of the first things you need to decide is whether you wish to opt for a home-based senior medical alert system with an emergency button or a mobile one. Home-based alert buttons for seniors work inside your home and are connected to your landline. However, these days, several companies also offer the option of using a home-based system that works with cellular connections if you don’t have a landline. When it comes to mobile systems, it is a wearable device that can be used outside your home and connects you to the dispatcher right away. Besides, it uses cellular network and incorporates GPS technology. Between these two types, you must decide on the type of senior alert button you wish to invest in.

Water-resistance
If you are looking for a medical alert system for seniors, ensure that you pick one that is water-resistant. Most accidents happen in the bathroom, and it would be difficult for seniors to call for help if their device doesn’t function. Whether it is a medical alert pendant or a wristband, it has to be water-resistant. This ensures that they can receive timely help in case of accidents.

Easy to use
Most seniors aren’t tech-savvy, so opting for alert button devices that are loaded with features but are difficult to use defeats the purpose. Instead of opting for a medical alert system that is technologically advanced but complicated and does not connect the individual with emergency services, choose a system that is easy to use and access.

Automatic fall detection
This is one of the most essential features in a medical alert system. This feature can detect a fall automatically and summon help without the wearer needing to do anything from their end. There are instances when people fall and cannot get up, or even move, due to an injury. A senior alert system with automatic fall detection can alert medical personnel and provide them with timely assistance.

Medical alert systems can be a viable option for seniors living independently as they can help seniors get timely medical assistance during an emergency. All they have to do is press the senior alert button, and they will be automatically connected to an emergency responder. If you are looking for a medical alert system for your parent or grandparent, this article will help you along the way. We have listed down 3 top medical alert systems that help safeguard the well-being of seniors and give you some peace of mind while you’re away.

Medical Guardian
You can choose from multiple medical alert systems by Medical Guardian, including landline and cellular in-home options, a combination of Wi-Fi and cellular devices for more active users, and a water-resistant alert button for seniors. The automatic fall detection system is offered as an add-on. Additionally, the in-home devices come with a backup battery of 32 hours, while the battery life of the mobile system is 24 hours. To top it all off, there are no long-term contracts involved.

Bay Alarm Medical
Bay Alarm Medical offers landline and cellular in-home emergency medical alert systems, apart from a mobile variant with 4G LTE coverage and GPS. Also, they provide an in-car medical alert and water-resistant alert buttons for seniors. Their additional features consist of the “vial of life” medical information pack that helps medical personnel quickly review the senior’s medical history, wireless wall buttons, and caregiver tracking portal on mobile systems. The in-home systems come with a 32-hour battery backup, while the mobile systems boast of battery life of 72 hours. Also, they don’t impose long-term contracts and are free of any equipment costs.

LifeFone
Alert buttons for seniors are provided by LifeFone as part of at-home (with or without a landline), on-the-go GPS, a two-way mobile voice system or a bundled system that offers both at-home and on-the-go arrangements. Some of its extra features are wall-mounted buttons, lockbox options, and fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide monitoring with the complete home package. Individuals and family members can also get a mobile app for an additional cost. Their at-home system has a lasting backup battery of 32 hours, and users can also receive free spouse coverage. Like Medical Guardian and Bay Alarm Medical, LifeFone doesn’t levy long-term contracts either.

Invisible teeth aligners braces are also commonly known as Invisalign®. These are a popular alternative to regular braces among teenagers and adults. If you too have been considering getting these invisible teeth aligners as an alternative to braces, here is a list of some pros and cons that you must consider. 

Pros of invisible teeth aligners

Invisible braces are a wonderful technology. The pros of using them over metal braces are as follows:

• Comfortable to wear
  These aligners do not have any sharp parts, unlike the structure of metal braces, which requires wires. As a result, you will not have to deal with any rough edges or possibilities of scrapes and cuts when you speak or chew.
• Easy to clean
  Invisalign® pieces can be easily removed for cleaning. Now, you do not have to deal with the difficulty that comes with cleaning your mouth in regular braces. This helps to maintain good mouth hygiene and also minimizes the risk of foul mouth odor. 
• Neater appearance
  The reason why most people reject traditional braces is that they look extremely jarring and affect one’s self-esteem. This is especially true for adults who are working professionals. Aligners let you get your teeth corrected while looking almost invisible to an onlooker. So, you can head out for functions and meetings with ease and style. 

Cons of invisible teeth aligners braces

There are also a few downsides to Invisalign®, which you should be aware of before opting for it. The cons are as follows:

• Suited to mild cases
  Invisalign® can only treat those who have mild orthodontic problems. People with severe issues might still need to opt for traditional metal braces. 
• Requires regular wear
  According to doctors, these invisible aligners need to be worn at least for 22 hours for them to work on your teeth. This means that if you remove them frequently to eat or forget to put them back in, you could face an issue with how fast your teeth get corrected. If you are ready for this commitment, then Invisalign® is right for you. 
• Easy to lose
  Since you can remove these invisible aligners whenever you feel like it, there is a high possibility that you can lose them. This means you have to be extra careful at keeping your Invisalign® safe especially since you have paid good money for it.

Everybody wants a winning smile, but is it that easy to get one? Luckily, the answer is yes. Nowadays, you can use invisible teeth aligners or braces to get the smile you want. What are aligners? They are a series of tight-fitting personalized mouthpieces that slip over your teeth. One of the largest selling producers of invisible teeth aligners is Invisalign®. Other manufacturers are Inman Aligner, ClearCorrect, and Smart Moves®. You should note that clear aligners are not for everyone, and it is advisable to check with your orthodontist to help decide what’s best for you.

Why use invisible teeth aligners over braces?

A clear invisible aligner lets you avoid the possibility of having a metal mouth, which refers to the unsightly metal look that comes with hard metal braces. Braces cannot be removed easily, while invisible teeth aligners can be. The latter also makes it easier to floss and brush, helping to maintain better overall oral health.

Who can get invisible teeth aligners?

Invisible teeth aligners are ideal for teens and adults, as compared to braces. For a child, the latter is preferable. This is because trying to straighten your child’s teeth calls for a more invasive and complex process as their mouths are still in the developing phase. Invisible teeth aligners are also meant for moderately to mild crowded teeth or teeth that have minor spacing problems.

How do invisible teeth aligners work?

After your orthodontist or dentist determines that invisible teeth aligners are the right option for you, you will have to wear a series of aligners for approximately 2 weeks each. These will gradually shift the teeth into the position desired and make them straight. Invisible teeth aligners are made from acrylic material or clear plastic to fit snugly over your teeth. These can be removed when you need to floss, brush, or eat.

How much time do invisible teeth aligners take to work?

Invisible teeth aligners work at different rates for different individuals, not unlike braces. This is because it is based on how much your teeth require to be moved. The more crooked your teeth or the more your bite is off, the longer the process will take to achieve the desired result. On average, invisible teeth aligners take around 10 months to two years to work. However, the good news is that if you had braces as a child, then you may need these for not more than 10 weeks. The average cost of invisible teeth aligners braces treatment ranges between $5,000 – $6,000.

Multiple myeloma is a cancerous condition that affects a form of white blood cell known as plasma. The plasma cells are instrumental in warding off infections. They do this by creating antibodies that identify and destroy any germs in the system.

This cancer causes cancer cells to amass in the bone marrow where they outnumber the healthy blood cells. Instead of the disease-fighting antibodies, these cells then produce anomalous proteins that can further trigger complications.

The treatment for multiple myeloma isn’t always needed for individuals who are asymptomatic. Although, the doctor will regularly keep an eye on the patient’s condition with the help of blood and urine tests. For patients experiencing signs and symptoms, here are the following treatment options for multiple myeloma.

Treatment for multiple myeloma

Biological therapy
The medications used in biological therapy take the help of the patient’s immune system to deal with myeloma cells. They enhance the immune system cells that recognize and kill cancer cells. Typically, these are taken in the form of pills.

Targeted therapy
In this type of multiple myeloma treatment, the medicines concentrate on specific abnormalities within the rogue cells that enable their survival. These medications then inhibit the action of the element in those myeloma cells that breaks down the proteins, causing them to die. Such therapy can be administered intravenously or via oral medications. Another targeted therapy involves monoclonal medicines that bind on to the cancerous cells, leading to their death.

Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are given to regulate the immune system so that the inflammation in the body can be brought under control. Additionally, they also actively work against myeloma cells. These medications can be taken in the form of pills or intravenously.

Chemotherapy
This method is used to target the rapidly-growing cancer cells. This treatment is given in the pill form or administered through the vein. Chemotherapy can be used before the bone marrow transplant to reduce cancer cells and after the surgery to kill the remaining ones.

Bone marrow transplant
Also known as a stem cell transplant, in this form of surgery, the doctors will replace the patient’s diseased bone marrow with a healthy one. Before the procedure, blood-forming stem cells are gathered from the blood of the affected individual. Then the patient is treated with high doses of chemotherapy medications so that the affected bone marrow is destroyed. Later these stem cells are introduced in the body where they travel to the bones and rebuild the bone marrow.

Radiation therapy
In this multiple myeloma treatment, beams of energy such as protons and X-rays are used to destroy the myeloma cells and thwart their growth. It can be employed to quickly shrink the myeloma cells in a certain area. For example, when an accumulation of abnormal plasma cells creates a tumor that causes pain or is damaging the bone.

Multiple myeloma also causes certain medical complications, so patients might also need treatments to treat them. Other health issues could include bone pain, bone loss, kidney damage, infections (flu and pneumonia), and anemia.

Alternative solutions such as exercise, art therapy, music therapy, spirituality, and relaxation techniques can further help ease the stress of managing this condition.

Important information you need to know about teeth whitening toothpastes

Teeth staining and sensitivity are two of the most common issues present today. However, they are equally easily overlooked by a majority of people. While there are in-office treatments, over the counter medications, and other methods available to deal with these issues, the most convenient way is brushing.

Although brushing might not give you instant results, it helps in putting up a consistent fight. Considering how neither sensitivity nor teeth staining can be cured once and for all, affordable teeth-whitening toothpaste for sensitive teeth is your best bet. Research has suggested that regular brushing with such specifically designed toothpastes helps remove surface stains caused by the foods we eat. This, however, does not help with the natural color of your teeth or the discoloration present beneath the surface.

What you should know about teeth whitening toothpastes

Whitening toothpastes can be abrasive, and they work by polishing the stains off. Some other types contain chemicals like peroxides that break down the stains. If you are worried that these might harm your teeth, you can opt for products that have items like charcoal or activated carbon and zinc citrate in them.

Some other whitening toothpastes contain blue covarine. Instead of cleaning out the stains, blue covarine coats the teeth and provides instant whiteness. These, however, are superficial results and don’t actually help the staining issue.

Which whitening toothpaste is the best?

So if you haven’t been using teeth whitening toothpastes to get rid of teeth stains, we’re here to help. Given below is a list of affordable teeth-whitening toothpastes for sensitive teeth so that you know which are the best ones in the market.

• Colgate® Optic White®

Contrary to most commonly available whitening toothpastes, this one works on intrinsic stains along with surface stains. Apart from hydrogen peroxide, Colgate® Optic White® also contains fluoride that helps fight cavities.

• Sensodyne ProNamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste

All Sensodyne products aim at providing protection from sensitivity. This product also contains silica, which is a natural ingredient that helps in gently scrubbing away dental stains. The toothpaste’s active ingredients, along with silica, help provide all-round dental care.

• Crest 3D White Brilliance

This two-step whitening toothpaste provides amazing results by first cleaning and then whitening the freshly cleaned teeth.

Your basic dental care requires you to keep your teeth cavity-free. To ensure that you do not take that aspect lightly, it’s best to read the ingredients of your toothpaste. Pick which whitening method or chemical you want to go ahead with and ensure that it has fluoride for cavity and decay protection. Additionally, ensure that your choice of affordable teeth-whitening toothpaste for sensitive teeth has the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. The ADA’s seal of acceptance is proof of product safety and should not be ignored.

Braces are more than just cosmetic treatments as overlapping and misaligned teeth also cause issues like a greater susceptibility to tooth decay, improper bites that lead to facial pain, and more. Getting braces for teeth alignment is a thought that crosses the mind of every adult with misaligned or overlapped teeth. Here we have put together some basic information that might help you make your decision about getting those braces.

While the thought of perfectly aligned teeth is appealing, the results of getting adult braces and whether the procedure is worth the cost are some things that might pull you back. Also, although childhood is the ideal time to get any dental correction treatments done, even adult treatments show promising results nowadays.

How do braces work?
Orthodontics functions on the principle of aligning teeth in the desired position by applying pressure. An orthodontist relies on this principle to achieve the desired results with the help of mechanical devices that put pressure to force the subjected tooth or teeth to reposition.
Braces, whether for kids or adults, can be used to reposition multiple teeth at once and are extremely versatile. It is common to experience soreness or discomfort after having braces installed, but the pain can be treated with an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen.

Types of braces
For the longest time, people have avoided getting braces because they are afraid of how others will perceive it, and the concern is even greater when it comes to adult braces. While the “metal mouth” is the most common picture of braces that comes to mind, it is not the only option available:

1. Traditional metal braces
   The regular braces use gentle pressure to realign your teeth over time. These have brackets glued to the teeth and interconnected with a wire, which is tightened every 4-6 weeks, depending on the amount of change desired and the achieved results.
   These adult braces stay for anywhere between 18 months and 3 years and cost approximately $3,000 to $6,000.
2. Ceramic braces
   Ceramic braces are another option if the “metal in your mouth” smile is a cause of concern for you. The brackets of these braces are colored to blend in with the teeth, which means they are not so prominently visible.
   These braces, however, cost more than their metal counterparts and can be priced between $4,000 and $8,000.
3. Lingual braces
   Lingual braces tend to be costlier than both the conventional metal and ceramic braces. Installed on the back of the teeth, the difficulty of installation and adjustment is what makes them even more expensive.
   These can land you a bill of anything from $8,000 to $10,000.
4. Invisalign
   Invisalign moves ahead of brackets and uses clear plastic molds that can be worn over the existing teeth to achieve the desired alignment. These molds are changed after a set time, with the next one increasing the strain and helping correct the position of the teeth slowly and gradually. The only drawback here is the slowness of the procedure and the ineffectiveness in case of severe misalignment.
   This treatment costs between $3,000 and $8,000.

Since braces are considered a cosmetic procedure, finding an insurance plan that covers the treatment is improbable. The few options that you can find only offer partial coverage, so you must speak to your orthodontist about the treatment. Ensure that you ask questions about the best brands and types of adult braces, the time required for the procedure, and other important aspects to be considered. Also, consider the time and effort required for care after getting the braces installed.