The Selection of Anterior Denture Teeth

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of anterior denture teeth between two major manufacturers (Ivoclar and DENTSPLY) and to determine if they follow the Golden Proportion, the Recurring Esthetic Dental Proportion (RED) or the Golden Percentage theory.

Methods: Maxillary denture teeth from two different companies (Ivoclar and DENTSPLY) were set using a standardized technique. Some of the more popular small, medium and large moulds were tested from each company  (n=11 for group, 6 groups, total 66).  All samples were photographed and the images were analyzed using computer software to measure the visible widths of the maxillary anterior teeth. The existence of the Golden Proportion, the RED Proportions and the Golden Percentage were investigated. 

Results: The measured width of anterior denture teeth did not equal the calculated width based on the Golden Proportion with either Ivoclar or DENTSPLY denture teeth.  The canine/lateral RED Proportion values were greater than lateral/central RED Proportion values for teeth from both manufacturers, on all studied molds. The Golden Percentage was relatively constant in tooth width between both manufacturers.

Conclusion: The Golden Proportion and the RED Proportion were not found in this study. The theory of the Golden Percentage appears to be more applicable to the results of this study in relating the anterior to posterior proportions of maxillary denture teeth.  A value of 22-23% for central incisors, 14-15% for lateral incisors, and 13-14% for canines can be adopted as a denture tooth Golden Percentage.