Tooth Texture
Surface characteristics of teeth that affect light reflection and natural appearance.
Tooth surface texture plays a crucial role in how teeth interact with light and thus how natural they appear. Natural teeth have both macro-texture (developmental lobes, line angles, perikymata — horizontal growth lines) and micro-texture (fine surface irregularities). Young teeth have more pronounced texture, while aged teeth become smoother from wear. In cosmetic dentistry, replicating appropriate surface texture is essential for natural-looking restorations. Overly smooth, highly polished restorations look artificial because they reflect light uniformly (like a bathroom tile). Ceramists create texture by adding horizontal striations and vertical lobe lines to porcelain surfaces. For composite restorations, dentists use finishing instruments to create characterization. The texture should match the patient's age and adjacent natural teeth — a restoration on a 50-year-old should be smoother than one on a 20-year-old.