When we skim through glossy magazine pages filled with “red carpet-ready” smiles of Hollywood stars, it’s easy to feel envious of their pearly whites. But did you know that not all perfect teeth we gawk at are all natural?
Imagine your surprise at the number of superstars who’ve sought the assistance of cosmetic dentistry to achieve their dazzling smiles. Let’s look at which celebrities have dentures and how they’ve embraced them confidently.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable artificial teeth designed to replace missing natural teeth. They fit snugly over the gums and help restore your smile by enhancing facial appearance, speech, chewing ability, and oral health.
Dentures are made using various materials, each serving a specific purpose. Here are the main materials used:
- Acrylic Resin. This is the most common material used for the base of dentures, which is the part that looks like gums. It is preferred because it can be dyed to match the patient’s natural gum color and adheres more securely to the artificial teeth.
- Porcelain. In the past, many denture teeth were made from porcelain due to its strong resemblance to the shine of natural teeth, its durability, and resistance to wear. However, because porcelain can wear down natural teeth in the opposing jaw and is more prone to breakage than other materials, it is less commonly used today.
- Composite Resins. These are now often used instead of porcelain for the teeth part of dentures. Composite resins are less expensive and lighter in weight compared to porcelain. They also have good wear resistance and can be easily repaired or replaced.
- Metal. Metal is sometimes used as a framework within theacrylic resinbase to increase strength and durability for partial dentures.
- Flexible Polymers. Some modern dentures use flexible materials like nylon for the denture base, offering a more comfortable and snug fit. They are mostly used for partial dentures or temporary dentures.
- Cobalt Chrome. This metal alloy is often used for the framework of partial dentures. It is lightweight, strong, and less likely to break than acrylic.
Types of Dentures
- Complete (Full) Dentures. These are used when all the teeth are missing. They can be either “conventional” or “immediate.” A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has begun to heal, typically taking 4 to 6 weeks. An immediate full denture is inserted immediately after the remaining teeth are removed.
- Partial Dentures. Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. They fill in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevent other teeth from changing position.
- Overdentures. These are similar to complete dentures but are used when some teeth can still be saved. The remaining teeth are used as support for the overdenture.
- Implant-Supported Dentures. These are anchored by dental implants. They provide better stability and may reduce bone loss compared to traditional dentures.
- Snap-In Dentures. These are an over-denture that is anchored in place using dental implants. The denture has attachments that snap onto attachments on the implants.
- Flexible Dentures. These are a type of partial denture, but they are made of different materials than ordinary ones. Most flexible dentures are made of a thin thermoplastic such as nylon, compared to the thicker, more rigid acrylic used in complete dentures.
Advantages of Dentures
- Improved Appearance. Dentures provide a natural and confident appearance. They can even affect your look by providing a cohesive look and radiant smile.
- Preservation of Facial Shape. Dentures help preserve your facial shape and prevent your cheeks and lips from appearing sunken. This helps in maintaining a fuller look for your face.
- Improved Speech and Eating. Wearing dentures can significantly improve your ability to speak and eat. Missing teeth can make it difficult to pronounce certain words, and dentures can help overcome this problem. Similarly, missing teeth can make it challenging to chew food properly, which dentures can rectify.
- Prevention of Further Bone Loss. Dentures prevent further bone loss, which is vital for maintaining a healthy mouth.
- Boosted Self-confidence. A good set of dentures can give you a beautiful smile, boosting your self-confidence.
- No Surgery Required. One of the significant advantages of dentures is that there’s no surgery required for their installation, making the process easy, simple, and fast.
Some Celebrities Reported to Be Wearing Dentures
While it’s unclear if these celebrities have traditional dentures or some of the more modern options mentioned above, it’s no secret that many celebrities have turned to cosmetic dentistry to enhance their smiles.
Here’s a list of celebrities who are rumored to wear dentures:
1. William Clark Gable
Famously known as Clark Gable, he was one of the celebrities with full-mouth dentures during the early 20th century. According to reports, Gable developed a gum infection as a young adult, which led to significant damage to his teeth. As a result, he had his damaged teeth removed and wore dentures.
Gable’s charming smile, which was an integral part of his on-screen persona, was actually due to his dentures, which he got in his early 30s.
2. Emma Watson
The English actress, globally recognized for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series wore dentures as a child while on the set of the films. As she was growing up during the filming of the series, she lost some noticeable baby teeth, also known as milk teeth.
To ensure the consistency of her character’s appearance throughout the series, Watson wore dentures to cover up her missing teeth. This allowed her to maintain Hermione’s signature smile, ensuring continuity across the films.
3. George Washington
George Washington, the first President of the United States, did wear dentures. However, contrary to popular belief, his dentures were not made of wood.
Washington’s dentures were fashioned from various materials, including animal teeth (likely from horses or donkeys), human teeth, and ivory. John Baker, the first dentist to fashion false teeth for Washington, fabricated a partial denture with ivory wired to Washington’s remaining real teeth.
4. Catherine Zeta-Jones
Catherine Zeta-Jones, the Welsh actress and producer known for roles in films such as “The Mask of Zorro,” “Chicago,” and “Ocean’s Twelve,” is reported to have worn dentures.
From an early age, Zeta-Jones faced dental issues. She was also teased for having a flat-looking nose and teeth that used to stick out. Even after getting braces, she still struggled with crooked teeth.
In response to these challenges, Zeta-Jones turned to cosmetic dentistry. During her rise to fame, she decided to enhance her smile, leading her to use dentures. This decision greatly improved the look of her teeth, contributing to the perfect smile she is known for today.
5. Jim Carrey
The versatile actor and comedian known for his roles in films like “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” “The Mask,” and “Dumb and Dumber” is one of the celebrities who has made use of dentures during his career.
In the 1994 film “The Mask,” Carrey wore oversized prosthetic teeth for his character. These teeth were initially meant to be used only in silent scenes, but Carrey managed to speak clearly with them, and they became a key part of his character’s look.
Interestingly, the chipped tooth that Carrey sported in “Dumb and Dumber” and its 2014 sequel was real. He had a crown placed over it for normal appearances but removed it for his role in the film to create the look of a chipped tooth.
In addition to these on-screen uses, Carrey is reported to have had dental repair work done off-screen to fix a chipped front tooth. This has led to his inclusion in the list of celebs with dentures.
6. Ben Affleck
The acclaimed actor and filmmaker is known to be one of the celebrities with full dentures at one point in his career. News revealed that Ben Affleck began wearing dentures when he was around 43. He wore them for several years before deciding to switch to expensive dental caps. His decision to undergo this dental procedure has significantly transformed his dental appearance.
7. Nicholas Cage
Nicholas Cage’s decision to wear dentures stems from his deep commitment to his roles. His dedication to embodying his characters has led him to undertake significant physical transformations, including altering his permanent teeth. For example, Cage’s teeth were permanently shaved down to fit dentures in his lifelong dream role in a $65 million film. The process ensured that the dentures didn’t impede his speech and allowed full freedom.
In another instance, Cage trimmed his teeth and wore 3D-printed dentures for his vampire character in’ Renfield.’ Although shocking to some, these drastic steps highlight Cage’s passion for authenticity in his performances.
8. Gary Busey
The charismatic and distinctive actor known for his roles in films like “The Buddy Holly Story” is one of the famous actors with dentures. Busey’s decision to wear dentures and dental veneers wasn’t just an aesthetic choice but was reportedly linked to a severe motorcycle accident he experienced on December 4, 1988.
The accident caused considerable facial damage and resulted in the loss of several teeth. As a result, Busey had to undergo dental surgery to repair the damage and replace the missing teeth. This may have involved the fitting of dental implants or veneers. His current smile, featuring what appears to be large-sized veneers or dentures, is now an integral part of his unique persona.
Why Dentists Recommend Dentures
Dentists recommend dentures for various reasons, often related to dental health issues that affect the functionality and aesthetics of a person’s teeth.
Here are some common reasons:
- Tooth Loss. This is the most obvious reason. Whether due to trauma, decay, or gum disease, when multiple teeth are lost, dentures can replace them.
- Severe Gum Disease. Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. Dentures may be recommended if the condition has progressed to a point where it’s impossible to save the natural teeth.
- Decay. Dentures may be suggested if tooth decay has advanced significantly and restoring the natural teeth is not feasible.
- Difficulty Eating. Missing teeth or those damaged by decay can make chewing food difficult. Dentures can help restore normal eating habits.
- Speech Issues. Teeth play a crucial role in speech. Missing teeth can cause speech problems, which dentures can help correct.
- Aesthetics. Missing teeth can impact a person’s appearance and self-esteem. Dentures can provide a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
- Economic Factors. In some cases, getting dentures might be a more affordable option than other dental procedures like implants or bridges.
- Bone Loss Prevention. When you lose teeth, the jawbone may start to resorb or shrink over time. Dentures can help maintain the shape of the jaw and prevent further bone loss.
It’s important to note that while dentures can address many dental problems, they also require proper care and regular dental visits to ensure they fit properly and maintain oral health.
Final Thoughts: Consider Dentures to Achieve a Dazzling Smile
Public figures are often subjected to much scrutiny, especially concerning their appearance. So, it isn’t surprising that famous celebrities have turned to dentures to enhance their smiles. The procedure can help them maintain a confident smile on and off-screen, which is vital in their careers.
However, you should remember that dentures aren’t just for the rich and famous. They are available even to regular people looking to improve their dental health and appearance. Whether you’re a famous actor or an everyday person, dentures can help restore your smile and boost your confidence.
Considering dentures? Contact today to learn more about our denture treatments. Our experienced team can help you achieve a functional and bright smile!
