“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.

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Home equity line of credit rate, major consideration when acquiring loan

Home equity line of credit is a credit facility where you secure repayment of your loan by your equity on your house. This is advantageous for those you who have realized or is about to realize the greatest American dream, ownership of their own dwelling.

Various reasons lead consumers into taking advantage of using their dwelling as collateral such as in a home equity line of credit. Primarily is the fact that as compared to other loans including, credit cards and other unsecured credit, home equity line of credit rate is lower.  Read more

Additionally, the interest paid in a home equity line of credit is tax deductible. Thus, it helps trim down the tax payables.

Another factor for the popularity of home equity line of credit on top of the home equity line of credit rate, which is lower, is the fact that you can take out a loan of up to 85% of your total equity on the house.

This is especially important for repairs and renovation necessary to make the house safe and conducive to living. Find more!

Additionally, consumers prefer to take out a loan against their equity for purposes of children’s education and in some cases, to settle medical bills.

Consolidation of debt is also another advantage of taking out a loan using the house as collateral. This is because of the convenience that you only owe one institution with all your previous and prevailing loans, the home equity line of credit rate is specifically helpful in this case.

You consolidate your debt and you minimize the interest rates payable, on top of the fact that interests are tax deductible.

Consumers take advantage of the convenience and flexibility including the lower home equity line of credit rate, however, it should not be forgotten that using your house as collateral entails some risks. Primarily, you are at risk of loosing your dwelling. If it happens to be your primary dwelling, consider the nightmare of eviction.

Financial experts therefore recommend that if you want to take advantage of home equity line of credit and the reasonable home equity line of credit rate, you may need to do your homework. -!

Search for the most reasonable interest rates, because interests in a home equity line of credit may be variable, you may need to find the lowest interest rate and the most flexible payment terms. If possible, avoid the lure of paying interests only on your credit line; this will avoid being trapped by the balloon payment at the end of the term.

If possible, choose to pay the interest and part of the principal on a regular basis.

You may also need to check with the lending institution what are the conditions that will make them consider you as in default and what conditions you may need to follow to avoid balloon payments, which you may not be ready for.

It is thus recommended that you scrutinize the application a bit and ask all the pertaining questions in order for you to make sure that you dwelling will not be at risk in the transaction.

It may also be helpful if you can find other sources of information to guide you with the intelligent decision of acquiring loan against your dwelling even with the consideration of home equity line of credit rate. The internet may be a good place to start even before you contact an agent.