It’s time to replace your partial dentures. But what do you do with your old ones? It seems a shame to just throw them away. After all, they were expensive, and there are so many people who can’t afford dentures but need them. Did you know that there are over 3,600,000 sets of dentures produced around the world every year? And did you know that each set contains around roughly US$25 of precious metals? Unfortunately, because of the personalized nature of dentures, they are usually not recycled in such a way that they are given to another person to wear. There are some things, however, that you can do with your partial dentures other than just tossing them in the nearest trash bin. Continue reading
Tag Archives: gold
Types of Ultrathin Dentures
Dentures have a bad rap of being unsightly, uncomfortable, and difficult to eat with. However, advances in the way that dentures are made have resulted in dentures that are easy to wear, look great, and—most importantly—fit snugly and comfortably. Ultrathin dentures may be made out of a variety of materials and can fit any number of budgets. Continue reading
The History of Gold Dental Castings
Gold metal framework in dentures
Where and when gold was first used in connection with the care of teeth as opposed to their decoration are matters of doubt and disagreement. However, it is generally agreed that gold was first used in dentistry over 2500 years ago, and its dental applications have increased steadily, especially during the past 100 of years, to the point where they now absorb over 80 tons of gold per annum. In some cultures, gold teeth and gold teeth caps are a sign of wealth or a means of protecting fortunes, but gold also has its place in the modern history of dental castings. Continue reading
The Disadvantages of Metal in Tooth Caps
A metal tooth cap
Dental caps in general add a good deal of strength to a weakened or worn tooth, and if all conditions are favourable, a good tooth cap can last ten to fifteen years. Depending on your habits and the condition of your gums, there may be some drawbacks or benefits for you. Your dentist will advise which is best for you given several factors, such as how important appearance is to you. A tooth cap, also known as a dental crown, is a covering placed over a tooth and cemented into place. Materials used to make tooth caps include metal, resin, porcelain, or a combination of ceramic and metal. Continue reading