Tooth gems were a fashion statement back in the 1990s. Those trends seem to make their comeback because these accessories are wanted again by many people.
Even though they can be cool and trendy, you must be cautious before having one applied on your teeth.
We wanted to help you find out more about these jewels, so keep reading our article.
What Are Tooth Gems?
Tooth gems are small jewelry that is worn as an accessory. It is attached to your tooth’s surface with an adhesive.
There are also cases in which the dentist drills a small hole in your tooth to insert the gem there.
The second method is, however, more dangerous and it can cause health problems.
Best Ways to Apply Tooth Gems
1. Buy A Temporary Tooth Gems Kit for Home Use
If you purchase a gem tooth kit, you will be able to do this procedure all by yourself, at home.
Try to pick a kit that was created by dental experts.
First, you need to brush your teeth to clean the area where you want the gem to be placed.
After washing your hands, it is time to choose your desired tooth gems as well as the exact place where you want to apply it.
Use a cotton ball to wipe the tooth.
When it is dry, glue the jewelry by pressing strongly.
You can also use a UV lamp to dry the glue.
The final touch will be a cleaning process of the tooth.
Make sure you have a good dental hygiene.
2. Ask A Professional’s Help
When you choose to go to the dentist, there are two different ways in which a tooth gem can be attached.
The most durable application of tooth gems consists of drilling a small hole into your tooth.
The accessory will be inserted there.
Even though the safest way is clinic application of tooth gems, this procedure can also have long-term risks.
It is not a reversible method, and sometimes can be quite painful.
Also, if the gem falls, your tooth hole will remain uncovered.
Precautions to Tooth Gems
You should be careful before actually applying a tooth jewelry because it can cause serious damages such as:
- A discolored area might appear on your tooth’s surface.
- Your teeth’s protection shield, called the enamel, might wear off, causing dental vulnerability.
- Dental decay and infections risks increase when you have tooth gems.
- Other complications might appear because of food particles and bacteria that get stuck around your little accessory.
Therefore, if you want to have a tooth gem, you should be careful with the way you apply it. Even better, seek a professional’s help first.
Putting It All Together
Tooth gems were popular in the 90’s, and now they have made a powerful comeback. This doesn’t mean you should go ahead and have one applied only because it’s trendy.
If you choose to have such an accessory, the best way to do it is with professional help.
Also, if you want to do this procedure at home, you should make sure that both your hands and your teeth are properly cleaned.
Using a Dental Professional for Tooth Gems (recommended approach!)
The gem doesn’t normally involve drilling into the tooth. Instead, a dental professional uses an appropriate bonding system to attach it to the enamel.
Tooth gems can range from tiny clear crystals to colourful stones and decorative shapes. Some people choose one understated gem, while others go for several.
Step 1: Choose Your Tooth Gem
The fun part is choosing the design!
If you’re going for a first tooth gem, I’d probably start with something small. A tiny crystal can catch the light beautifully without overwhelming your smile.
Think about:
Gem size
Shape
Colour
Which tooth you want to decorate
Whether you want one gem or several
I’d also avoid anything with sharp edges that could irritate your lips, tongue or cheeks.
Step 2: Have Your Teeth Checked
This is the step I wouldn’t skip.
Tooth gems should be placed on healthy teeth. If you have untreated cavities, damaged enamel, gum problems or other dental issues, adding a decorative gem isn’t the priority.
A dentist can also check whether the tooth is suitable for bonding.
Step 3: Clean the Tooth
Before bonding, the tooth needs to be thoroughly cleaned.
This removes plaque, food particles and surface debris so the bonding material can adhere properly.
A professional will use dental materials and techniques designed for the mouth rather than ordinary household glue.
Step 4: Prepare the Tooth Surface
The tooth is carefully prepared so that the bonding material can adhere to the enamel.
This is one reason professional application is preferable to DIY attempts. Dental bonding involves specific materials and procedures, and getting the preparation wrong can result in poor adhesion or unnecessary damage.
The goal isn’t to drill into the tooth or permanently alter it.
Step 5: Apply the Dental Bonding Material
A suitable dental bonding system is applied to the prepared area.
This isn’t something I’d substitute with nail glue, superglue, eyelash glue or craft adhesive.
Products that aren’t intended for use inside the mouth can contain ingredients that aren’t appropriate for oral tissues.
This is probably my biggest tooth-gem safety rule: if it isn’t designed for dental use, don’t put it on your tooth.
Step 6: Position the Gem
Once the bonding material is ready, the practitioner carefully positions the gem on the tooth.
Placement matters because you don’t want the gem sitting somewhere that constantly catches against your lip or tongue.
This is also where your chosen design comes together.
Step 7: Cure the Bond
A dental curing light may be used to harden the bonding material.
The practitioner will make sure the gem is secure before finishing the appointment.
The whole process can be relatively quick when performed professionally.
Can You Apply Tooth Gems at Home?
This is where I’d be cautious.
You can buy tooth-gem kits online, but I wouldn’t recommend attaching a gem yourself using household glue or products intended for nails, skin or crafts.
The problem isn’t simply whether you can make the gem stick.
You need to consider:
The safety of the adhesive
The condition of your tooth
Proper positioning
Hygiene
The possibility of damaging enamel
What happens when you eventually remove the gem
A gem that stays attached isn’t necessarily a successful application if the bonding material damages your tooth or irritates your gums.
Never Use Superglue on Your Teeth
This deserves its own warning.
Don’t use superglue to attach a tooth gem.
Superglue isn’t designed for use inside the mouth. It can bond tissues together and isn’t an appropriate substitute for dental bonding materials.
The same applies to nail glue and craft adhesives.
If you’ve already put an inappropriate adhesive on your tooth and you’re experiencing pain, burning, swelling or irritation, contact a dentist rather than trying to scrape or pull it off aggressively.
How Long Do Tooth Gems Last?
The lifespan varies considerably.
A professionally applied tooth gem may last from several months to longer, depending on the bonding method, your oral habits, where it’s placed and how you care for your teeth.
There isn’t a guarantee that a gem will stay attached for a particular amount of time.
That’s part of the appeal for me: tooth gems can be a temporary form of smile decoration rather than a lifelong commitment.
How Do You Remove a Tooth Gem?
This is another job I’d leave to a professional.
Don’t pick, scrape, twist or yank a tooth gem off.
A dentist or appropriately trained professional can assess the bonding material and remove the gem without unnecessarily damaging the enamel.
After removal, any remaining bonding material can be dealt with appropriately.
Do Tooth Gems Damage Teeth?
A correctly applied and properly maintained tooth gem doesn’t necessarily damage the tooth simply because it’s there.
However, problems can arise from poor application, unsuitable adhesives, inadequate oral hygiene or trying to remove the gem yourself.
Food and plaque can also accumulate around decorative jewellery, which is why good oral hygiene remains particularly important.
How to Look After a Tooth Gem
Once your gem is professionally applied, keep brushing and flossing normally.
I’d pay extra attention to the area around the gem without aggressively scrubbing it.
You should also continue with regular dental check-ups.
If the gem feels loose, sharp or uncomfortable, don’t try to fix it with another adhesive. Have it assessed professionally.
Can You Eat Normally With a Tooth Gem?
Generally, a properly applied tooth gem shouldn’t require you to stop eating normally.
However, I’d be sensible during the first period after application and follow the specific instructions you’re given by the practitioner.
It’s also worth remembering that chewing very hard foods or biting directly onto hard objects can put unnecessary stress on both your teeth and the gem.
Tooth Gem Pros and Cons
Pros
Fun way to decorate your smile
Lots of colours and designs available
Doesn’t normally require drilling
Can be relatively subtle
Usually temporary
Can be removed professionally
Cons
May irritate the lips, tongue or cheeks
Can make cleaning around the tooth more awkward
Poor application can cause dental problems
DIY adhesives can be dangerous
Gems can loosen or fall off
Professional application and removal cost money
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does applying a tooth gem hurt?
Professional tooth-gem application shouldn’t normally involve drilling into the tooth. However, individual experiences vary, and any existing dental problems should be dealt with before cosmetic treatment.
2. Can I put a tooth gem on a filling?
It depends on the type and condition of the filling and where it is located. A dentist or qualified practitioner should assess the surface before application.
3. Can you brush your teeth with a tooth gem?
Yes. Maintaining good oral hygiene is important when wearing a tooth gem. Brush carefully around the decoration and continue cleaning between your teeth.
4. Can I use eyelash glue for a tooth gem?
I wouldn’t. Eyelash glue isn’t designed to bond jewellery to teeth or to remain in the mouth.
5. Can I use nail glue?
No. Nail glue isn’t a substitute for dental bonding material and shouldn’t be used inside the mouth.
6. Can I remove a tooth gem myself?
I’d avoid it. Pulling or scraping a gem off can potentially damage the tooth surface. Professional removal is much safer.
7. Is a tooth gem permanent?
Usually not. Tooth gems are generally considered temporary cosmetic decorations, although they can remain attached for quite some time depending on the application and your oral habits.
My Final Thoughts
I completely understand the appeal of tooth gems. They’re sparkly, playful and can change your smile without committing to a major cosmetic procedure.
But the easiest way to apply a tooth gem isn’t necessarily the quickest DIY method I can find online.
For me, easy means safe.
I’d choose a small design, have my teeth checked first and have the gem professionally bonded using materials intended for dental use. I’d avoid superglue, nail glue and other DIY adhesives completely.
And once the gem is on, I’d treat my tooth exactly as I normally would: brush, floss, keep up with dental appointments and pay attention to any discomfort or changes.
A little sparkle is fun. Protecting the smile underneath it is even better.
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