Permanent gold teeth are an excellent way to replace missing teeth and people have been using them for years. They are also very flashy thus some people use them for aesthetic purposes.
If you are reading this, you are probably planning to get a set and you may be asking yourself, “How much does permanent gold teeth cost?”
This post tells you everything you need to know about permanent gold teeth and their pros and cons over their temporary counterparts so you can know what you are getting and what you actually need.
What Are Permanent Gold Teeth?
A permanent gold tooth is simply a cap that is permanently installed on your jawbone. The best example is an implant. Unlike grillz that can be removed any time you like, implants will stay with you forever.
The most popular type of implant is the endosteal, usually installed into the jawbone. Sometimes a frame may be placed onto the jawbone just underneath the gums. Such implants are known as subperiosteal and a less common.
Gold implants are not usually 100% gold. Gold is mixed with other metals like silver, platinum, or copper, to create an alloy that is a harder material than pure gold.
The procedure of installing gold teeth implants involves removing the natural teeth and roots entirely. It is an invasive surgical process that requires a local anesthetic and a longer time to heal.
After successful removal of the natural teeth, an incision is made on the gum to expose the jawbone that is then drilled to install the implants. You will be given temporary crowns to wear as you wait for the surgical site to heal, after which permanent gold teeth crowns will be installed.
This whole process is expensive but gold teeth implants are a great option if you are looking for a permanent solution to a lost tooth. While some people may have them fitted for cosmetic purposes, implants are only recommended for oral health improvement. There is no point of extracting healthy teeth if it can be avoided.
Which Karat is Better for Gold Teeth?
Karat (K) is the measure of gold purity level. A gold tooth can be marked anywhere between 10K and 24K, with 24K being the purest and 10K being the least pure.
So, does a higher karat number mean better teeth?
Well, not necessarily. While gold teeth with a higher purity level are flashier and not likely to tarnish, they are also the most delicate.
Why?
Pure gold is very soft and bends and wears easily. A gold tooth with a lower karat number will be relatively stronger because the gold in it has been mixed with other metals to make it stronger and more durable.
10K gold teeth will therefore be stronger than a 24K set. And since they have lesser gold, they will also be more affordable. However, they are more likely to tarnish and generally have less shine than higher karat gold teeth.
Middle-tier options like 14K, 16K, or 18K have a larger amount of gold, which means they have a nicer shine. And since they too have a higher concentration of other metals, they are still very durable.
If you are looking for an extra tint of gold and willing to spend a little more, go for the 18K set. However, this option won’t be as strong as the 14K gold settings but will be bright and won’t fade easily.
How Much Are Gold Teeth Implants Worth?
As mentioned, the best permanent gold teeth are the implants. The prices will vary based on the size of the tooth, gold purity, your location, and the location of the tooth being replaced. The fluctuations of gold prices may also affect how much the process will cost you. Here is a breakdown of the total cost.
| Gold Teeth Implant Procedure | Cost in USD |
| Implant to jawbone procedure | $1, 600 – $2, 000 |
| Abutment screw (per piece) | $225 – $400 |
| Crown (per tooth) | $1, 000 – $1, 200 |
Are Permanent Gold Teeth Better Than Temporary Gold Teeth?
One of the most important factors to consider when deciding whether to get permanent gold teeth or a temporary set is cost. As shown above, the crown alone will not cost any less than $1, 000. So, even if you decide to get the crown without jawbone implants, this option is still expensive.
Plus you have to remember that the price will also increase depending on the purity of the gold you choose.
Temporary gold teeth like grillz give you more flexibility and you can change your style any time you like. They are also more cost-effective than their permanent cousins. Even the most high-end will still not be as expensive as implants.
The only disadvantage of grillz is that you need to clean and take good care of them. Plus you can’t wear them around the clock; you have to take them off while eating, sleeping, or smoking.
Whether to choose permanent or temporary gold teeth will depend on what you hope to achieve. If you want to replace a missing tooth, it’s best to go for a permanent solution. For aesthetic purposes, go for the temporary options.
Why Permanent Gold Teeth Implants Are Good for You
There are many reasons gold teeth implants are considered the best option for people looking to make a permanent change to their teeth. The most common include:
Durability
Implants are long-lasting and are designed to stay with you for the rest of your life. Once the implant is fitted successfully, you can use it just as you would a natural tooth.
If you go for white gold, the implant will almost assume the color of your other teeth. This is perfect for people who a looking for a more natural appearance.
Low Maintenance
Gold teeth implants can be treated like natural teeth, meaning, you can brush them daily as you would your original teeth.
Although they are not prone to tooth decay and infections, the surrounding gum and teeth are still susceptible to bacterial attack. Always make sure the implants are clean so that the surrounding gum and teeth also stay healthy. This will also help prevent jawbone infections.
Prevent Bone Resorption
When a tooth comes out of the jaw, the surrounding bone begins to lose its mass, and this eventually weakens the entire jaw, which increases the risk of pathologic fractures. Implants invigorate the jawbone and prevent mass loss.
The only disadvantage of gold teeth implants?
The procedure can take a long time because there is a lot of work involved. After the implants have been fitted, one needs to take a considerable amount of time to heal.
Plus the whole procedure may take up to several months to complete. Some people may see the long healing process, especially, as a problem because they want to quickly get back to smiling naturally and eating normally.
Can Anyone Get Permanent Gold Teeth?
In most instances, anyone healthy enough to go through oral surgery or dental extraction can qualify for permanent gold teeth, in this case, the implants.
For the procedure to be a success, however, the gums must be healthy and the jawbone must be large and strong enough to support the implant. One must also be committed to regular dental visits and good oral hygiene.
Heavy smokers, people who have had surgery around the neck/head area, or those who have uncontrolled chronic ailments like heart disease or diabetes should be evaluated regularly. If you are planning to get teeth implants, talk to your dentist first to see if this is the right option for you.
Will Your Dental Insurance Cover the Procedure?
Probably not. Basic dental insurance does not cover teeth implants. Coverage under your regular medical plan may sometimes be possible depending on the cause of tooth loss and/or your specific insurance plan.
Make sure to discuss your dental needs with your insurance provider. It is the best way to know for sure whether the procedure will be covered or not.
How Does Gold Compare to Other Materials Used to Make Permanent Teeth?
Gold
Gold has been used to make permanent crowns and implants for many years and is still relevant today due to its toughness and fewer reactions in comparison to other metals.
The only downside is that gold crowns are not as white as the natural teeth, which can be a little disappointing for people looking to maintain their original teeth color. In such cases, it would be best to use it for back teeth.
Sometimes gold is mixed with porcelain to enhance its appearance and durability. However, depending on the karat used, the color of the gold will still dominate, causing porcelain to look less natural. Porcelain-fused gold is also more expensive than other materials.
Porcelain
Crowns made from porcelain are the most appealing and have a more natural look as the original teeth. They have also been found to reduce the sensitivity caused by temperature, which makes them a more preferred option.
But like gold, porcelain has some drawbacks, the most common being too fragile. Porcelain can break easily and that’s why it is blended with other metals to make it stronger. It is more appropriate for the front teeth.
Metal
If you are looking for the most affordable option, go for metal crowns. They are the most robust and can withstand tough biting and chewing. Use them to crown back molars; just make sure you are not sensitive to metal.
You can blend metal with porcelain if you are looking for more durability. You will still be able to see the metal through the porcelain. Depending on where the tooth is placed, however, the porcelain may break, forcing you to pay more money to get the tooth fixed.
Though a little pricey, gold is a better option if you are looking to replace your back teeth permanently, as it is strong and you won’t experience sensitivity as you would with metal. Porcelain is a cheaper alternative but less durable. It is not the best option if you are looking for something permanent.
How to Avoid Fake Gold for Your Permanent Teeth
With so many dentists available today, all promising to deliver the best results, it can be difficult to tell who is true to his word.
If you are having your permanent teeth customized and have to choose the type of gold you want, it can be tough to know which gold is real especially if you are working with gold for the first time. Here are a few tricks to help you spot fake gold.
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Bite on it
If the gold is real, your teeth will create small dents in it. Fake gold will not dent when you sink your teeth into it. Now, before you bite down, remember that gold is a soft, smooth metal, so don’t chip your teeth too deep.
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Check for Stamps
Look for markings indicating the Karat value. Real gold should have a stamp somewhere marked as 10K, 14K, 20K, etc. depending on its purity level. Keep in mind, however, that gold made outside the United States may not carry a mark, so this test will not work all the time.
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Examine the color
Look at the surface of the metal to see if there is any discoloration. If you find small black spots or green discoloration, the gold is fake. You may want to use a magnifying glass for this step because some spots can be really tiny.
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Feel the weight
Gold is heavier than most metals, so if the one you have feels lighter, put it back. This may not be the most accurate test, but if your gold feels practically weightless, it is fake.
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Use a magnet
Real gold does not have magnetic capabilities. If you notice a pull when you bring a magnet closer to the gold, it is a sign that the gold is fake.
Knowing how to tell real gold from fake is important especially if you are making a lasting investment like permanent teeth. It is the best way to increase the lifespan of your teeth.
Still got questions regarding permanent gold teeth? Feel free to ask in the comments section.
