Dental Mystery Precious Metal Identification? [b]PICS ADDED[

Frugi · New Member

I have what looks like a modern day retainer. It has the shape of the interior mouth and has places on both sides to hold to teeth. I bought this 2 years ago, and it was on an antique mould for a patients mouth. I also got a bunch of other dental gold. This "retainer" is the color of platinum and was not tarnished in the least bit. It has never tarnished in the time that I have had it. Also it was a poured metal, the appearance of the metal is that it flows, just like gold. I have always just assumed it was gold, and hoped it was platinum. It weighs 9 penny weights. It when I bought it had several denture teeth attached to it that I cut off. I took it today to sell because I needed the cash. The jeweler didn't want it, and did not have his test kit. A second jeweler did not have a test kit either but he put a torch to it, on one of the thin protruding areas, it got red hot and the very tip curled ever so slightly
(less than 0.10mm). He said if it was gold it would have melted immediately. The metal after cooling is still extremely hard and 100% intact. The area that had the flame touching it directly was a dull gray color, I left it alone, after he said he did not want it and was 100% positive it was not gold, I was bummed.
Somebody told me it could be stainless steel, what? I don't think so, I have seen 25 year old stainless that looks crappy, this is definitely not, I hope stainless steel.

Is there any refiners posting here or anybody that knows without a doubt what this metal is. I am hoping a dentist sees this or someone who knows for sure, or has dealt with these in the past.

Thanks

Dick · Expert Member

Frugi, I can't say what it is, but my granddaughter has one in her mouth. It is for aligning the teeth, and is used for at least a year, to achieve the alignmint desired. Usually, the "patient" has very crooked teeth, and it is applied as a cosmetic aid. I have no idea as to the alloy, possibly titanium. Not usually gold, too soft! Ant it is expensive!
Dick

Frugi · New Member

I forgot to mention this "retainer" is about 75 years old, it came with other very old dentist tools and misc. There is no plastic on here. It looks like a modern day retainer, but where the plastic would be is all metal.

wavysteps2003 · Expert Member

Hi Frugi - Since Bob P. is having computer problems and Chuck is in the process of moving, I do not suppose either of them have caught your advertising at the end of each of your posts. By Coppercoins definitions and rules for posting on this forum, this is not allowed. If you would, please remove the references to your Ebay store and other advertised sites.

Thank you,

BJ Neff

Bob P · Site Admin

Frugi,
I sent you a private message concerning the statements made by BJ concerning your advertising. Please read it as soon as possible.

Frugi · New Member

Dick · Expert Member

Frugi, I'm not real sure, ( I haven't been heere that long, yet) but I think it is in the first section, where one inquires about joining.
Now for my question: I had to format the HD, and lost all my info! Whjat ids the name of the other forun we belong to? Thanks. this "feeble mind" seems to get more feeble as the days go by. I wonder why?LOL
Dick

wavysteps2003 · Expert Member

Thanks Furgi - As far as it being in writing, I am not to sure. However, there have been serval posts concerning advertising on Coppercoins and also CONECA's forums.

BJ Neff

coop · Expert Member

Frugi · New Member

An update: this material might be chromium, I will be uploading a pic this week. I burned it again and the metal turned green. I broke a piece off, and it is dark silver graphite color on the inside.

eagames · Expert Member

Frugi,

Did you try a magnet on it?

Most stainless steel is magnetic and I think chromium is too.

http://www.azom.com/details.asp?ArticleID=1140

Frugi · New Member

just tried a magnet. not magnetic in the least bit. This is really confusing, this metal really looks like gold (like a melted nugget)

The metal is the same color throughout; I also tried filing for about 10 minutes with a diamond saw.

Frugi · New Member

It would be great if it was rhodium!!!! it weighs exactly 10.5 grams and dings like gold when dropped on glass or wood.

Frugi · New Member

Bob P · Site Admin

Frugi,
Have you attempted to contact a dentist to see if he can help direct you to someone who makes/made these? I am sure if you know the time frame when this was made, they may be able to tell you what the primary metals were that they used. I am also kinda curious to see what it is.
By the way...Nice pics!