Gold teeth, which come in various forms such as implants, crowns, fillings, and grillz, are dental procedures that involve the use of gold. Although they were once common in restorative dentistry, they are now more frequently used for aesthetic purposes in Western society. If you are interested in learning more about gold teeth, including their costs, benefits, and risks, continue reading.
Why is gold teeth?
Since the 19th century, dentists have been using gold in dentistry because it is biocompatible, which means that the body won’t reject the metal like it would other foreign objects. Therefore, people may want gold teeth for their durability and compatibility with the body. However, gold teeth may not be suitable for grinding food due to gold’s malleabilityCall A Dentist
varieties of gold teeth
Let’s look at the different types of gold teeth.
Removable and easy-to-clean gold grillz
Gold grills: Grills for teeth, also known as “grillz” or “fronts,” are decorative covers that snap over one or more teeth. Individuals can decorate them with jewels and precious metals, and they are generally removable.
Gold tooth crown: Some people fit their teeth with gold crowns, which are custom-fitted coverings made of gold to replace the natural crown of the tooth instead of using another material. These are also known as tooth caps and provide a permanent golden fix.
- Gold braces: “Gold braces are a golden alternative to traditional braces, though not exactly a tooth replacement.” can be converted to active voice as “While they don’t exactly replace teeth, gold braces provide a golden alternative to traditional braces.”.
- Gold tooth filling: Modern dentistry still offers the option of a gold tooth filling, although it is not very common nowadays. The purpose of this is more of a personal preference rather than aesthetic, as most fillings are located in places that are not visible when smiling normally
- Gold tooth implant: Gold teeth implants are not 100% gold because gold is too soft to be used on its own as a tooth replacement. Typically, the gold in these implants only makes up 20-70% of the alloy, with other metals such as copper, platinum, zinc, or silver added to create the implant. A metal screw is used to replace the root of the tooth, and a socket is inserted into the jawbone to hold the implant in place. The crown is the only part of the implant that is actually made of gold..
Procedure for gold-plated teeth
The procedures vary in terms of time, recovery period, and price depending on the option chosen to transform your smile to gold.
Teeth grillz in gold
Implants and removable gold teeth clips are both referred to as grillz (grills) technically. A removable gold grill is by far the most cost-effective and least invasive option. It requires no surgery and very little fitting, and most sets can be bought pre-made. A teeth-shaped flat piece of metal that bends underneath your front teeth and has a silicon insert to press up against the natural teeth while it’s in your mouth is what a removable grill is. You can order a set of fake gold grills online for next to nothing, or you can spend $10,000 on an insane jewel-encrusted 24-carat set. This video demonstrates how to fit an “off the shelf” grill to your teeth.
Gold dental crowns
As I previously mentioned, capping front teeth with gold crowns may be opted for by some people to have a more permanent grill. The procedure for a gold-capped tooth requires more invasiveness:
- First, the dentist will shave the natural tooth crowns to make room for the new gold crowns to fit over the old tooth like a glove. After this, you will receive a temporary crown, which may not be as comfortable as the final piece, before leaving the first appointment.
- Next, the dentist needs to make an impression of the remaining tooth to create the new gold crowns.
- For the next appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary crowns and attach the new gold crowns using dental cement.
People can pair gold tooth crowns with front implants. Jewelers can design gold tooth crowns with diamonds and other precious metals on the front-facing side. The cost of gold caps typically ranges from $800 to $2,500 per tooth, depending on the expense of the materials and the location where they are done.
Filled with gold
Before regular sealant treatment became common, dentists would perform dental fillings to replace decayed parts of natural teeth. The process involved drilling out the dead parts of the tooth and filling the remaining space with gold. Dental fillings were not typically an aesthetic choice and were a common procedure for those who had been to the dentist before the advent of regular sealant treatment.
In the past, people commonly used gold fillings, but now they have become almost obsolete due to the cost-effectiveness and durability of silver amalgam and the virtually invisible appearance of composite fillings. A gold filling can cost up to ten times more than a silver amalgam filling, which typically costs between $50 to $150
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Gold implants for teeth
Implanting a grill is also possible, which is the most invasive option for permanent gold teeth. It involves surgery and comes with a high cost.
The surgeon places the most common type of implant, known as an endosteal implant, into the jawbone through surgery. The less common type, a subperiosteal implant, involves fitting a frame onto the jawbone just below the gums..
The dentist mixes gold with another substance like copper, platinum, or silver in order to harden the material, creating a gold alloy. Then, the dentist implants the gold alloy into the patient’s mouth to create permanent gold teeth..
- The dentist needs to remove the natural teeth and roots entirely to replace them with gold teeth. This surgery requires local anesthetic and a longer healing time.
- The doctor will make an incision in the gums to expose the bone and then drill into the jawbone to set the implants after removing the natural teeth. Sometimes, this can be done on the same day as tooth removal, especially if there is no decay.
- The dentist drills the holes for the implants and sets the abutments, which serve as the peg to which the tooth will be attached. Temporary crowns are given to the patient by the doctor to wear while the surgical site heals.
- After setting and allowing the abutments to heal, the doctor can then screw or cement the permanent gold teeth crown onto the abutment..
Gold implants are a permanent option
Implants are definitely the most permanent option when it comes to gold teeth. A difficult and expensive process is required to remove implants, as compared to a removable grill.
It is not recommended to opt for this option unless you need to have unhealthy teeth replaced with implants. If it can be avoided, you should never have healthy teeth extracted.
The only exception is if your teeth are too crowded, and require more space for orthodontic treatment.
Cost of gold permanent teeth
The real question is: “How much does a gold tooth cost?” Since gold is a precious element, the price of permanent gold teeth is typically higher than other dental materials.
Be wary if you see cheap offers around that seem too good to be true, as a low cost might indicate lower quality service and materials. Let’s compare the options available from your local accredited dentist
Gold grillz range in price depending on the style and materials used. A basic set can cost anywhere from $100 to $500, while a decked out grill can cost millions. Gold crowns cost between $800 and $2,500 per tooth, while gold implants cost between $2,700 and $5,000, depending on the style and amount of gold in each tooth.
Gold grillz are not painful, and if there is any discomfort, they should be removed immediately. The more custom the set, the more comfortable it will be. Gold crowns require minimal pain thanks to anesthetic, while gold implants may cause some soreness and require a longer recovery. Anesthetics and painkillers can help reduce the discomfort.
With proper care, gold grillz can last a lifetime. Gold crowns typically last 15 years on average, but with proper care, they can last up to 30 years. Gold implants can also last up to 30 years with proper care.
It is extremely easy to change gold grillz, while changing gold crowns requires a visit to the dentist but is relatively painless. While the implant itself will always be there, changing the crown on a gold implant is the same as changing a crown over a natural tooth.
Adornments such as jewels and diamonds can be added to permanent gold teeth, and the cost is expected to increase accordingly.
To check gold teeth prices for the procedure you want, the best way is to consult with a dentist who offers gold teeth fillings or crowns near you.
Find a dentist for gold teeth near you now
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Risks
Florida rapper Kodak Black discovered that he had gum disease when he removed his permanent gold teeth (a permanent grill, not implants). This highlights the risks associated with wearing gold teeth. Wearing grills can cause the natural tooth enamel to wear down, decay, and gum disease. Crowns can also lead to tooth decay on the natural tooth if the gums recede. Harmful bacteria can spread when food and debris get trapped under the grill. The only way to avoid these risks is to opt for implanted gold teeth, which carry the same risks as normal implants but are the preferred way to replace missing teeth. To reduce the chances of tooth decay and gum disease, it is advisable to limit the amount of time spent wearing removable gold grills.
Maintaining permanent gold teeth
Caring for gold teeth requires slightly more complexity than caring for natural teeth, as it is important to keep the spaces between the gold face and natural teeth clean and free of debris. To care for each type of gold teeth specifically, follow these steps.
Using a cordless water flosser can help to keep permanent gold implants clean.
Gold grillz: Remember to remove your grill from your mouth before eating, as food can get trapped between your teeth and the grill and cause decay. It is important to limit the amount of time you wear the device and thoroughly cleanse your teeth and grill before putting it back into your mouth..
- Crowns: Remember to brush and floss your teeth twice a day and be mindful of your diet to avoid damaging your crown. Eating hard or sticky foods increases the likelihood of damaging the crown. It’s best to avoid nuts, hard candies, crunchy foods, and chewing gum. Gold doesn’t shrink, which minimizes the risk of tooth decay around the edges of the crown..
- Implants: Gold alloy turns black and becomes dirty over time, so it requires regular cleaning, just like any golden jewelry. Caring for permanent implants requires using a soft-bristle brush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid damaging the tooth. Additionally, using a water flosser is recommended to prevent gum disease from developing under the crown around the abutment. Read about the best water flossers.
DIY teeth with permanent gold
One should avoid DIY options as they are always dangerous and can cause a great deal of damage. Some people may try to attach removable grills with glue to permanently affix them to their natural teeth, which can lead to decay, damage, and discoloration of the natural teeth. It is highly inadvisable. If you have a grill, ensure that it can be easily removed so that you can properly care for your natural teeth.
Permanent gold teeth removal
Removable options offer more versatility since one can simply take them out whenever they desire normal teeth. However, permanent gold teeth present a trickier situation, as the expertise of a dentist is required to remove them without damaging the abutment. The process involves dissolving the adhesive and replacing the gold crown with another permanent option. It is not advisable for anyone to attempt to remove a gold crown by themselves.
Conclusion
Over the past few decades, pop culture has seen a rise in prominence of gold teeth. Removable grills, which come with significant health risks, have become a more affordable option compared to implants, which are more permanent and often sported by celebrities with a higher price tag. When making a choice, it is important to consider one’s budget, desired aesthetics, and how permanent of a gold look is desired.
Find a dentist for gold teeth near you now
Click here to get connected or call 866-383-0748 (toll-free, 24/7)
If you still have questions, but you’re not ready to meet with a dentist in person, you can consult with a dentist online using teledentistry services.
FAQs
Your teeth decay if you have permanent gold teeth?
Wearing a grill for an extended period without proper hygiene can accelerate tooth decay and lead to gum recession around the crown, potentially causing decay at the base of the natural tooth. However, the gold itself will not rot your teeth.
Can gold teeth be removed??
The dentist can remove and replace crowns and implants with composite, porcelain, or other materials. Although the procedure is not very invasive, it does require a visit to the dentist..
Are gold teeth painful?
The passive voice sentence “Getting an implant in your jawbone can come with some pain that can easily be treated with painkillers. Additionally, anesthetics are used during the implant process” can be rewritten in the active voice as follows:
“An implant in your jawbone may cause some pain that can be easily treated with painkillers, but the implant process involves the use of anesthetics.”