Are you thinking “The Sultry Six” is a new girl or guy band?
It’s actually not. “The Sultry Six” are your 6 top front teeth. The teeth that people notice the most when you smile. They are your “Image Makers.” Like your hair, skin, or the clothes you wear, you are also judged by the appearance of your teeth when you smile. So, it is important to know what it takes to make “The Sultry Six” attractive.
Shading
Brighter teeth restore a more youthful appearance and are definitely confidence boosters. Those with stained or discolored teeth can make their smile brighter and will then want to smile brighter.
Teeth Whitening is the #1 among the requested cosmetic dental procedures, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. It is best performed by a dental professional and within an hour of treatment time, can make your teeth appear up to 6 shades brighter. There are situations, however, when whitening is not enough.
Dental Veneers can change the shade and also the size, shape, alignment, and even spacing between your teeth. They are thin shells of beautiful ceramic or porcelain material made and bonded to the front side of your teeth. With minimal or no tooth modification, Veneers, are made to cover imperfections, stains, and discoloration and thus creating
Alignment
The alignment of your teeth is also an important consideration in shaping “The Sultry Six”. Crowding, spacing, or misalignment of teeth can be corrected to make your smile qualify for “The Sultry Six.”
Dental Veneers, as mentioned above, can also create the appearance of straighter and perfectly aligned teeth. But sometimes the appearance of your front teeth is affected by your other teeth. All teeth work together for the good of “The Sultry Six”!
Orthodontics is the most common and effective way to move and straighten your teeth to create an even and balanced bite throughout your mouth. This form of treatment is necessary when your other teeth do not support or help to...
...maintain a balanced and even appearance of “The Sultry Six”. Depending on the amount of correction needed, your teeth can be straightened with the traditional metal or clear braces which can be placed in front of or behind your teeth or with the less noticeable clear plastic teeth aligners. Treatment time can range from 6 to 24 months.
Replacing Missing Teeth
We are often judged by how we speak and look. Missing or broken front teeth affect both the appearance of your smile and, also, the way you pronounce your words. Try pronouncing the word, “teeth” with missing front teeth!
Missing or broken teeth can be replaced with dental implants, crowns, or bridges.
Dental Implants are most commonly made of titanium, are shaped to resemble the root of a tooth, and are positioned surgically in the root spaces to support Crowns.
Crowns and/or Bridges can be supported either by your natural teeth or by dental implants. They are made of strong ceramic or porcelain materials to beautifully restore or enhance the size, shape, shade and strength of a tooth or teeth. Unlike Veneers, Crowns, otherwise known as caps, provide full coverage to replace the entire tooth. Like Veneers, Crowns can be made to the shade and shape of your preference to help create your “Sultry Six.” Bridges are like crowns but are supported by 2 or more teeth and made to replace multiple teeth.
Remember, you only get one chance to make a good first impression! There are many options available to get “The Sultry Six”. Be open to investing in your smile. Your smile is a part of you for your entire lifetime; why not sex it up a bit!
Visit your dentist to learn about your options and which treatment will best fit your needs and expectations.
Dr. Kenya McCalebb received her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Meharry Medical College in 2015. She completed her residency program in Advanced General Dentistryat Marquette University. She joined Barnes Walton Dental Associates, Ltd in Chicago to make a difference in the community through giving back and providing exceptional patient care and service.
After earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis, Dr. Kyra Barnes continued her education to receive a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University Of Illinois College Of Dentistry. Dr. Barnes has been appointed to both the State of Illinois Board of Dentistry and the North East Regional Board of Dental Examiners. Once a member of the State of Illinois Board of Dentistry, she helped to shape policy and maintain professional standards and licensure for all practitioners in the state. Dr. Barnes also serves as an examiner for the North East Regional Board of Dental Examiners.