Your lips may be moving, but it's your teeth that are talking. People with straight, white smiles appear more successful, more intelligent and happier in their careers than those with crooked, stained teeth, according to a study by Beall Research and Training in Chicago. And get this: A smile can also function like a souped-up antiaging cream. In a Roper survey based on before and after photos, 41 percent of Americans said aligning a set of crooked teeth subtracted five years (yes, five!) from a person's overall look. Got a grin that's less than stellar? No worries: It's never been easier to perfect your pearly whites. Target your smile wishes here, then discover the at-home and professional fixes that will make them come true quickly, painlessly and—in many cases—on the cheap!

Smile wish Whiter, brighter teeth

Best fix Many people think pro bleaching is the best way to make teeth sparkle. In fact, the near-$800 service is the number-one most requested dental service, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry in Madison, Wisconsin. But believe it or not, you can get equally great results for around $40. "When used as recommended, at-home teeth-whitening products can offer comparable effects to in-office whitening treatments—at least a six-shade change," says Jonathan B. Levine, D.M.D., a cosmetic dentist in New York City. The difference: how soon you see results. "Pro treatments offer an instant wow effect, while store products work gradually, in about two to four weeks," Dr. Levine says. Choosing savings over speed? Strips work best on straight teeth, as they can't get into the nooks and crannies of crooked teeth. Paint- or rub-on products (such as the GentleWhite QuickStick, $65) can, however.

Smile wish A straight lineup

Best fix If teeth need only a bit of shifting, a device called a spring retainer (about $400) can be an alternative to a metal-mouth look. "Springs are strategically placed on the back of a traditional wired retainer to push problem teeth into line in about four months," says John Walker, D.M.D., a dentist in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The retainer must be activated, or engaged, monthly by your dentist, who will also run a thin, sandpaperlike sheet between teeth to make room for movement. One slight snag: The device works better on bottom teeth—their roots are attached to thinner, easier-to-move bones, Dr. Walker says. The most discreet alternative, the Invisalign system, works on top and bottom teeth. The series of about 12 to 30 clear plastic trays (each one, a "straighter" version of the last, is used for two weeks) must be worn 24/7, except when eating, flossing and brushing. The trays fit snugly over teeth, so they are nearly invisible (a film may be seen up close) and don't affect speech. The system is pricey ($3,500 and up), though, and patients with teeth that stick out in many positions can't wear them. In that case, traditional braces are best. Linguals, which can be mounted on the back of teeth, and braces made out of clear materials are the least noticeable, says Mark Bronsky, D.M.D., an orthodontist in NYC.