Should We Only Look at the Social Six?

By: Nicolas Branshaw, Orthodontist

First impressions can be lasting, and a person’s smile can have a large impact. At Dental Associates, we want to help boost your confidence with a healthy and beautiful smile. Whether we are looking at your entire smile or just the “social six” there are many options available for patients.  

What are the social six? 

The social six refer to the top front six teeth you see when a person smiles. Many times, when looking at cosmetic treatments, these are the teeth we focus on, however, it is important to look at a patient’s smile as a whole and not just six teeth.  

Why should I focus on all my teeth and not just the social six? 

There are a few reasons we sometimes avoid only looking at the social six. First, when some people smile, we see more than those top front teeth so we may need to include the bottom teeth or more teeth on the top arch as well. There are also cases where a patient may be experiencing bruxism (teeth grinding) or missing teeth which can cause more issues if not addressed. By only focusing on the front six teeth, there could be issues with chipping or fracturing teeth and bite issues.  

What are my options for improving the appearance of my smile? 

There are many options to improve your smile! From cosmetic changes to orthodontic corrections, your team of dentists at Dental Associates can do it all under one roof.  

• Teeth Whitening: a very common request is to whiten a patient’s teeth. Teeth whitening products contain either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These ingredients work to break down stains into smaller pieces and reduce the concentration of color, in turn making your teeth brighter. There are many options from at-home whitening to professional whitening in our clinic.  

• Veneers: another common method of improving your smile is through veneers. Dental veneers are thin, custom-made teeth that cover the front surface of your natural teeth. Veneers are ideal for cracked, chipped, discolored, or worn teeth, and help make your smile more uniform, brighter, and healthier looking. 

• Orthodontics: whether you are considering braces or clear aligners, orthodontics can help straighten your smile. By straightening your teeth, you can better prevent plaque buildup, which reduces your risk of gum disease.  

Whether you choose to focus on just your social six or your entire mouth, we have a wide range of options to help improve your smile and boost your confidence.  

More information from Dental Associates

What Braces Cost and How to Pay for Them

Invisalign vs. Invisalign Go

4 Benefits of Teeth Whitening

Professional Teeth Whitening vs. At-Home Teeth Whitening