Selection of Artificial Teeth for Complete Denture Prosthesis

The muscles of the face contribute to the overall appearance and aesthetics of a patient. Understanding facial musculature is essential when designing dentures as it directly influences the final look.

Camper's line is a horizontal imaginary line drawn through the lower border of the ala of the nose and the upper border of the tragus of the ear. It serves as a guideline for the aesthetic positioning of the artificial denture teeth.

Winkler's concept emphasizes selecting teeth based on their functional, psychological, and biological compatibility with the patient. This ensures not only aesthetics but also functionality and longevity of the dentures.

The size of teeth should be proportionate to the size of the face and head. This maintains a balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Seven key anatomical structures, including the face size, incisal papilla, jaw relationships, gum ridges, and lips, guide the selection of anterior teeth. This ensures an aesthetically pleasing and functionally appropriate result.

Porcelain offers excellent aesthetics for anterior teeth but lacks resistance to wear and tear. It's a wise choice for visual appeal but needs careful consideration in high-friction areas.

The labial surface of the upper central incisor should align harmoniously with the profile of the face. This creates a balanced facial aesthetic and a natural-looking smile.

Due to wear and tear over time, teeth tend to become more angular as they age. This is an important consideration when selecting artificial teeth for older patients.

The horizontal overlap between upper and lower posterior teeth generally increases with age. This shift in bite needs to be factored into denture design.

Female patients typically have more rounded incisal angles on their anterior teeth compared to males. This gender difference should be considered during tooth selection.

Porcelain teeth transmit fewer forces to the gums and prevent clicking during biting. They offer a gentler biting experience for the wearer.

As we age, the distance between the upper and lower teeth (inter-occlusal distance) naturally decreases. This must be considered when designing dentures to ensure proper bite alignment.

The color of teeth naturally darkens with age. This factor is crucial when selecting the correct shade for dentures, ensuring realistic appearance.

In female patients, the distal (back) surface of the central incisors tends to be rotated posteriorly. This subtle anatomical difference should be considered when selecting teeth.

The overall appearance of the denture teeth (aesthetics) is influenced by three key aspects: shade, size, and form. These factors work together to create a realistic and natural-looking result.

Hue represents the dominant color or wavelength present in the tooth's spectrum. It is a key factor in shade selection for dentures.

Translucency is the ability of light to pass through the tooth. It contributes to the vitality and realism of artificial teeth, creating a more natural appearance.

Saturation, or chroma, refers to the intensity or purity of a color. It's crucial that the saturation of the chosen teeth harmonizes with the patient's facial hue for a natural and consistent look.