Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
I thought they used silver for fillings.

I think they use both, I know I've seen a lot of people with gold teeth recently. I'm in Eastern Europe right now, so it may not be as common in western countries. I don't remember seeing it much there.
 
I thought they used silver for fillings.

for some time 'silver' fillings were becoming the most popular choice in dentistry. i think they are being using less for both aestethic (the metal oxidizes and the become dark/black) and the possibility of health hazards ('silver' fillings are usually amalgams, which are mostly mercury).
most advanced dentistry now use photopolymers resins.
 
Gold's biggest use is in industry, particularly (but not limited to) electronics. As others have mentioned, its primary use involves its electrical conductivity and thermal properties. We mine and recycle more gold nowadays than ever before.

In addition, we might be off the gold standard, but gold bullion is still valuable and always will be, so it retains a certain popularity as an investment.

MacNut said:
Besides 50 cent, how many people have gold teeth?

Many of the people that listen to 50 Cent?
 
Besides 50 cent, how many people have gold teeth?

I have 4 gold crowns (molars). They are not more expensive than porcelain, which tends to be bulkier. When I die in a brutal prison camp, my fellow prisoners will be able to pull them out and trade them to the oppressors for better treatment (see Paradise Road).
 
Last edited:
I thought they used silver for fillings.
not any more

for some time 'silver' fillings were becoming the most popular choice in dentistry. i think they are being using less for both aestethic (the metal oxidizes and the become dark/black) and the possibility of health hazards ('silver' fillings are usually amalgams, which are mostly mercury).
most advanced dentistry now use photopolymers resins.

I have some family members who are dentist and their opinion is if any dentist is using metal fillings they are incompetent and dumped.

The photopolymer resins are better in every way. They bond to the teeth better. They are more sanitary around it and less lightly to have any bacterial growth under them, can form in more shapes, look better and they do not have toxic off gasing like the metal ones do.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.