Tooth jewelry, tooth gems, dental jewelry and diamonds – what is this latest trend all about?
You’ve probably seen the trend going around called “tooth gems”. This consists of a small gem-like design that is bonded to your tooth. There are all kinds of designs out there from flowers to anchors. These jewels are usually bonded with adhesive to the anterior (front) visible side of the tooth.
How do the tooth gems stay on?
Tooth gems are placed similarly to how braces brackets are put on. First an acid etch is placed, followed by prime and bond, and then cured. If you have ever had braces, you know how hard it is to keep them clean – the same goes for tooth jewelry.
Tooth gems can be placed in a dental office (if your dentist will do this procedure) to reduce the risk of a non-precious metal being placed on your tooth. The dentist simply places an acid etch, prime and bond to secure the gem. This would be the safest way to place the gem because you know the process has been completed with the proper materials and technique. This will minimize the risk of decay. The adhesive used to bond the tooth gem to your tooth can wear away the enamel resulting in irreplaceable damage.
Is tooth jewelry safe?
The short answer? No.
Tooth gems can trap food and debris causing tooth decay. Improper placement could also damage soft tissue or lips when moving around the foreign object – this can cause mouth sores. Any foreign object in the mouth increases the risk of cavities and damage. It’s especially important to verify what type of adhesive or glue is being used as this could cause damage as well. It’s also important to note that only precious metals and porcelain are used as restorations in the mouth – and for good reason – it’s possible to have an allergic reaction to the material of the gem.
It is definitely not recommended to place these gems on your own with at-home kits. You can never truly know what type of adhesive material you are using. This can lead to residual residue and toxins harmful to your enamel which can result in decay or damage.
It’s important to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible to keep your mouth as healthy. Adding a strong, sticky, tacky bond unnecessarily can only lead to damage. Because of the surface area of the adhesive applied, there is a portion of your tooth that is neglected from care. This can lead to decay.
Do dentists recommend tooth jewelry?
Putting a tooth gem on an already decayed tooth could lead to even more problems resulting in more expensive restorations in the long run. If the tooth you’re placing the gem on has pre-existing conditions it could lead to even further damage.
Bottom line : most dentists do NOT recommend tooth gems. Aside from restorative materials and dental prosthetics, foreign objects are not beneficial for oral health and can cause decay. It is important to always preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible,
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