Dlamini BlessingGold teeth are more than just dental work; they are a statement. From the flashy grills of hip-hop culture to the permanent gold crowns favoured by those seeking a distinctive look, gold teeth have become a significant part of fashion and self-expression. In Johannesburg, a city that loves bling, the demand for gold teeth remains strong.
But gold teeth are not cheap. They involve skilled dental work, precious metals, and often, a significant investment. Prices vary widely based on the type of restoration, the karat of gold, the number of teeth, and the dentist’s expertise.
This guide covers everything you need to know about gold teeth prices in Johannesburg. We break down the different types of gold teeth, the costs involved, and what to expect from the process.
Gold Teeth Prices in Johannesburg: Complete Guide
Types Of Gold Teeth
Gold Crowns:
A crown is a cap that covers a damaged or decayed tooth. Gold crowns are durable, long-lasting, and biocompatible. They are a permanent restoration.
Gold Onlays / Inlays:
These are used to repair a tooth with moderate decay or damage, but not enough to require a full crown. They are bonded into place and are less invasive than crowns.
Gold Fillings:
Less common today, but some patients prefer gold fillings for their durability. They are more expensive than composite or amalgam fillings.
Gold Grills / Fronts:
Removable covers that fit over the teeth. They are not permanent and can be taken out. Grills are purely cosmetic and are often made with higher karat gold and sometimes set with stones.
Gold Veneers:
Thin shells of gold bonded to the front of teeth for a cosmetic effect. Less common than crowns or grills.
Quick Reference: Gold Teeth Price Ranges (2026)
| Type | Price Per Tooth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Crown (Full Cast) | R4,500 – R8,500 | Permanent restoration; includes lab work |
| Gold Crown (Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal) | R3,500 – R6,500 | Porcelain outer surface with gold inner core |
| Gold Onlay / Inlay | R3,500 – R7,000 | Conservative option; less invasive than a crown |
| Gold Filling | R2,500 – R5,000 | Rarely used; highly durable but costly |
| Gold Grill (Basic) | R2,000 – R5,000 | Removable; single tooth, simple design |
| Gold Grill (Custom, Multiple Teeth) | R5,000 – R15,000+ | Removable; multi-tooth, tailored design |
| Gold Grill with Stones | R8,000 – R25,000+ | Custom grill featuring diamonds or gemstones |
| Gold Veneer | R4,000 – R8,000 | Cosmetic enhancement; bonded to tooth surface |
Note: Prices are estimates for 2026 and include VAT where applicable. Actual costs vary depending on dentist, gold karat, design complexity, and location.
Gold Crowns
A gold crown is a permanent cap that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth. It is used when a tooth is too damaged for a filling but still has a healthy root.
Full Cast Gold Crown:
Made entirely of gold alloy. Extremely durable, long-lasting (30+ years), and gentle on opposing teeth. The most traditional and reliable type of gold crown.
Price: R4,500 to R8,500 per tooth.
Porcelain Fused to Metal Crown:
Has a metal inner core (which may be gold alloy) with porcelain baked over it for a natural tooth colour. The gold content is hidden, so you get the durability of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain.
Price: R3,500 to R6,500 per tooth.
What’s Included:
Consultation and examination.
Tooth preparation.
Impressions.
Temporary crown.
Laboratory fees.
Final fitting and cementation.
The Process:
First visit: Tooth is prepared, impressions are taken, and a temporary crown is placed.
Second visit: Temporary is removed, and the permanent gold crown is fitted and cemented.
Two to three weeks between visits.
Gold Onlays / Inlays
An onlay or inlay is used when a tooth has decay or damage that is too extensive for a simple filling but does not require a full crown. The restoration is fabricated in a lab and then bonded to the tooth.
Inlay:
Fits within the cusps of the tooth. Used for smaller areas of decay.
Onlay:
Extends over one or more cusps of the tooth. Used for larger areas of damage.
Price: R3,500 to R7,000 per tooth.
Onlays and inlays are more conservative than crowns because more healthy tooth structure is preserved. They are extremely durable and can last decades.
Gold Fillings
Gold fillings are the most durable type of dental filling. They are custom-made in a laboratory and then cemented into place. However, they are rarely used today because:
They are expensive.
They require two visits.
Composite (tooth-coloured) fillings are more aesthetic and quicker.
Price: R2,500 to R5,000 per filling.
If you are looking for the absolute strongest and longest-lasting filling, gold is the best option. But be prepared to pay a premium and to have a visible gold restoration.
Gold Grills / Fronts
Grills are removable cosmetic covers that fit over the teeth. They are not dental restorations; they are jewellery for your teeth. Grills can be made for a single tooth or for multiple teeth, and they can be set with diamonds or other gemstones.
Basic Grill (Single Tooth):
A simple gold cover for one tooth.
Price: R2,000 to R5,000.
Custom Grill (Multiple Teeth):
A grill covering several teeth, custom-made to fit your mouth.
Price: R5,000 to R15,000+.
Grill with Stones:
Diamonds or other precious stones set into the gold.
Price: R8,000 to R25,000+ depending on the number and quality of stones.
Grills are made by taking an impression of your teeth. A jeweller or dental technician then fabricates the grill. They are not meant to be worn 24/7 and should be removed for eating and sleeping.
Gold Karats And Pricing
The karat of gold affects both the appearance and the price.
10k Gold:
41.7% gold. The hardest and most durable. Pale yellow colour. Least expensive.
14k Gold:
58.3% gold. Good balance of durability and colour. Most common for dental work.
18k Gold:
75% gold. Softer, richer colour. More expensive. May not be suitable for areas with heavy chewing forces.
22k to 24k Gold:
91.7% to 99.9% gold. Very soft, rich yellow colour. Rarely used for dental restorations because it is too soft. Used for some grills.
For dental restorations (crowns, onlays), 14k or 18k gold alloys are most common. They include other metals (like platinum, palladium, or silver) for strength. For grills, higher karats are more common for their colour and status.
Factors Affecting Price
Dentist’s Expertise and Location:
Specialist prosthodontists charge more than general dentists.
Dentists in Sandton or other affluent areas may have higher fees.
Laboratory Fees:
The cost of having the restoration fabricated by a dental laboratory.
Higher for complex cases and higher karat gold.
Number of Teeth:
Multiple teeth may qualify for a slight discount, but each tooth is still a significant investment.
Gold Price Fluctuations:
The cost of gold on the world market affects the final price.
Complexity:
A simple single crown is less expensive than a complex case involving multiple teeth or unusual shapes.
Where To Get Gold Teeth In Johannesburg
Dental Practices Specialising in Cosmetic Dentistry:
Many general dentists offer gold crowns and onlays. Look for practices that mention cosmetic or restorative dentistry.
Specialist Prosthodontists:
For the highest quality work, especially for complex cases, a prosthodontist is the specialist to see.
Jewellers for Grills:
Some jewellers specialise in making gold grills. They will take an impression of your teeth and fabricate the grill. Ensure they work with a dental technician or have experience in oral jewellery.
Dental Laboratories:
You cannot go directly to a lab; they work through dentists.
The Process For Gold Crowns
Consultation:
The dentist examines the tooth and discusses your options. X-rays are taken.
Preparation:
The tooth is numbed and shaped to receive the crown. Impressions are taken.
Temporary Crown:
A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while the permanent one is being made.
Laboratory Fabrication:
The impressions are sent to a dental lab where the gold crown is crafted. This takes 1 to 3 weeks.
Fitting:
The temporary crown is removed. The permanent gold crown is tried on, adjusted for fit and bite, and then cemented in place.
The Process For Gold Grills
Consultation:
You meet with a jeweller or dentist who specialises in grills. Discuss design, gold karat, and any stones.
Impression:
An impression of your teeth is taken. This is usually done by a dentist or a technician.
Fabrication:
The impression is sent to a jeweller who crafts the grill. This can take several weeks.
Fitting:
The grill is tried on and adjusted for comfort and fit.
Final Product:
You receive your grill and instructions on how to care for it.
Caring For Gold Teeth
Gold Crowns and Onlays:
Brush and floss normally. Gold does not decay, but the tooth underneath can. Maintain good oral hygiene.
Avoid chewing ice or other hard objects.
Regular dental check-ups.
Gold Grills:
Remove before eating, sleeping, or brushing.
Clean with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or jewellery cleaner.
Store in a protective case.
Do not wear for extended periods, as they can trap food and bacteria against your teeth.
Common Questions, FAQ Section
How much do gold teeth cost in Johannesburg?
Gold crowns cost R4,500 to R8,500 per tooth. Gold grills range from R2,000 for a basic single tooth to R25,000+ for custom grills with stones.
Are gold teeth permanent?
Gold crowns and onlays are permanent restorations. Gold grills are removable.
Do gold teeth damage your teeth?
Properly fitted gold crowns protect teeth. Poorly fitted grills can damage teeth and gums. Always have work done by qualified professionals.
What karat gold is used for teeth?
14k to 18k gold alloys are common for dental restorations. Grills often use 14k to 22k gold.
How long do gold teeth last?
Gold crowns can last 30 years or more with good care. Grills can last indefinitely if cared for properly, but they may need adjustments over time.
Can I get gold teeth on the NHS?
No. Gold teeth are cosmetic and not covered by public health systems. In South Africa, medical aids do not cover cosmetic procedures like gold teeth.
Is the procedure painful?
For crowns and onlays, the tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic. You should feel no pain during the procedure. Some sensitivity afterwards is normal.
How do I clean gold teeth?
Gold crowns: brush and floss normally. Gold grills: remove and clean separately.
Can I eat with gold grills?
It is not recommended. Grills can trap food, and eating with them can damage the grill or your teeth. Remove before eating.
Do gold teeth set off metal detectors?
Yes, gold is a metal and can set off metal detectors. Be prepared to remove grills or explain them when going through security.
Summary: Which Gold Teeth Option Is Right For You?
Choose a gold crown if:
You have a damaged or decayed tooth that needs a permanent restoration.
You want the most durable, long-lasting option.
You appreciate the look of gold and want a permanent solution.
Choose a gold onlay/inlay if:
Your tooth has moderate damage but is otherwise healthy.
You want a more conservative option than a full crown.
You value durability and longevity.
Choose a gold filling if:
You want the absolute strongest filling material.
You are willing to pay a premium for durability.
You do not mind the visible gold colour.
Choose a gold grill if:
You want a removable, purely cosmetic accessory.
You want to make a fashion statement.
You are not looking for dental restoration.
You want the option to change your look.
Final Warning: Choose A Qualified Professional
Gold teeth are an investment. Whether you are getting a permanent crown or a removable grill, choose a qualified professional. For dental work, see a registered dentist or prosthodontist. For grills, ensure the jeweller has experience and that they work with dental impressions properly.
Poorly done gold work can damage your teeth, gums, and overall oral health. It is not worth the risk to save a few rand.
Official Resources:
South African Dental Association: www.sada.co.za
Health Professions Council of South Africa: www.hpcsa.co.za
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This guide was last updated for 2026 standards. Gold teeth prices are subject to change based on gold market fluctuations and individual dental practices. Always verify current information directly with dental professionals before proceeding.