Tooth gems are jewelry that's attached to the teeth, either permanently or semi-permanently, for the purpose of adornment and self-expression. A variety of tooth gems are worn by both males and females. A dentist may attach the gems in his office, or a do-it-yourselfer may attach them using an at-home kit.
Dentist Applied
When a dentist applies tooth gems using a dental adhesive, the bond can last as long as desired. There's no drilling or pain involved and the procedure takes about 20 minutes. Gems cause no harm to the teeth and can be removed at any time; however, they should be attached to natural teeth. Gems come in varieties such as sapphire, ruby, diamond, aquamarine and emerald.
At-Home Kits
A gem attached using an at-home kit lasts approximately one month. The procedure requires cleaning the tooth, etching the tooth, applying an adhesive and the gem. The tooth must remain dry to allow the adhesive and the gem to take hold. After each application of sealant over the gem, the area must be light-cured. There is one side effect associated with gem removal; adhesive residue may be left on the tooth. If it doesn't disappear after two weeks, call a dental professional.
Permanent Gems
To affix a gem permanently, a dentist must drill a small hole in the tooth. For this reason, the gem is difficult to remove later and when it is removed, the small hole remains in the tooth. This is something to keep in mind when deciding between permanent and semi-permanent tooth jewelry.
Gem Styles
Tooth gems come in various shapes, such as horseshoes, hearts, male and female signs, or small- and medium-sized crystals. You can place a gem on one tooth, or an entire row of teeth. The style and amount of tooth jewelry depends on the wearer's preference.
Oral Hygiene
The area around the gem must always be cleaned thoroughly; bacteria and food tend to collect around fittings in the mouth. Maintaining proper oral hygiene is important to prevent gum disease and cavities. Always remove the gem before having your teeth cleaned.
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