Abstract The dentate casts of a group of subjects with intact natural dentition were studied to determine the relationship of the teeth to selected anatomical landmarks. These were compared with corresponding measurements of two groups of complete dentures: those made by students in the Department of Prosthetic Dentistry at Guy's Hospital (group A) and those provided by a randomly selected group of dental practitioners (group B). The methods of recording the measurements are described. Significant differences in measurements were seen in the denture test groups compared with the dentate control group.