When it comes to restoring a missing or damaged tooth, some people might think of traditional gold dental caps. But gold caps may not be the most effective or comfortable solution. At Affordable Dentures & Implants, we offer customizable gold crowns for full dentures, as well as partial dentures with gold teeth. A gold crown tooth attached to your dentures offers the durability and style you’d expect from a gold cap but is more comfortable and tailored to fit your smile.
What Are Customizable Gold Crowns on Teeth?
Custom gold crowns for dentures placed on full or partial dentures. Instead of capping an existing natural tooth, the crown is attached to the denture base. Each crown is crafted to match the fit, shape, and color of the patient's denture.
Gold Crown Dentures vs. Gold Caps
Feature | Gold Dental Caps | Custom Gold Crowns for Dentures |
|---|---|---|
Applied to natural teeth | ✅ | ❌ |
Part of a denture | ❌ | ✅ |
Requires tooth reduction | ✅ | ❌ |
Custom-designed for your smile | ⚠️ Sometimes | ✅ |
More affordable | ❌ | ✅ |
Choosing a golden crown attached to a denture instead of a permanent gold tooth allows for fewer appointments, no invasive procedures, and lower overall cost.
Benefits of Customizable Gold Crowns for Dentures
Gold has been used in dentistry for decades because of its strength and longevity. While less common than in the past, gold teeth are still in demand, especially for patients who want a distinctive look or a tooth replacement option that lasts. Some of the benefits of gold denture teeth include:
Crafted from high-quality dental gold alloys
Highly durable for biting and chewing
Won’t chip like porcelain or ceramic
Biocompatible and gentle on neighboring teeth
Unique, customizable style
Built to fit seamlessly into your existing denture
Designed for comfort and long-term use
Can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth
Gold crowns placed over natural teeth can be costly and may require more tooth structure removal. That’s why many patients choose customizable gold crowns for dentures instead.
Cost of Gold Crowns for Dentures over Gold Dental Caps
Gold is a precious metal, and that makes gold crowns more expensive than traditional acrylic or porcelain options. Even though they tend to last longer, the initial investment can be higher, especially if you're adding more than one gold crown tooth to your denture or more than one gold cap.
Both gold crowns for dentures and gold dental caps have different costs based on materials, customization, and the complexity of treatment.
Gold Dental Caps Costs
Gold caps, also known as permanent gold crowns, are typically placed on top of natural teeth after preparation. They require a dental procedure that may involve reshaping the tooth, taking impressions, and fitting the crown securely over the remaining structure.
Pricing depends on the percentage of gold in the alloy, crown size, and whether the procedure is done by a general dentist or prosthodontist
Additional costs for X-rays, tooth preparation, and lab fees may apply
For a gold crown tooth, the price is typically more expensive than an addition to your dentures because they involve a surgical or restorative procedure and use more solid gold alloy. In most cases, they’re not removable and are cemented permanently to a natural tooth.
Custom Gold Crowns for Dentures Costs
Gold crowns for dentures are attached to a removable denture base instead of a natural tooth, including both full dentures and partial dentures with gold teeth. They’re often used for cosmetic or durability reasons and do not require reshaping or drilling into an existing tooth.
Total cost depends on the denture type (full or partial), number of gold crowns added, and lab customization fees
Less invasive and more budget-friendly than traditional gold caps
Because these crowns are part of a denture, they can be added during the design process without surgical intervention. That makes them a cost-effective way to add strength or flair to your restoration without the higher price tag of a full gold cap.
Risks and Side Effects of Gold Crowns for Dentures and Gold Dental Caps
Gold crowns, whether placed on natural teeth or attached to dentures, are generally well-tolerated and known for their durability. However, each option carries its own potential side effects depending on how and where it’s placed in the mouth. Understanding the differences can help you make a more informed decision.
Disadvantages of Gold Dental Caps (Permanent Crowns on Natural Teeth)
Gold dental caps are cemented onto a prepared tooth and remain in place long term. While they offer excellent strength and a precise fit, they may also come with certain risks and side effects:
Tooth Sensitivity: Removing enamel to fit the crown can expose the tooth to temporary sensitivity after placement.
Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some patients may have an allergy to certain metals in the alloy, especially if it contains nickel. We have covered the topic of allergies to dental alloys previously on our blog, including the symptoms to look out for that show you may have an allergy.
Opposing Tooth Wear: Gold is softer than other crown materials - and in fact is about the same softness as enamel - but it may still wear down opposing teeth over time if the bite isn’t properly aligned.
Pulp Damage or Nerve Irritation: The preparation process can sometimes stress the inner tissue of the tooth, increasing the chance of needing a future root canal.
Disadvantages of Gold Crowns for Dentures
Gold crowns built into dentures are a non-invasive alternative that eliminates many of the risks associated with permanent dental caps. Since they’re part of a removable appliance and not bonded to a tooth, there’s no drilling, nerve involvement, or sensitivity.
Still, there are a few minor considerations:
Increased Weight of the Denture: Gold is heavier than acrylic, which can slightly increase the weight of the denture. For most patients, this is unnoticeable, but it could be a factor for those with full upper or lower arches.
Aesthetic Preference: If placed in a visible area, the gold crown may not match natural teeth and could draw attention. However, for most people who choose gold crown teeth, the fact that it stands out is a plus!
Wear on Denture Base: Over time, the crown’s attachment to the acrylic denture base may require adjustments or relining, especially if the appliance becomes loose with use.
Overall, gold crowns on dentures offer fewer risks and less discomfort than permanent gold caps, making them a safer and more affordable choice for many patients.
What Is the Process for Getting a Gold Crown on Your Denture?
Whether you're interested in a gold crown for functional reasons or to add a touch of personality to your smile, the process is simple and straightforward. Getting a gold crown on your denture involves only a few steps and does not require surgery or permanent changes to your natural teeth.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
During your consultation, your dentist will assess your oral health and current denture or tooth replacement plan. If you’re receiving a new denture, they’ll ask if you want to add a gold crown at the design stage. If you already have a denture, they’ll evaluate if a retrofit is possible.
Step 2: Crown Design and Shade Selection
Your gold crown will be custom-made to match the size and placement of your missing tooth. The dentist or dental lab will select the correct shade and shape to ensure a natural appearance with proper bite alignment.
Step 3: Fabrication in a Dental Lab
The gold crown is created in a professional lab using a durable, high-quality alloy. It’s designed to fit securely into the denture base and is polished to a smooth, natural finish. Most crowns are crafted in a few weeks, depending on lab turnaround times.
Step 4: Fitting and Adjustments
Once the gold crown tooth is ready, your dentist will insert it into the denture and ensure it fits correctly. Minor adjustments may be made for comfort, alignment, or bite. You’ll then be able to take your denture home and enjoy your new smile.
This process is significantly more affordable than getting a permanent gold crown on a natural tooth and just as eye-catching.
How Long Do Gold Crowns for Dentures Last?
With proper care, gold crowns on dentures can last many years. The crown material is corrosion-resistant and designed to hold up under pressure. Since the crown is part of a removable denture, any necessary adjustments or replacements are easier and more affordable than permanent dental work.
Tips for Longevity
Clean your dentures daily
Avoid chewing very hard foods
Store your dentures properly when not in use
Visit your dentist regularly for adjustments
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a gold tooth crown?
The cost of a single gold crown varies based on the alloy used, the complexity of the denture design, and your treatment plan. However, custom gold crowns for dentures are usually more affordable than full permanent gold caps or implants.
Can I get just one gold tooth?
Yes! We can add a gold crown to your denture — even if it's just one tooth. Whether it’s for function or style, a single gold crown is fully customizable.
Do gold crowns on dentures require special care?
No special products are required. Just follow your regular denture care routine, using a soft-bristled brush and a dentist-approved cleaning agent. Regularly soak your dentures in a denture cleanser.
Are gold crowns covered by insurance?
Some insurance plans may cover part of the cost, especially if the crown is medically necessary. Learn more about the dental insurance plans we accept on our website or check with your local provider.
Can you add a gold tooth to an existing denture?
Yes, you can often add a gold crown to an existing denture without needing a full replacement. This option is ideal for patients who already wear a denture and want to upgrade their look or replace a worn-down acrylic crown with a longer-lasting gold denture tooth.
Find the Right Fit for Your Smile
Gold crowns can be more than just functional, they’re a way to express your personality. At Affordable Dentures & Implants, we offer affordable, fully custom gold denture teeth that attach to your denture for a secure and stylish solution.
Schedule a consultation at a practice near you to explore your options. Our team will help you design a personalized denture that looks and feels just right.
External sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/gold-crown-tooth
https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-a-gold-crown-1059031
https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/materials-for-indirect-restorations
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35870735/