Tooth Gems & Dental Jewellery

Tooth Gems are small, decorative pieces, often made of materials like crystals, diamonds, or gold, affixed to the surface of teeth to enhance one’s smile.

Applied by a dentist or trained professional, the process is quick, painless, and reversible, involving a clean tooth surface and a bonding agent.

Tooth gems are durable, lasting several months to a year, and are resistant to everyday oral activities. While they primarily serve an aesthetic purpose, adding a unique flair to one’s appearance, it’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. If necessary, they can be professionally removed without damaging the tooth.

Tooth Gems are applied through a straightforward and non-invasive process that generally involves the following steps:

1. Cleaning the Tooth: The tooth where the gem will be placed is first thoroughly cleaned. This is to ensure that there is no plaque or debris on the surface, which could affect the adhesion of the gem.
2. Preparation: The area on the tooth where the gem will be placed may be slightly etched with a mild acid solution. This step helps to create a slightly rough surface to which the bonding agent can adhere more effectively. However, this etching process is minimal and does not damage the tooth enamel.
3. Applying the Bonding Agent: A bonding agent, similar to what is used in other dental procedures like bonding brackets for braces, is applied to the tooth. This agent acts as a glue for the gem.
4. Placing the Gem: The tooth gem is then carefully placed on the bonding agent. The placement is adjusted as needed to ensure it sits correctly on the tooth.
5. Curing the Bonding Agent: Once the gem is in the right position, the bonding agent is cured and hardened, usually using a special light. This process secures the gem firmly in place on the tooth.
6. Final Check and Cleaning: After the gem is securely attached, the dentist or professional will do a final check to make sure it’s firmly in place and may clean around the area to remove any excess bonding material. It’s important to note, that this is NOT a standard check-up and clean as performed normally by dentists.

The entire process is painless and does not require any numbing or drilling. It’s important to note that the procedure is purely cosmetic and reversible.

The gem can be removed by a dental professional if desired, and the tooth will not be damaged by the gem or the bonding process.

Proper oral hygiene should be maintained after application to ensure the health of the tooth and surrounding gums.

Tooth gems can fall off, although this is not very common if they are applied correctly and well-maintained. The longevity of a tooth gem typically depends on factors such as the quality of the application, the type of gem, the bonding agent used, and the individual’s oral habits and hygiene. Generally, tooth gems can last anywhere from six months to a few years.

If your tooth gem falls off, here’s what you should do:

1. Save the Gem: If possible, save the gem, especially if it’s a valuable stone or custom piece. In many cases, it can be reapplied.
2. Inspect the Tooth: Check the tooth where the gem was attached. If you notice any rough spots or adhesive residue, avoid trying to remove it yourself to prevent damaging your tooth enamel.
3. Maintain Oral Hygiene: Continue to brush and floss regularly. The loss of the gem shouldn’t impact your oral health, but maintaining good hygiene is always important.
4. Visit Your Dentist: Schedule an appointment with your dentist or the professional who applied the gem. They can safely remove any remaining adhesive and reapply the gem if desired.
5. Reapplication Decision: Decide if you want to have the gem reapplied. If you choose to do so, your dentist can usually reattach it using the same process as the initial application.
6. Consider the Cause of Detachment: Discuss with your dentist any potential reasons why the gem may have fallen off. This could be due to the bonding process, the location of the gem on the tooth, or certain habits like teeth grinding.

Remember, tooth gems are a cosmetic addition and should not affect your dental health. However, regular dental check-ups are essential to maintain overall oral health, especially if you have or are considering tooth gems.

Tooth gems typically need replacement every six months to over a year, but this can vary based on application quality, gem and bonding agent type, oral habits, and hygiene practices.

Professional application using high-quality materials can enhance durability, while habits like chewing hard foods or teeth grinding might shorten the gem’s lifespan. Good oral hygiene is essential to maintain the gem. If a tooth gem falls off or is removed, it can be reapplied or replaced by a dental professional. Individual experiences with tooth gem longevity may vary.

No, your tooth does not need to be shaved for tooth gem application. The process is non-invasive, involving only cleaning the tooth, applying a bonding agent, placing the gem, and curing the agent to secure it. It’s completely reversible, leaving the tooth unaltered and undamaged if the gem is removed.

Tooth gems do not leave a hole or directly cause decay. They are applied to the tooth’s surface using a bonding agent without drilling or altering the tooth structure. While the gems themselves don’t cause decay, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene around them to prevent plaque buildup. Regular dental checkups are also crucial. When removed, tooth gems leave no permanent mark or damage to the tooth.