Add a Sparkle to Your Smile: Tooth Gems

Add a Sparkle to Your Smile: Tooth Gems

Tooth gems are a fun, semi-permanent tooth jewelry. But there are some gems that shine brighter and last longer than others. Here's how it works!

Since tooth gems gained popularity a few years ago, I have received many requests for and questions about them from my patients.

Most gems are relatively inexpensive Swarovski® Crystals and do not require any dental certification to apply, I would like to explain the pros and cons of such gems and recommend some better options that only a licensed dentist can offer.

Reasons to get tooth gems done by a dentist

The reason tooth gems are described as semi-permanent is that they are done without any drilling or shots! An etchant and bonding agent is used to prepare the surface of the tooth, and the gem is held in place by a small amount of dental composite, the same material used for fillings.

While a similar process is offered in some tattoo shops and other locations, there are several major differences in the gems I do for my patients. Up until very recently, no dental companies manufactured tooth gems, so the quality of available crystals was poor. I found that my bonding would last much longer than the gem itself, which would sometimes chip off within weeks. I am now excited to offer Skyce tooth gems by Vivadent, a world-renowned dental company. As opposed to being just a brand name, I have found that Skyce crystals are more reflective and much longer lasting than the cheaper options!

Second, to guarantee effectiveness and safety, only bonding materials from authorized dental manufacturers (which I rely on to hold permanent restorations) are used at Wave Dental, as opposed to the many untested and unauthorized “gray market” materials sold to the general public online. For this reason, I am able to guarantee tooth gems for 9 months, with one free re-bonding if it comes off for any reason.

Finally, only a licensed dentist is allowed to polish your teeth by law! So, although it may not be illegal for a non-dentist to apply a tooth gem, they will not be able to fully remove the composite and return your tooth to a smooth and natural state when the time comes to remove one.

Interested?

If a tooth gem sounds like something you’d be interested in getting, feel free to contact me with any questions you have, or visit this page to learn more about pricing, scheduling, and more.