The papillae and marginal gingiva are smooth, as is the alveolar mucosa; but the band of attached gingiva in between is described as having a stippled or orange-peel appearance. The contour of the gingiva presents a festooned appearance with intermittent elongated prominences corresponding to the root contours. It is recommended that casts from patients with natural teeth be used as guides for gingival waxing and festooning, rather than simply making grooves in the wax between each tooth. Without festooning and stippling, light is not randomly reflected and dispersed and the denture becomes a smooth, pink mirror announcing itself as an impostor.