Gold is one of the very first metals to be used in medicine. It was with its use that prosthetics in dentistry began, gold teeth in ancient times were considered a luxury and symbolized the highest level of human well-being, his important position in society.
Application of gold in dentistry
In modern dentistry, it is widely used in the production of a variety of dental structures:
- solid crowns;
- individual abutments;
- stump and dental inlays;
- braces;
- prostheses with clasp and telescopic fixation system;
- metal-ceramic crowns.
Properties of dental gold alloys
Prosthetics with gold has become widespread due to the unique properties of this noble metal:
- The metal itself and its alloys can be easily polished, which is especially important when creating even and smooth edges of prostheses, which allows them to fit snugly against the gum without the risk of damage to soft tissues and the development of carious processes in places of contact with he althy teeth.
- Gold teeth do not oxidize andnot painted, resistant to corrosion.
- This metal does not cause individual intolerance and galvanic effect.
- It does not cause plaque buildup on teeth.
- Increased fluidity of gold-bearing alloys makes it possible to achieve high precision in the manufacture of prosthesis designs.
- When using gold, the aesthetic appearance of the jaw improves, it gives ceramic structures a natural shade that does not differ from the color of he althy teeth.
Indications and contraindications
Dental implants are needed in the following cases:
- when restoring their anatomical shape and functions;
- when correcting an overly strong bite and the need to strengthen the tooth;
- to give the aesthetics of the oral cavity;
- when restoring posterior teeth;
- in the presence of parafunctional habits - grinding, hard clenching.
Installation of prostheses is not performed at:
- diagnosing mental illness;
- detection of chronic periodontitis;
- during pregnancy;
- patient under 16 years of age.
Production of crowns
The aesthetic properties of such prostheses have increased significantly due to the use of ceramic materials. If gold crowns are to be placed on the anterior teeth, then the framework made of an alloy containing precious metal should be veneered with a ceramic mass to enhance the aesthetic properties. Translucent through the cold whiteness of the ceramic, the gold gives the tooth a warm and yellowish tint, creating a lively and natural look.
When casting crowns, pure gold is not used. To give the required strength to the prosthesis, palladium and platinum are added in small amounts to the alloy. Such crowns are able to serve for a long time without losing their properties.
Recently, crowns decorated with precious stones or gold figurines, as well as their removable designs, which are new in dentistry, have gained immense popularity. Prosthetics with removable crowns is determined, rather, by the whim of the patient than by necessity. Such structures are installed on a he althy tooth, and therefore they have a relatively small thickness.
Benefits of gold dentures
The installation of teeth and crowns made of gold has its undeniable advantages over other materials also used in dental prosthetics:
- full compatibility with the soft tissues of the oral cavity, which eliminates the occurrence of allergies and irritations;
- the absence of even the slightest impurities of any carcinogenic compounds;
- high strength alloy, making gold teeth almost impossible to break or damage;
- due to the softness of the metal, the antagonist teeth are not subject to destruction, since both the dentures and the surrounding natural teeth are erased almost simultaneously;
- coefficient of thermal expansion of metal and dentincompletely coincides, there is an almost complete "coagulation" of the prosthesis and tooth.
Some scientists tend to attribute bactericidal properties to gold, although there is no scientific evidence for this yet, however, as well as rebuttals.
Disadvantages of Precious Metal Dentures
In addition to significant advantages, dental implants made of gold also have tangible disadvantages:
- fast enough abrasion;
- high cost of material and installation of prostheses;
- changing ideas about the aesthetics of gold prosthetics.
Modern ideas about the beauty and aesthetics of the oral cavity suggest the installation of gold teeth only in the depths of the mouth. It is believed that on the teeth visible during a smile or a conversation, this metal looks vulgar and unnatural.
Caring for teeth and crowns
Gold teeth do not require any special care, but there are some requirements:
- Brush them at least twice a day with a regular toothbrush and toothpaste.
- To prevent tartar build-up leading to gum disease and cavities, it is recommended to use dental floss to clean the junction between gum and crown.
- Solid foods, seeds and nuts should be avoided, and nail biting should be avoided.
- It is strictly forbidden to strongly clench your teeth and grind them. If this happens involuntarily in a dream, then at night it is recommended to wear protectivefixtures.
What determines the cost of gold teeth?
In these days, implants are a great option for people who want to regain their former gorgeous smile and avoid chewing problems.
How much does it cost to install gold teeth? Their price depends simultaneously on many factors, both individual for each person and common to all, and can range from 7 to 55 thousand Russian rubles.
If we talk about the prosthetic procedure itself, then its cost depends on:
- difficulties in the installation surgery;
- the cost of the prosthesis itself. It should be understood that the price of a gram of gold is approximately 65 euros, ceramics and the components that make up the alloy are also by no means cheap;
- individual features of the structure of the tooth on which the crown or prosthesis is made - its size, shape and, therefore, mass.
Also, additional factors, such as:
- status and prestige of the dental clinic, its location;
- doctor qualification level;
- producing country of materials for the manufacture of prostheses and their quality. The geography is quite wide - from Germany or Israel to Korea and the USA, there are even Russian manufacturers.
Only taking into account all these factors, it is possible to approximate the cost of manufacturing andinstallation of gold teeth or crowns. It would be useful to know that the installation of only one tooth can be quite expensive, and when ordering several or all teeth at once, you can get a fairly significant discount on both materials and the work of a doctor.
In any case, before making a decision, you need to find out in advance the prices in several clinics and, comparing the terms, cost and qualifications of a specialist, make a choice in favor of one of them.
