What are tooth gems?
Tooth gems were a popular trend in the 1990s and early 2000s, and just like glittering makeup, they’re starting to make a comeback. Tooth jewelry is not new to our lifetime either; in fact, it goes back thousands of years to cultures like the ancient Mayans.
Just like a tiny nose piercing, tooth gems can also look similar on your teeth. They are small crystals that sparkle on your teeth when you smile, and the light hits them just right.
There are two types of tooth gems: temporary and permanent. Temporary gems are removable and similar to orthodontic brackets; they are held with a special bonding agent over the surface of your tooth. Permanent tooth gems, on the other hand, are fitted inside a hole that’s created in your teeth. Permanent tooth gems can be basic or mini, like rhinestones or an expensive crystal, or as fancy as a solid diamond or sapphire.
By the way, tooth gems are just one of the ways to be the classiest girl in the room, there are many others that we have covered in our The Clean Girl Aesthetic Guide. So if you’re thinking about putting them on your teeth, here are some things you should consider before investing in any type of tooth jewelry:
- Do not DIY tooth gems on your teeth yourself. I would recommend a dentist so you can tell them the options you want to go for because if you try them at home:
- You risk trapping bacteria between the tooth jewelry, which can cause cavities.
- The at-home glue could be toxic, like using super glue, and the gem will just fall off easily, putting you at risk of swallowing it.
- The tension can trigger your gums and may cause an infection.
How Are Tooth Gems Applied?
First, remember tooth gems should only be done by a professional. As I said earlier, you don’t want to develop issues with your tooth or gums because you tried to do it yourself. (Professionals only!)
Applying a tooth gem is pretty straightforward; it’s just like getting a tooth filling. They use a special etchant to gently roughen the surface of your tooth so that the bonding agent adheres properly. Then they apply the glue, which is a medical-grade bonding agent. The glue is applied on the tooth, and the gem is gently placed. Everything gets cured and hardened into place.
Does It Take Time?
The simple answer is no, it does not. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes per gem, and it’s perfectly safe. The time depends on how many gems you want on your teeth.
How Long Do Tooth Gems Last?
Temporary tooth gems usually last about 6 to 12 months, while permanent ones last for years.
How Do You Clean Your Teeth With Tooth Gems?
To prevent cavities, your oral hygiene routine needs to be extra thorough. It’s best to use a soft toothbrush around each side of your tooth gem to clean around all the edges. You can continue to floss as you regularly do every day, but make sure you also ask the dentist which toothbrush they think is best to use, as they put the gem on and should know the best toothbrush to use.
How Do You Remove Tooth Gems?
Tooth gems should only be removed by professionals.
You should not try to remove them yourself at home, as you can cause damage to your teeth.
Just like how they are applied by a professional, they use a drill that polishes the gem and bonding off the tooth. If you have gotten braces before, the process is similar to removing your braces.
Tooth gems usually take more time to remove than to apply because they have to be careful; they can’t just grab and remove it.
How Much Do Tooth Gems Cost?
The price tag for putting a tooth gem on your teeth will depend on two things:
- The fee charged by your dentist
- The type of crystal you’re getting
For a real diamond or sapphire, you’re definitely paying more than for an inexpensive rhinestone. So if you’re not putting an expensive gem on your teeth, you might be paying as little as $40 for a dentist to install it for you.
What Are the Risks of Having a Tooth Gem?
One of the risks of having a tooth gem is swallowing it, even if it was placed by a professional. It may pop off when you least expect it, perhaps while eating something.
The second risk is cavities; you have to be extra careful about any plaque getting caught around them.
Tooth gems are safe to wear as long as you clean around them properly and have them applied by a licensed dental professional.
