Practicing good oral hygiene daily and eating nutritiously is essential in keeping our teeth in healthy shape. Having a fresh, clean, straight pair of teeth is the goal. It’s also important to note that crooked teeth may be bad for one’s health as well, causing bad breath, jaw strain, headaches, and difficulties chewing.
Brushing crooked teeth is harder as well, which can ultimately lead to bacteria and plaque build up, which can cause tooth decay or gum disease. Also, crooked teeth can affect speech sound and articulation. So, as you can see, straightening teeth is not only about aesthetics, it’s a health priority. Most people assume you need to visit an orthodontist to get typical metal braces. However, there are a few more interesting options out there
1. Clear teeth aligners
These are clear, high-tech plastic or acrylic type material liners that fit over your teeth. These are very popular because they are less expensive than regular prescribed braces and are easier to wear. Plus, unlike traditional braces, these clear aligners are removed when eating, brushing, and flossing teeth. There are a variety of companies to choose from that provide this teeth straightening option. One provider, Smile Direct Club, offers their customers made to order invisible aligners that boast of a very smooth, easy to wear, BPA-free plastic construction. You have the option of all-day clear teeth aligners or Nighttime aligners, both which cost $1950/$89 a month. Traditional metal braces can cost over $5,000. And they accept HSA/FSA credit cards and some dental plans will cover costs. Smile Direct provides their own convenient payment plan too. Like every dental treatment, there are pros and cons to this type of teeth straightening method. Although, invisible aligners are an easy to wear, affordable option choice, there are a few things to consider. Customers run the risk of having teeth shift either too fast or slower than anticipated. And you’re not getting in person treatment from an orthodontist or dentist with mail in teeth aligners
2. Lingual braces
These typically metal braces are placed on the back side of one’s teeth. This is a highly popular method in straightening teeth because they are virtually unseen. Although, these braces are harder for your Orthodontist to apply and work with because they are fixated on the back of teeth, it’s a favored method by most teens and adults because of the discrete nature of the teeth straightening technique. The brackets are fixed at the same time on the back of teeth using a customized tray rather than placing one bracket at a time as with traditional front style braces. However, there are some concerns about lingual braces to consider. Placing braces on the back of teeth can make it harder to eat, cause unsightly soreness in one’s mouth and tongue, and can affect the way you speak
3. Dental surgery
Dental surgery is another desired teeth straightening option. Your Orthodontist may suggest minor surgery in order to align teeth instead of applying braces. It can be helpful in lessening the time you’d need to straighten teeth. An oral surgeon typically will reposition your teeth and gums in a minor surgery in order to straighten crooked teeth. Typically dental surgery is a good option when a patient’s jaw and crooked teeth are causing pain when eating or gum irritation. Oral surgery is one of the best proven and effective ways to straighten teeth but it’s also an expensive option as well
4. Retainers
Retainers are another popular option that straightens teeth. Depending on the type of alignment issue, your Orthodontist may suggest wearing a metal retainer only at night to straighten your teeth. This treatment plan offers more flexibility as wearing typical 24/7 braces. However, it may take longer to see teeth align straight and oftentimes people forget to wear them or even misplace them at home because of a retainer’s tactile mobility
5. Ceramic braces
Also known as ‘clear braces’, these are a trendy option. They are typically tooth colored brackets and usually a favored teeth straightening method with teens and adults alike because they are aesthetically better looking than typical old school metal braces. These clear braces are made of polycrystalline alumina and generally more comfortable to wear. However the out of the pocket cost is more than regular braces and clear braces to stain over time. And they are consequently less durable than traditional braces because metal braces are made of high-quality stainless steel or titanium alloys which makes them the sturdier option
Men who suspect they have erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence should talk to their doctor immediately. To diagnose impotence, your doctor will typically ask a series of questions and take stock of your medical history.
A physical exam, in which your doctor examinations your penis and testicles and tests for nerve sensation, is commonplace in order to diagnose erectile dysfunction, and before treatment can be recommended. Further testing may be necessary if you suffer from a chronic health condition (i.e., diabetes) or your doctor suspects an underlying condition may be present, including:
Depending on the above mentioned tests, your doctor can determine the cause of your impotence and if an underlying health issue is the cause, and offer these common treatment options:
Psychological therapy
Mental or emotional distress (i.e., chronic anxiety and depression) are common causes of ED and can be remedied via ongoing psychological counseling.
Testosterone replacement therapy
If low testosterone hormone is the root cause of erectile dysfunction, testosterone replacement therapy is often prescribed in combination with other impotence treatments.
Penis pumps and penis implants
Penis pumps are hand or battery powered vacuum erection devices that are placed over the penis to draw blood into the penis and stimulate an erection, which is maintained with a tension ring around the base of the penis to maintain firmness. A penile implant is a surgical treatment for ED that implants pliable, rod-like devices on either side of the penis to make an erection possible.
Oral medications
While erectile function drugs administered orally to increase blood flow and trigger an erection are common in treating impotence, it’s important to get the go-ahead from your doctor before popping any over-the-counter pills for ED. For instance,Viagra (Sildenafil),Stendra (Avanafil), Staxyn (Vardenafil), and Cialis (Tadalafil) can be dangerous for patients also being treated with drugs for angina and hypertension.
Physical exercise
A growing body of medical research indicates exercise has positive impact on sexual health and can improve erectile function. A study conducted at the University of Porto, in Portugal, notes that moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise improves and also reduces the risk of erectile dysfunction in men, including in patients with an associated medical condition.
There’s just something about a classic pick up truck. As far as stature and power, the following trucks led the way as far as impressive styling, engine power, hauling and off road capabilities that, no doubt, inspired the design of many pickups on the road today.
Here’s our list of the six most tried and true pickup trucks in history:
When I was a kid, all the cool teens had a Ford Bronco, but those with a limited edition Baja Bronco were king of the road. Why? As far as off-roading capabilities, the Baja offered a powerful 302-cid V8 paired with a C4 automatic, plus drivers got a impressive boost due to the high cut rear wheel wells and flares, which left ample room for huge tires. The Baja screamed daring adventure roll cage and special enhancements made to offer heavy-duty suspension.
Ford longed to take their classic F150 off-road, but it took until 2009 for them to create the Raptor, a pick up that offered smooth driving and handling and four-wheeling on even the most extreme desert terrain. Not to mention, this truck could haul an 8000-pound trailer. No problem! Offered in a SuperCrew cab and SuperCab configuration, the Raptor also featured a 4WD system based on the standard F-150, plus urethane bump stops and internal-bypass Fox Racing shocks, which allowed for smooth-riding suspension over the roughest roads and highest jumps.
More of a conversion kit than a model truck, Napco (otherwise known as the Northwest Auto Parts Company) made up for the fact that 1950s pickups didn’t come in 4WD (opposed from Dodge). So Napco designed a 4WD offered a conversion kit that let Chevy, Fords, and GMC owners get the 4WD power they longed for. By the year 1957, pick up manufacturers finally caught on and began installing Napco Power-Pak 4WD conversions on their assembly line pick ups.
While GM and Ford enthusiasts may have issue with this truck, one can hardly match the ruggedness of the Dodge Ram of the early 90’s with it’s Cummins diesel engine. In fact, you can still witness the impact of this redesigned Ram on many GM and Ford trucks to this day, with it’s “big rig” styling.
Prior to the Ford F-150, the Highboy was king of the Ford pick up empire. A tough-as-nails truck renowned for it’s ultra-rugged driving capabilities on any terrain, the Highboy was named for its sky-high frame and 35-inch tall tires that was inches taller than any Jeep, Dodge, or GM on the market. After 1977, the Highboy was considered a “Lowboy” as it was constructed at least 2-inches lower, which is why the original pre-1977 model is now considered a collector’s item.
When a celebrity race car driver pairs up with an auto manufacturer, sometimes the results can be disappointing, which was sort of the case when Rod Hall collaborated with Chrysler to birth the Rod Hall Signature Edition Dodge pick up truck. Only 33 of these beauties were made, and despite the Dodge Ram 150 base design, bed-mount light bar and driving lights, and slick pre-runner front and rear bumpers, for some reason Dodge plopped in a whimpy 318-cid V8 with only 170 hp. Despite the fact, this truck continues to be a collector’s item among pick up truck buffs.
The pickup truck is synonymous with America. It’s tough. It works hard. And it has no problem getting dirty to get the job done. This is likely why the pickup truck continues to be among the best selling vehicle in North America. Regardless of if you’re part of team Dodge, Ford, or Chevy, you know that owning a truck offers a truly unique driving experience compared to any sedan, small compact, or even an SUV.
Here are our top reasons to super-size your driving experience to a pickup truck:
If it’s room you desire, ignore any desires to buy a sleek, compact car and turn to a pickup instead. Seriously, a recent Chevy Silverado offers ample legroom and cargo space for a comfortable daily commute or road trip because who wants a leg cramp to start the work day. Passengers can literally stretch their legs out in a roomy four full pickup truck with ample room for tools and everything you need.
Perhaps power and hauling capabilities are your biggest concern when thinking about pickup truck ownership. However, believe it or not safety is a huge benefit of pickup truck ownership. positive! Think about the safety features built in to most full-size trucks—you get a caged cab, vehicle stability, safety seatbelt systems, side impact protection, and even trailer sway control already built into your vehicle.
Sure, if you own a pickup truck you kind of open yourself up to helping every single person you know move house. However, when it comes to hauling your own stuff, you can’t go wrong with a pickup truck. Take a truck like the Chevy Silverado for example, you can suddenly haul up to 12,000 pounds no problem thanks to the impressive torque and horsepower. Suddenly your vehicle can easily transition from work truck to off road camping vehicle of your dreams.
If it’s a boost you want, a pickup is your best bet when it comes to the best visibility on the road. The height of a standard pickup truck cabin permits a view over most other vehicles on the highway. Is that a traffic jam 6 blocks ahead? Luckily, you’ll be able to see it and take a quick detour if you drive a pickup. Not to mention, the cab of a pick up offers the driver and all passengers all-round visibility, front, back and side thanks to huge rear and side-view mirrors.
Leading us into the next reason why trucks are such great vehicles.
Putting aside all jokes about overcompensating, there is little doubt that many individuals choose to drive a pickup for the sheer power it offers. While Ford, Chevy, and GM differ as far as horses under the hood, most current trucks offer between 350- to 440-horsepower (hp) if you consider a Ford F-250 or a Dodge Ram.
Pickup trucks represent the American dream. And while car buyers have vered from SUV to sports coupe over the past few years, pickup truck buffs tend to harken to the past when it comes to sticking with their love of the classic pickup truck. Many of the following classic trucks in good condition sell for a pretty steep price among collectors.
Here are four of the most coveted collectible pickup trucks:
Considered neither a car nor a truck, the Bronco was unique as far a broaching the needs of both a car and a truck driver, which explains it’s motto “the best of both worlds”. This cube shaped truck debuted for 1966 in rudimentary form for a mere $2400 (base model). However, it was the impressively wide (at 92-inches) wheelbase that offered serious off roading, smooth highway driving, and extreme towing capabilities in a single vehicle. Touted literally as a sports car with 4-wheel drive, the Bronco was mounted on coil springs and outfitted with a V8 engine that could literally take drivers from camping to off roading while offering the style and comfort of a family wagon. Today, this year range of Ford Bronco retails for $25k plus.
Behold the inaugural Ford F-series pickup. Think of it as the crown of America’s trucking obsession. Considering this Ford series has ranked in the best-selling for decades, many pickup truck owners are still firmly planted in the Ford camp thanks to this very vehicle. If you’re lucky enough to find a 1948 Ford F1 for sale, you can expect to pay upwards of $30K depending on condition and customizations.
Looking at this truck, there’s little wonder that it was originally designed in the early 1940’s for military purposes. However, the Dodge Power Wagon caught on in the mainstream market due to its ability to travel virtually anywhere. The impressive 4×4 capabilities of this truck was so good that it there were no revisions until it was discontinued in 1968. If you spot one, expect to pay $45k or more!
It was called the “Super” for good reason. This high-option, everyday use pickup truck boosted unique interior design with a/c, tach dash, power brakes and steering, headliners, and tilt columns. Plus, the exterior could be costoumize with special paint and trim. Find one and expect to pay up to $30k for a model in good condition with lots of options.
