“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

Depending on what stage you are in of orthodontic treatment, smiling may be the last thing you want to do. Whether you’re just starting with braces or [dcl=123668 or near the very end, your confidence may have taken a tumble. With a new year comes a new mindset and we’ve got 8 reasons to expose your beautiful smile to the world in 2023:

1. Smiles are contagious. Studies have shown that people have a difficult time frowning when someone else is smiling at them. In fact, they couldn’t help but smile themselves. Make a habit throughout the year to compliment the people you meet with a smile and watch them pay it forward.

2. Smiles relieve stress. When you smile, the body releases endorphins that help quickly change your mood. This makes you feel better, thus relieving your body of stress. Try smiling even when you don’t feel like it and notice the difference.

3. It is easier to smile than frown. Did you know the body uses more muscles to frown than it does to smile? That means you have to put forth more effort to look sad than to simply appear happy. Turn that frown upside down in 2023 and give your muscles a break.

4. It boosts your immune system. Scientists have found that smiling relaxes the body, allowing it to build a stronger immune system and contributing to overall good health. Smile more this year. You could be helping your body fight sickness.

5. Helps you get promoted. People who smile often appear to be more attractive, social and confident. These people are also most likely to get promoted at work. Smile more at work this year. It could lead to your next promotion.

6. Smiles are more attractive than makeup. A recent study shows that women who do not wear makeup but are smiling appear to be more attractive to men. Save yourself the extra time in the morning and put on a smile instead of a full face. You just might get a date.

7. Smiles are the most recognizable facial expression. Did you know that a smile can be recognized from up to 300 feet away? Flash your beautiful smile when out in public or in big groups and help people find you easier.

8. People who smile live longer. Previously, we mentioned that smiling boosts your immune system. One large benefit of that is a longer lifespan. Science says that people who smile often live an average of 7 years longer than those who do not. Lengthen your time on this earth by smiling more in 2023.

Do you have questions about your smile?

Greater Houston Orthodontics has years of proven experience creating healthy, beautiful smiles for patients of all ages. If you have not yet started Invisalign or have questions, contact our office for a complimentary evaluation. Start the new year feeling confident with your Invisalign and the benefits that come with a gorgeous smile.

When Should You Not Buy Furniture?

Avoid buying heavily used upholstered furniture

Whether you are shopping online for a used sofa or visiting a yard sale, it’s important to know a few things before you make a purchase. For example, the seller may price their items much higher than they are worth, and they may not be willing to lower the price. Also, you may be buying vintage furniture, which is usually reproductions of popular pieces, and upholstery can hold moisture and odors. In some cases, even powerful cleaners cannot remove stains.

In addition to checking for mold, bugs, and stains, you should also check the history of the upholstered furniture. If the furniture hasn’t been exposed to chemicals in the past, it’s likely safe to buy. The only way to be absolutely sure, however, is to have it professionally cleaned. Read the furniture care tips. This way, you can be sure that the upholstered furniture won’t contain harmful substances that could endanger your family.

Another factor to consider when buying used upholstered furniture is the risk of bed bugs. It’s hard to detect bed bugs once they’re inside a piece of furniture. Often, people who donate furniture or sell it don’t even know they have bed bugs on their furniture. If this is the case, they may have cleaned it without realizing it. As a result, you should always make sure the pieces are free from bed bugs.

Avoid buying floor samples

Buying floor samples can be beneficial when it comes to choosing a floor covering for your home. These samples will help you visualize the product in your own home and will help you decide if the color or style you’ve chosen will look good in your room. Purchasing new flooring is a significant investment, so it makes sense to order a few samples before you make your final decision.

You may have reservations about buying furniture from a showroom floor. After all, you can’t see the item for yourself – and you might think it’s damaged. In reality, floor models haven’t seen daily use, and most customers only sit on sofas and chairs for a few minutes at a time.

One of the best times to shop for furniture at Crate & Barrel is when the seasons change. Right now, the store is full of outdoor furniture, and at the end of the season, it will be time to move on to indoor furniture. However, don’t be afraid to visit during off-season, since DWR frequently redoes their floor plans and offers up to 50% off of their regular prices. You can also buy luxury and branded furniture here. Having a weekly markdown on their floor models, which means that you can save even more money.

You may also find floor models on furniture stores’ sales floors. These items are often discounted as retailers try to get them off the showroom floor. However, it’s important to note that not all stores offer floor model discounts. So, it’s best to inquire about this before purchasing. A good rule of thumb when buying furniture is to ask before you buy.

Avoid financing furniture purchases

If you want to save money, try to avoid financing furniture purchases. Furniture stores use special promotions to get you to pay in low monthly installments. This way, you can avoid the interest on the furniture and can keep your money for other things. Check out the occasional furniture buying guide. If you are on a limited budget, this can be a great option.

You should also avoid financing furniture purchases if you can’t afford the monthly payment. This can cause you to live a paycheck-to-paycheck lifestyle and may even delay retirement. Buying furniture on credit will only add to your financial stress and prevent you from achieving other goals, like a vacation. Besides, the value of the furniture will depreciate once you put it into your home. Lastly, furniture stores that offer financing are likely to sell overpriced pieces.