From: Andrey Semashev (andrey.semashev_at_[hidden])
Date: 2024-09-06 16:43:32
On 9/6/24 19:19, Vinnie Falco via Boost wrote:
> On Fri, Sep 6, 2024 at 8:42 AM Peter Dimov via Boost
> <boost_at_[hidden]> wrote:
>> No cap
>
> As mailing list readers may be unfamiliar with some of this newer
> terminology, allow me to explain.
>
> Gold dental crowns are an attractive option for many patients, as the
> properties of the metal make it ideal for dental restorations. The
> metal is unreactive, naturally hypoallergenic, and the alloy used is a
> bit softer than the traditional quartz or porcelain materials used.
> This reduces the wear on opposing teeth. The potential drawback is the
> non-normative coloration. For this reason, gold restorations
> (including inlays and onlays) are typically reserved for the posterior
> teeth where they are less visible. However in some cultures, visible
> gold restorations are used to signal status. For example in urban
> culture, an anterior series of adjacent gold crowns is referred to as
> a "grill" (plural: grillz) and signifies wealth. In some cases these
> crowns are inlaid with precious stones such as diamonds, as can be
> seen here:
>
> https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/54388a06a7bd4a47bd12677529f7d0c9/dms3rep/multi/newblog-1.jpg
>
> Due to the high cost of authentic gold crowns, the practice of wearing
> gold veneers arose. This is a form of non-dental gold jewelry which
> can be applied and removed by the wearer. For example, if a
> fashion-forward Boost contributor wanted to identify with this trend,
> they could purchase this inexpensive, single-tooth tooth cover:
>
> https://www.amazon.com/Factory-Plated-Removable-Single-Polishing/dp/B07C352XXY
>
> While this is a less expensive choice, wearers of gold tooth covers
> may experience pushback when attempting to integrate in urban culture
> social settings. They may be accused of "fronting" [1], with the
> implication that they are attempting to portray status or wealth which
> they do not have. As these removable gold tooth covers are effectively
> a cap over the tooth, they became informally known as "caps."
>
> Thus, the term "no cap" metaphorically indicates that the gold grillz
> are in fact real and not the cheaper removable form of tooth covers.
>
> Thanks
>
> [1] https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=fronting
Even with this long explanation, the meaning of Peter's comment is lost
on me.
