Do Gold Teeth and Crowns Carry Real Value
Jun 15, 2023
{
"Title": "Do Gold Teeth and Dental Crowns Have Real Value? A Step-by-Step Guide to Identifying, Sorting, and Selling Dental Gold",
"Date": "06/15/23",
"Content": "
Understanding Dental Gold and Its Value
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Many people come across gold teeth, dental crowns, or bridges after dental work or while handling an estate. At first glance, it can be unclear whether these odd-shaped metal pieces are valuable. The truth is, most dental gold does carry real value, often because it is made of high-percentage gold alloys that retain worth even after decades of use.
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What Is Dental Gold?
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Dental gold refers to the specialized alloys used by dentists for crowns, bridges, inlays, and other restorations. Pure 24K gold is too soft for chewing, so dental labs typically mix gold with other metals like platinum, palladium, or silver to make durable alloys.
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Typical Gold Content in Dental Alloys
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High-noble alloys: Usually 60–90% gold; often contain trace amounts of platinum or palladium.
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Noble alloys: Lower gold content (25–60%) but still significant value.
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Base-metal alloys: May contain little or no gold; these typically look more silvery or grayish.
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Most older gold crowns and bridges—especially from decades past—tend to contain higher percentages of gold, often stamped by the lab but not visible to patients. Modern dentists use more ceramic materials, but gold alloys remain common in certain cases.
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How Much Is Dental Gold Worth?
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The value depends directly on purity (gold percentage) and weight. The payout when you send dental gold to a refiner or buyer is tied to the melt value of the metal. Melt value is calculated as:
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Gold content × weight × current gold spot price.
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For example, a crown weighing 2 grams with 70% gold content equals 1.4 grams of pure gold. If the market price is $60 per gram, the piece may have an intrinsic melt value of about $84. Final payout may be a bit less due to processing costs, but reputable buyers provide clear testing and transparent results so you see exactly how purity connects to your payment.
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How to Identify Dental Gold
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Unlike jewelry, dental work rarely carries visible karat stamps, so visual inspection alone is unreliable. Here are common identification steps:
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Color and surface: Dental gold is usually yellowish, sometimes slightly darker than 18K jewelry due to alloy mix.
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Magnet test: Gold is not magnetic; if the crown sticks to a magnet, it likely contains base metals.
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Acid test: Small surface filing plus acid drops can signal gold presence and approximate karat.
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Electronic tester: Provides more precise purity readings without destructive scraping.
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Professional testing after you mail in your items is standard. Many comparison workflows let you see exact test results linked to payout calculations.
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Sorting and Preparing Dental Gold
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Separate metals: Place suspected gold parts in one bag, non-precious alloys, porcelain pieces, or stainless steel in another.
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Keep porcelain intact: Do not attempt to crush or melt porcelain off. Reputable buyers have equipment to safely separate precious metal from ceramic or steel attachments.
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Store small bits carefully: Even tiny flecks or crowns can hold notable value. Use small plastic bags or labeled envelopes.
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Label groups: Organize your dental gold separately from jewelry or coins so each category is easy to track.
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Weighing Dental Gold
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Weight is the other key component of value. Use a pocket scale capable of reading grams (see NIST resources on measurement for accuracy). Record the weight of each batch. Remember the actual payment will reflect the pure gold content, not the total weight (because porcelain, steel, or non-gold alloys add extra weight).
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Mailing and Shipping Dental Gold Safely
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Because dental gold items are small but valuable, safe shipping is essential:
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Request a secure mail-in kit: Many buyers provide padded, insured, and trackable kits made for precious metals.
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Pack carefully: Place dental pieces in sealed bags, cushion with bubble wrap, and put everything in the protective mailer.
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Insure the package: Use USPS insurance or Registered Mail for high-value shipments. FedEx and UPS also offer insured shipment options.
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Track your package: Always keep the tracking number and save photos of the packed items.
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Testing and Payout Process
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Once your dental gold arrives, standard workflow includes:
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Cleaning: Ceramic or steel is separated from the alloy.
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Precise testing: X-ray fluorescence (XRF) or fire assay provides exact purity results.
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Melt value calculation: Based on live market prices, weight, and purity.
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Payout options: You review results and choose whether to accept.
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Having purity and payment linked in one clear report simplifies decision-making and helps you feel confident that your items are fairly evaluated.
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Payment Methods
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After accepting an offer, you can choose how to get paid. Options commonly include:
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Method | Pros | Cons |
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PayPal | Widely used, fast | Small fees may apply |
Venmo | Quick, easy for mobile | Transfer limits |
Zelle | No fees, direct to bank | Bank must support Zelle |
Cash App | Instant transfer to debit | Limits on large sums |
ACH Bank Transfer | Secure, direct deposit | Clearing time may take 1–2 days |
Check | Paper record, useful for filing | Slower, requires deposit |
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Safety and Documentation
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Before mailing dental gold, document everything:
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Take clear photos of each item and label bags accordingly.
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Keep a written list of weights and pieces sent.
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Store receipts, tracking numbers, and final payout records. Using a simple tool like GavelBase can help track and organize your entries.
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Quick Checklist
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Identify suspected dental gold (check color, magnet test).
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Weigh items in grams and record totals.
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Separate porcelain and non-metal parts when safe.
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Pack securely in an insured mailer.
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Document and photograph all items.
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Review testing results linked to payout before accepting payment.
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FAQs
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Can broken or partial crowns still have value?
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Yes. Even small fragments often contain measurable gold content.
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What if my dental gold looks silver-colored?
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Not every crown is gold. Some use base-metal alloys with little or no gold. Testing provides certainty.
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Do I need to clean or break apart crowns?
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No. Send items as they are. Trained staff safely separate porcelain and alloys.
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Final Thoughts
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Dental crowns, bridges, and gold teeth can absolutely hold real value. Understanding that the payout is tied to gold percentage, weight,