Just like tats, tooth gems have always been a popular accessory among celebs. From Rihanna to Hailey Bieber, there’s no stopping the trend. Some even go beyond gems to use grills to flash that expensive smile. But if you fancy teeth jewelry and are thinking about getting some later, don’t overlook a few important things.
At the risk of ruining the party, one of them is the health aspect. This begs the question: Do tooth gems pose any oral health issues? If it does, are they worth the risk of flashing what I’ll label ‘the million-dollar smile?’ I guess this is what you’re here to find out. And if that’s the case, keep reading to learn more.
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What are Tooth Gems?
Tooth gems are a kind of dental jewelry that you install on your front teeth and are visible when you smile. Depending on your preference, you can get one or several, small or colorful. Whichever one you decide, you’ll still get that bling.
These dental gems come in two types: temporary and permanent. The temporary gems are removable, similar to an orthodontic blanket, and held with a special bonding. On the other hand, the permanent teeth jewelry is fitted inside of a hole created in your tooth structure.
What are They Made of?
Tooth gems are generally made of crystal, zirconia, or precious metals like silver or gold. Some popular varieties include:
- Swarovski crystals: Known for their sparkling brilliance and variety of colors.
- Cubic zirconia: An affordable diamond alternative that shines.
- Gold or silver gems: Precious metal gems that glimmer against the teeth.
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How to Apply Tooth Gems
The way you apply these gems is similar to braces. According to Dr. Wesam Shafee, DMD, a dentist bonds the tooth gems
on a tooth surface after etching the tooth with an etchant (a type of acid) to ensure the gem stays on the tooth’s surface. How long a gem lasts varies from a few months to a few years. But this depends on the bonding technique of the dentist.
Can Tooth Gems Give You Cavities?
Like other orthodontic appliances, these teeth jewelry can get plaque or food buildup around them. So if you’re wearing them, your oral hygiene should be thorough otherwise you’ll have cavities, tooth decay, or gum irritation.
Furthermore, use a soft toothbrush around each side of your tooth jewelry to clean all of the edges. That way, there’s no plaque creating a ring around the crystals. Other habits to adopt so you enjoy your glitzy gems without any hassle include:
- Brush normally twice a day
- Floss carefully each day
- Avoid bite-heavy foods
- See your dentist if any irritation occurs
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Are They Generally Safe For Teeth
These gemstones on your teeth can look as good as a body accessory like a piercing or tattoo. And if they’re temporal, you don’t have to worry about any major health issues or long-term maintenance. But if you choose to install the permanent ones, there are some downsides to ponder:
- You have to be very careful about any plaque or food material getting entangled with them
- Permanent tooth jewelry can reshape your tooth.
- If these gems are too close to your gums, they can cause swelling or bleeding because of the constant irritation and food particles getting caught
- They’re more expensive than temporary ones.
How Long Can You Keep Your Tooth Gems?
A tooth gem, whether semi-permanent or temporary, lasts between six and 12 months. However, they may fall off sooner than later if you:
- Brush too hard or use an electric toothbrush.
- Bite down on something hard or crunchy, like a carrot or nuts.
- Consume acidic diets that cause the bonding agents to fail
- Don’t have your gemstones attached by a dental professional with the right type of bonding agent.
How Do I Get Rid of My Tooth Gem?
You can easily remove your tooth gem once you’re ready to try something new or discard it altogether. Just head to the dentist to get it off properly. his will ensure there is no adhesive residue left on your tooth.
Moreso, the dentist will use specialized instruments to dislodge the gem, and then smoothen the tooth’s surface to remove excess material used to bond the gem.
Add More Sparkle to Your Teeth with Tooth Gems
Tooth gems offer an eye-catching way to glamorize your smile for any special event or night out. Their brilliance and variety of shapes and colors let you add some flair to your personality. Celebrities may have kicked off the tooth gems trend, but you too can hop on it and decorate your dentition with these gems.
So if you feel like making a statement and standing out from the crowd, adorn your teeth with tooth gems. Just be sure to care for and use them properly so add an extra shimmer to your look with these dazzling dental accessories.
