Gold teeth are a form of dental prosthesis. They are sometimes used for cosmetic purposes.
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Dental restoration
Dentists have used gold for filling cavities (before mercury amalgam became available), for crowns, and for other purposes. Gold is malleable, nearly immune to corrosion, and hard enough to form a biting surface that can be used for years. Gold was used before silver was available and continued to be used for specialized purposes. After 1980, gold inlays, and gold foil work became rare in the United States.
Cosmetic uses
In certain regions of the world, especially in the former Soviet Central Asia and the Caucasus, gold teeth are worn as a status symbol, a symbol of wealth.[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] Grills, false tooth covers made of metal, have become a popular hip hop fashion in the United States. While some rap musicians have had their gold teeth permanently attached to existing teeth, most people who purchase them for aesthetic purposes opt for removable gold teeth caps.[6] In 2005, Nelly released the rap single Grillz which promotes the dental apparatus.
Gold teeth and the Holocaust
During World War II, Holocaust victims' gold teeth were melted down by the Nazis.[7]
See also
References
- The gold standard of style: No longer just for tough guys, glittering grills go mainstream", San Francisco Chronicle (SF Gate). May 1, 2005. Retrieved January 16, 2006.
