What should anterior teeth in complete dentures do in relation to the lower lip?

In complete dentures, the positioning of the anterior teeth is crucial for both aesthetics and functional purposes. The ideal arrangement is for the anterior teeth to passively touch the wet/dry line of the lower lip. This positioning ensures that the teeth are visible enough to provide an appealing smile while also being functional in speech and mastication. The contact with the wet/dry line indicates that the teeth are correctly positioned; they are not too far forward or too far back, which can affect lip support and the overall appearance of the dental prosthesis.

Having the anterior teeth rest above the lower lip may lead to an unnatural look, while extension beyond the lower lip can cause issues such as difficulty in closing the lips comfortably or discomfort during function. Hiding the anterior teeth beneath the lower lip would detract from the aesthetics and might suggest a lack of sufficient vertical dimension. Therefore, the correct positioning of the anterior teeth with respect to the lower lip is vital for both functional and aesthetic reasons.