IS OLD STILL GOLD?

Advantages of gold crowns.

Having a gold dental crown made can be an excellent choice. Here are some reasons why:

A) Alloys that have a high gold content are typically very workable metals (they have favorable physical properties). This characteristic can aid a dentist in achieving a very precise crown-to-tooth fit. (There’s more information about this topic at the link above.)

B) Gold crowns (and metal crowns in general) are very strong and can be expected to withstand even the heaviest biting and chewing forces well. They will not chip. It would be uncharacteristic for a gold crown to break. And of all of the different types of dental crowns, gold crowns probably have the greatest potential for lasting the longest.

C) The gold alloys that are used to make dental crowns have a wear rate that is about the same as tooth enamel. This means that a gold crown won’t create excessive wear on the teeth that oppose it (the teeth that it bites against).

Disadvantages of all-metal crowns.

About the only disadvantage of metal dental crowns is their appearance. And because of this, they’re not usually placed on teeth that are readily visible when the person smiles. They can, however, make a great choice for some molars, especially bottom ones.

If you are considering a metal crown, take our advice on this point. Before giving your dentist the go ahead to make it, check with your spouse first. They’re the one who will be looking at your smile, and your shiny new crown, the most.

Related Page: Selling scrap gold / old dental restorations.

Consider a porcelain "window."

The can be times when a patient wants or needs the strength, durability and predictability that an all-metal crown can offer but the way the one would look would be simply too objectionable. As a compromise, it is possible for metal crowns to be surfaced with porcelain on their side that shows. Dentists refer to this type of option as a veneer or "window."

Others will still be able to see a hint of the metal that surrounds the porcelain. They’ll also be able to see the all-metal chewing surface of the crown. But this option may make having a metal crown a possibility where otherwise it would not.