If you’re considering taking plunge yourself, here are a few bits of information you should know before making a decision. There are basically three types of braces moms and dads are opting for: standard metal, clear brackets and invisible. The standard ones are most cost effective and you can even change color of your rubber bands like all hip, cool kids are doing. Clear brackets are a bit larger in size than metal ones. Depending on your bite you may not have enough room to get clear ones on your lower teeth, at least not initially. The wires are still metal and you can see braces on your teeth, they’re just not as noticeable. Drawbacks are they are slightly more expensive than metal brackets and when it comes time to take them off, it’s takes a bit more effort and is consequently a little more uncomfortable. Lastly there are invisible braces which go behind your teeth, not on front like most. It takes a while longer to correct your smile and is most expensive type.

Speaking of expensive, you should on plan on spending about $4,000 for your braces. Clearly you will find some orthodontists who will do it for less, and some for more. It really depends also on length and severity of treatment. If you have orthodontia insurance coverage, some plans cover up to 50% of total costs. Most orthodontists will allow you to make monthly payments. You’ll be required to put a down payment on your new beautiful smile.

The thyroid gland looks like a little bow tie and is located at base of throat, below Adam’s apple in males. Thyroid dysfunction affects both males and females. This gland produces hormones which control body’s metabolism, your internal thermostat of sorts.

Thyroid dysfunction is generally either an over or under production of hormone. Under active thyroid hormone production is called hypothyroidism; whereas too much, or overactive thyroid hormone production is called hyperthyroidism.

Some of symptoms of hypothyroidism include chronic fatigue and weakness, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, hair loss or coarse, dry hair, dry and rough skin, intolerance to cold, abnormal menstrual cycles, decreased sex drive, memory loss, depression and irritability, constipation, muscle cramps. Not all symptoms are always present.

Some doctors prefer to diagnose hypothyroidism with a blood test. They will test to check TSH levels (the thyroid stimulating hormone produced by pituitary gland) and T4 levels (the main thyroid hormone). Other doctors prefer to take a more holistic approach and are able to diagnose based on symptoms. Morning body temperature readings (below 97.1 consistently) as well as discovery of regular waking up approximately four hours after going to bed, can aid in diagnosis.