Having a great smile plays a big role in how attractive someone is considered. Straight, white teeth are considered to be the gold standard when it come to smiles. Having an attractive smile can also play a big role in areas of life other than perceived attractiveness. An improved smile can actually lead to improvements in confidence, performance at school and work, and can even lead to an increase in income. There are many ways to improve the look of a smile. Unfortunately some of these ways can be out of reach financially for the average American.

Braces

The cost of braces is very dependent on what type of braces that are used. Metal braces cost anywhere from $3,000 to $7,500 while Invisalign can anywhere from $5,000 to $8,000. With costs in the thousands of dollars, braces are out of reach for many. However there are a few ways to save on braces. One way to save on braces is by checking to see if any of the cost is covered by insurance. Government programs and dental schools can also help keep costs down. For those who end up paying full price, many orthodontists offer payment plans.

Teeth Whitening

Straight teeth are not enough for a smile to be considered attractive. White teeth are also a big component when it comes to a good looking smile. Teeth whitening done by a professional can be very pricey. The average cost is $650 for in-office teeth whitening. Professional teeth whitening is a great choice for anyone who wants results fast. For those who don't want to spend hundreds of dollars, at-home whitening kits are also effective. These kits cost between $20 and $100 and can offer impressive results at a lower cost than an in-office treatment.

Veneers

Veneers are a tooth colored shells that are attached to the front of the teeth in order to completely change their color and appearance. For people with stained and discolored teeth, veneers are often the best solution to their smile issues. The main problem is that veneers come with a very large price tag. The average cost for traditional veneers is around $500-$1,100. Luckily there are cheaper alternatives. Dental bonding is one of these alternatives. It involves applying a tooth colored composite material to the teeth in order to improve their appearance. The average cost is cheaper than veneers at only $300 to $600 per tooth. Also, unlike veneers, most insurance plans will cover at least some of the cost of bonding.

Read more at the website of a dental or orthodontic professional.