When you think of dentures, we often focus on how they fit, not how they flash. Here at McCullough Dental, we believe every smile deserves to sparkle, especially the ones supported by denture teeth!
You might be surprised to learn that there’s a lot of science (and a little art) behind creating denture teeth that don’t just function well, but look fabulous, too. So, let’s take a peek behind the curtain and explore how denture teeth are made to shine, both literally and figuratively.
Step 1: The Material Matters
Just like natural teeth, denture teeth come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and materials. The most common materials used for denture teeth are acrylic resin and porcelain.
- Acrylic Resin: Acrylic resin is lightweight and bonds well to the denture base, and is a bit more forgiving if you accidentally drop your denture. It’s easier to adjust for a perfect bite and smile line.
- Porcelain: On the other hand, porcelain offers a natural translucency and shine that closely mimics real teeth. However, it’s a bit more brittle and heavier than acrylic.
In modern dentures, high-quality acrylics often win the popularity contest. They’re durable, customizable, and when polished correctly, they gleam just like the real thing.
Step 2: Shape and Shade Selection
This is where the magic starts to happen. When your dentures are being crafted, you don’t just pop in any old tooth shape. We are matching your denture teeth to your age, face shape, skin tone, and even your personality!
Want a bold, youthful smile? We’ll go with brighter shades and slightly rounder teeth. Prefer something more natural and subtle? A softer, slightly darker shade with natural contours might be your style.
At McCullough Dental, we love working with our lab partners to choose the perfect shape and shade that complements you, not just your mouth.
Step 3: The Shine Is in the Details
Here’s where your denture teeth get their shine, literally.
Once the teeth are set into the denture base, they go through a polishing process. High-speed tools, polishing compounds, and skilled hands help bring out that glossy, realistic shine. This finish not only looks great, but it also helps resist plaque and staining, because who wants dull teeth when they can dazzle?
Step 4: Function Meets Fashion
Denture teeth aren’t just there to look good—they’ve got work to do! Every curve and ridge is designed to help you chew, speak, and smile naturally. That’s why the bite is carefully checked and adjusted before finalizing the denture.
Here’s a little-known fact: the way the upper and lower denture teeth come together can affect everything from your jaw comfort to how confident you feel while eating corn on the cob.
At our office, we make sure your teeth don’t just shine in the mirror, they shine in real life.
Step 5: Keep that Shine Going
Once your denture teeth are shining bright, it’s up to you to keep them that way. Here are a few quick tips:
- Clean daily with a denture-safe cleanser and soft brush
- Avoid abrasive toothpaste, it can dull that beautiful polish
- Soak them overnight to keep them fresh and hydrated
- Visit us regularly for checkups and professional cleanings
Final Tooth
“Tooth” be told, denture teeth have come a long way, and they’re more lifelike, functional, and fabulous than ever. At McCullough Dental in Bakersfield, CA, we’re passionate about giving our patients not just a replacement for missing teeth, but a reason to smile every time they catch their reflection.
Ready to Smile Bright?
If your dentures are starting to lose their luster or you’re curious about upgrading to a more natural, polished look, we’re here to help! Here at McCullough Dental, we specialize in restoring confidence one dazzling denture at a time. Schedule a consultation with our team to talk about your denture needs!