Did you know gold has been valued for its use in dentistry all the way back to the days of the Egyptians? Safe, durable and pliable, no other material can offer all the outstanding qualities that gold combines.

It's Safe and Comfortable

Gold doesn't just look good it feels good because gold is remarkably compatible with the inside of your mouth. With many other metals, the likelihood of a sensitivity or allergic reaction can be a significant factor for the patient, however, not with gold.

Gold Endures

On the average, dental repairs made with gold will last nearly twenty years or more. By contrast, repairs made with other materials are likely to require replacement two to five times over a twenty-year period. Gold is a cost-wise choice.

It's Strong and Flexible

Gold expands and contracts at the same rate as your natural teeth. This protects your gold repair from chipping, cracking or breaking, which can be a problem with other less versatile materials.

The Beauty of Gold is Lasting

Thanks to its purity and smoothness, gold doesn't darken or stain over time, and always keeps its original brilliance.

A Big Plus for Good Dental Health

Gold fits snugly into your existing tooth. Because there is minimal space between the gold and your tooth, there's a much lower risk of tooth decay. Gold also resists plaque build-up for good dental health.

Gold Enhances Your Smile

For repairs in the front of your mouth, your dentist uses gold under a layer of toothcolored material. The result is durable, natural and attractive.

The Real Value of Gold

Gold is not as expensive as you may think. The value of gold is "repaid" by its exceptional durability. Remember, gold lasts up to five times longer than many other materials.

Talk to Your Dentist

Your dentist will be happy to discuss the options that are available to you for your dental repairs.

Dental Repair Options: Inlay/Onlay

An inlay or onlay is a repair that replaces part of a tooth. First, your dentist makes a mold of the cavity. Next, a dental laboratory crafts the inlay or onlay of a gold alloy which your dentist cements into place in the tooth. Because gold expands and contracts just like your tooth does, it's a popular choice for inlays and onlays.

Crown

When a large portion of a tooth needs replacing, a crown is recommended. Your dentist first takes an imprint of your tooth. Next, your dentist or a dental laboratory crafts a durable, natural-looking new tooth from the imprint. Finally your dentist cements the crown into place. Gold is most often used as the interior base for a crown, because it conforms so well to the natural tooth.

Bridge or Implant

When you need a complete replacement for missing teeth, your dentist may recommend a bridge or an implant. A bridge is anchored to crowned teeth on both sides of the gap from which one or more teeth are missing. An implant is a replacement tooth that is attached to a special anchor that your dentist places under your gumline. Safe, durable, long-lasting gold is typically the choice for crowns used with bridges and implants.

No Other Material Can Match the Qualities of Gold

When your teeth have been weakened or damaged by decay, cracks or chips, your dentist is likely to recommend an alternative to the standard filling. Depending on the nature of the problem, your dentist will recommend the appropriate repair solution. Even though you can't see it, gold is the foundation for most toothcolored crowns, inlays, onlays and bridges. Gold has certain qualities that make it ideal as the basis for dental repairs: strength, flexibility, durability, safety and beauty. The more gold in the alloy, the better it is for you. There are other precious metals your doctor can choose, such as platinum, palladium and silver, however, none can match the unique qualities of gold.

This text was sponsored by the Dental Health Institute, a nonprofit organization promoting gold as the premier material in restorative dentistry.