When you see a Hollywood star flash a perfect smile on the red carpet, it’s easy to assume they were simply born with great teeth. The truth is, some of the most iconic smiles in entertainment history have had a little — or a lot — of help from modern dentistry.
Dentures and other dental restorations are far more common among public figures than most people realize. From classic Hollywood legends to contemporary A-listers, plenty of familiar faces have turned to cosmetic dental solutions to maintain their signature looks. Here’s a look at celebrities reportedly known for wearing dentures, and what their stories can tell us about the options available to anyone looking to restore their smile.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable or fixed appliances designed to replace missing teeth. They sit over the gums and help restore appearance, speech, and chewing function. Modern dentures look far more natural than the prosthetics of previous generations, and in many cases, they’re virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Types of Dentures
Complete (Full) Dentures replace an entire arch of teeth, either upper, lower, or both. They can be conventional — placed after the gums have healed following extractions — or immediate, inserted the same day teeth are removed.
Partial Dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. They fill in the gaps and help prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of position.
Implant-Supported Dentures are anchored by dental implants for added stability. They offer better retention than traditional dentures and help prevent bone loss over time.
Snap-In Dentures attach to implants via small connectors, providing a secure fit that can still be removed for cleaning.
Flexible Dentures use a lightweight, thermoplastic material — typically nylon — for a more comfortable, pliable fit. They are most commonly used for partial replacements.
What Are Dentures Made From?
The materials used in modern dentures have come a long way. The most common include:
Acrylic Resin forms most denture bases and can be color-matched to mimic the natural appearance of gum tissue. Composite Resin is widely used for the teeth themselves, offering durability and a realistic look at a lower cost than porcelain. Porcelain is occasionally still used for its natural translucency, though it has largely been replaced by composite due to the risk of wear on opposing teeth. Cobalt Chrome provides a strong, lightweight metal framework for partial dentures. Flexible Polymers like nylon are increasingly popular for partial and transitional dentures due to their comfort and natural feel.
10 Celebrities Reported to Wear Dentures
While dental records are private, many of the following celebrities have had their dental journeys discussed publicly — either through their own statements, interviews, or widespread reporting. Some wore dentures temporarily; others as a long-term solution.
1. Clark Gable
The “King of Hollywood” is one of the most well-documented cases of early celebrity denture use. Gable reportedly developed a severe gum infection as a young man, which ultimately led to the removal of most of his natural teeth. He received full dentures while still in his early 30s. His warm, confident smile — one of the most recognized in classic film — was the result of those prosthetics. Few moviegoers ever suspected a thing.
2. George Washington
Long before Hollywood, the first President of the United States was dealing with serious dental challenges. Washington began losing teeth in his 20s and wore multiple sets of dentures throughout his life. Contrary to the popular myth, none of them were made of wood. His prosthetics were crafted from materials including ivory, animal teeth, and human teeth — held together with metal wire and springs. Washington reportedly found them uncomfortable but wore them throughout his presidency, including during his famous portrait sittings.
3. Emma Watson
Emma Watson wore temporary dentures during the filming of the Harry Potter series — not for cosmetic reasons, but practical ones. As a child actress filming over the course of a decade, Watson naturally lost baby teeth at various points during production. To maintain the consistent appearance of her character, Hermione Granger, she was fitted with partial dentures to fill the gaps while her adult teeth came in. It’s a lesser-known piece of behind-the-scenes trivia that her signature smile was occasionally prosthetic.
4. Catherine Zeta-Jones
The Welsh actress has spoken openly about dental struggles from an early age, including crooked teeth and self-consciousness about her smile. After years of orthodontic work that didn’t fully resolve the issues, Zeta-Jones reportedly turned to cosmetic dentistry — including dentures — as her career in Hollywood was gaining momentum. The transformation contributed to the polished, confident smile she became known for in films like Chicago and The Mask of Zorro.
5. Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey’s relationship with dentures is both on-screen and off. For his breakout role in The Mask, Carrey wore oversized prosthetic teeth as part of his character’s look — teeth that were initially intended only for silent scenes. Carrey, being Carrey, learned to speak clearly with them in, and they became central to the character’s visual identity. Off-screen, Carrey has reportedly had restorative dental work done over the years, including for a chipped front tooth — the real version of which he famously exposed for his role in Dumb and Dumber by removing the dental cap that normally covered it.
6. Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck reportedly began wearing full dentures in his early 40s, a decision that noticeably changed the appearance of his smile. He later transitioned to dental caps, which offer a more permanent solution. The shift in his dental appearance drew attention from fans and media over the years, making him one of the more high-profile contemporary examples of a star who has openly undergone significant restorative dental work.
7. Nicolas Cage
Nicolas Cage is legendary for his commitment to transforming himself physically for roles, and his teeth have not been spared. For one major film role, Cage reportedly had his natural teeth permanently shaved down to accommodate custom-fitted dentures, ensuring they would not affect his speech. More recently, for his vampire character in Renfield, Cage wore 3D-printed dentures specifically designed for the role. His willingness to alter his own dentition for the sake of authenticity is remarkable — and a little unsettling.
8. Gary Busey
Gary Busey’s famously distinctive smile has a difficult origin story. In December 1988, Busey was involved in a severe motorcycle accident that caused significant facial injuries and resulted in the loss of several teeth. The reconstruction of his smile involved dental surgery, implants, and, reportedly, veneers or dentures. His smile became an unexpected part of his public persona — bold, unmistakable, and hard to forget.
9. Florence Henderson
Florence Henderson, best known for her role as Carol Brady on The Brady Bunch, was candid in interviews about her use of dentures later in life. Henderson acknowledged wearing them openly and even appeared in commercials for denture products. Her willingness to discuss it publicly helped reduce the stigma around dental prosthetics for older adults and brought more mainstream attention to how natural modern dentures can look.
10. Ed McMahon
The longtime Tonight Show sidekick and television personality Ed McMahon was another public figure associated with denture use. McMahon spoke about his dental health challenges over the years, and his experience became part of a broader conversation about how common tooth loss and dental restoration are — even among the most publicly visible, well-resourced individuals in the country.
Why Dentists Recommend Dentures
Dentures are not a last resort — they are a well-established, effective solution for a range of dental situations. Your dentist may recommend them for several reasons:
Tooth Loss from decay, trauma, or gum disease is the most common reason. When multiple teeth are missing, dentures restore both function and appearance. Severe Gum Disease that has progressed to the point where natural teeth can no longer be saved may leave dentures as the best path forward. Significant Decay that makes restoration of individual teeth impractical or cost-prohibitive can make full or partial dentures the most sensible long-term option. Difficulty Eating or Speaking caused by missing teeth can be significantly improved with well-fitted prosthetics. Bone Loss Prevention is another important benefit — tooth loss leads to gradual jawbone resorption, and dentures help maintain the shape of the face and jaw over time. Confidence and Appearance matter too. Missing teeth affect how people feel about themselves, and restoring a full smile can have a meaningful impact on daily life.
Modern Dentures vs. What Most People Imagine
Many people still picture dentures as the loose, uncomfortable, obviously artificial-looking appliances of previous generations. Today’s options are dramatically different. Modern materials, precision fitting techniques, and implant-supported solutions have made dentures more comfortable, more stable, and more natural-looking than ever before. In many cases, no one but you and your dentist will know.
The celebrities on this list are proof that a restored smile can be just as warm, expressive, and camera-ready as any natural set of teeth.
Considering Dentures in Winchester, VA?
If you’re exploring tooth replacement options, the team at Tolley Dental in Winchester, VA is here to help. We offer a full range of denture solutions — from traditional full and partial dentures to implant-supported options — and will take the time to understand your needs and goals before recommending a path forward.
Whether you’re replacing one tooth or many, we believe every patient deserves a comfortable, confident smile. Call our Winchester office at (540) 662-6466 or schedule an appointment online to get started.