Perfecting Your ‘Social Six’ Smile

All your teeth are important but some are more visible than others….

Our teeth perform a variety of roles. The teeth towards the rear of the mouth, with their flatter surfaces (the molars and premolars) are used for the grinding up of our food, preparing it for swallowing. The ones just in front which are more pointed (canines) are used for tearing and ripping up food into smaller pieces before being ground up. Finally, the teeth at the front (incisors) are used for initially biting into food; for example when we take a bite out of a sandwich or an apple. The incisors and some of our canine teeth are also sometimes described as our ‘social six’ teeth. The reason for this is that they are the teeth that people mostly see when we smile.

Not only do these teeth perform the roles above from a practical point of view but they also play an important role socially. Our smile is important and can say a lot of things about us. An attractive smile and a healthy set of teeth can reveal to others a number of things. People with a white attractive smile, with an even set of teeth tend to be more confident than those with discoloured teeth for example. It is also more pleasant for the person looking at us, and, especially when we first meet someone, can give them a very positive impression of us which can be beneficial in certain situations such as job interviews.

Most people don’t automatically have the perfect ‘social six’ teeth though and this is where the cosmetic dentists at our Canterbury dental surgery can help. With the range of treatments available at Bradley and Partners Dental & Implant Clinic, we can help you to achieve a really attractive smile.

General oral health

In addition to brushing and flossing well, if you are planning on having cosmetic treatments to improve these teeth, your dentist will examine them first of all. There is little point in improving the appearance of these teeth if you have decay or gum disease. Treating issues such as these will provide a good foundation for cosmetic treatment to begin.

Straighter teeth

An otherwise perfect smile is often spoiled by one or two teeth that are not aligned quite as they should be. Whether they stick out a little or are perhaps slightly crooked, maybe even overlapping a little, it can visibly detract from your smile. Some people may decide to put up with this as they don’t want to wear braces to correct this. Most of them are also probably unaware that there are now a range of orthodontics that are designed to specifically correct these teeth. For minor adjustments, there are now orthodontics that use transparent or tooth coloured materials to make them less visible and more discreet. While some orthodontic treatments can take a year or more, minor adjustment of the social six teeth may only take a matter of weeks, depending on the situation. We recommend that you at least talk to our dentists to find out what treatment would be needed before deciding to live with a crooked smile or not.

Teeth whitening

One of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures that people undergo to improve the appearance of their teeth is, of course, teeth whitening. This non-invasive and relatively inexpensive treatment is a great way of improving the whiteness of your teeth. Not only does it improve the surface colour but also lightens the dentin layer behind it which can discolour as we get older. The treatment is fast acting and can be repeated as needed to maintain the whiteness of your teeth.

Veneers

Porcelain dental veneers can also be used to improve the appearance of your teeth. They work well on people who have badly stained teeth and can also be used to improve their shape a little too. They are excellent for those who have visible chips and cracks in the teeth that are cosmetic and don’t require general dental attention. Fitting the veneers does require some invasive treatment but the results last ten years or so and are an excellent option for some people.

Crowns

Some people have teeth that are uneven in height rather than being crooked. This can spoil a smile even if it doesn’t affect the health of the teeth or your eating ability. Teeth can be heightened by adding composite bonding although this tends to be more temporary and would work best for one off occasions such as weddings or holidays. Eventually, the bonding would darken in colour and wear away and need to be removed and replaced. Dental crowns may be a better option in some cases, allowing your teeth to be of even height.

Take a look at your social six teeth next time you look in a mirror and see if you think your smile could be improved. Your eyes may be the ‘window to the soul’ but people also notice your teeth when you meet them so why not have the best social six smile possible. If you would like to arrange an initial consultation to see how the team at Bradley and Partners Dental & Implant Clinic can help you improve them, please call our Canterbury dental practice today on 01227 463529 and we will arrange an appointment at a convenient time for you.