Sixty-two edentulous patients were treated with complete dentures. A correlation was evident between Oriental ethnocultural background (connected with socioeconomical shortcomings) and a preference for white, shining denture teeth rather than natural-looking ones. A similar trend was observed in individuals with a low score of personal satisfaction who chose brilliant, beautiful teeth. In this study, the patient's choice was motivated by compensatory strivings which were more pronounced in those with a low self-esteem rating. This is a consideration that should influence the prosthodontist's approach.