Permanent gold teeth are safer than grillz.
Permanent Gold Teeth vs. Grillz: What Your Smile Can Actually Handle?
Here’s a typical scene at Lema Dental Clinic: someone comes in with a “luxury smile” on their mind. It may be that their idea is influenced by celebrities or they just want to stand out; however, the fact remains that gold is a very attractive feature in the dentistry world. We have been using gold in dentistry for hundreds of years, but nowadays, a gold dental restoration and a gold “grill” signify two completely different things in terms of the effects on your dental health.
In fact, although at a glance they both may appear as if they are the same, their biological impact could not be more different.
Gold as the Material of Choice: Permanent Restorations
Gold restorations might initially make you think of gold jewelry, such as rings or chains, when Prof. Dr. Coşkun Yıldız talks about them. On the other hand, what he is talking about is one of the most biocompatible materials ever used in medicine. Gold is so biocompatible and the permanent gold crown or gold inlay is made extremely accurately to be very close to the natural tooth fit pattern.
One of the reasons is that gold expands and contracts at a thermal tempo very close to the tooth enamel, which is why it does not contribute to the formation of micro-fractures, unlike other materials, thus keeping the tissue healthy. From our experience in Turkey, if a gold crown is fitted well, it can last practically a lifetime. It is the “foundation” of a durable smile—sturdy, reliable, and kind to the surrounding gum tissue.
The Grillz Trend: A House of Cards?
The matter totally differs with removable grillz. They are usually made of non-precious metal and since they are just placed over the teeth without an accurate medical-grade impression, they can be a “safe house” for bacteria. Imagine a grill as a glove that fits perfectly but is worn in a swamp; it not only retains moisture but also food and acid, which are then constantly in contact with your enamel.
Dentist Polen Akkılıç along with her team often warn that even if the patients have “good quality” grillz, if they neglect to maintain them with extreme care, they can still get problems. The constant rubbing between metal and your enamel may cause abrasion. And your natural defense system will eventually wear down.
Comparing the Stakes: Clinical Breakdown
| Feature | Permanent Gold Restoration | Removable Grillz |
| Primary Purpose | Restorative & Functional | Cosmetic / Fashion |
| Fit Precision | Micrometer-level accuracy | General “snap-on” fit |
| Impact on Enamel | Protects the remaining tooth | High risk of abrasion |
| Gum Health | Biocompatible and gentle | Can cause recession or “Gingivitis.” |
| Longevity | 20+ years with care | Short-term/Intermittent use |
Which Is Riskier?
The question remains: which one should you actually worry about?
If we look at the data, removable grillz carry a significantly higher risk of collateral damage. Because they are not “integrated” into your biology, they create a playground for plaque. We’ve seen cases where improper grill use led to rapid tooth decay and gum disease in otherwise healthy mouths.
Permanent gold teeth, when performed by a specialist like Professor Doctor Coşkun Yıldız, are a medical procedure. The risk here isn’t the gold itself, but rather the skill of the clinician. In Turkey, we prioritize the “occlusion”—ensuring your bite remains perfect so you don’t develop jaw pain (TMJ) later on.
The Lema Approach to Luxury Smiles
At Lema Dental Clinic, we believe your aesthetic choices should never compromise your health. If you are looking for that “gold” aesthetic, we focus on high-noble alloys that provide the look you want while acting as a protective shield for your teeth.
But let’s look closer at the daily reality. If you choose a grill, you are essentially committing to a second oral hygiene routine. If you choose a permanent restoration, you are investing in a long-term clinical solution.
FAQ: Direct Insights from Our Experts
Dentist Polen Akkılıç: “Food particles will get trapped under the metal and the teeth so quickly that I cannot recommend it at all. This will create an acidic environment which can dissolve the enamel very quickly.”
Professor Doctor Coşkun Yıldız: “In terms of biocompatibility, no other material can compete with gold. Another positive factor is that it is very gentle on the opposing teeth. Although porcelain is more visually appealing, gold is usually the best material for molars where the chewing force is the highest.”
That won’t happen if pure, high-grade gold is used. ‘Tattooing’ of the gums is generally the result of the use of metals such as nickel or silver. At our clinic in Istanbul, we employ high-quality alloys to keep your gum tissue healthy and pink.
One should be totally disciplined. A grill should be cleaned every time it is taken out at the same time you should brush and floss your natural teeth. Imagine cleaning a wound you don’t want to have bacteria that linger under the metal.
It is the perfect combination of top-notch technology and the skill of the craftsmen. For example, at Lema, we employ 3D digital scanning for any gold work to ensure both its function and appearance are compatible with your unique biology. Thus, the quality of the treatments received will be the highest at a fraction of the cost charged in the UK or US
- Anusavice, K. J., Shen, C., & Rawls, H. R. (2012). Phillips’ Science of Dental Materials. Elsevier Health Sciences.
- Donovan, T. E., & Cho, G. C. (2004). Materials for conservative posterior restorations. Journal of the California Dental Association, 32(5), 411-418.
- Panno, F. V., & Beery-Visser, S. O. (1986). The use of gold in dentistry. Dental Clinics of North America, 30(4), 721-739.
- American Dental Association. (2020). Dental Jewelry and Grills: Risks and Safety Briefing.
- Turkish Dental Association (TDB). (2023). Clinical Guidelines for Biocompatible Restorations in Medical Tourism.
