Tooth Gems
Let Your Smile Shine
If you’re looking for a fun and affordable way to enhance your smile, tooth gems may be the perfect accessory for you! A recent trend sported by many celebrities, this dental jewelry is bonded to the surface of your tooth, adding a tasteful sparkle to your everyday look. At Clemente Orthodontics, the procedure is non-invasive, and your gem will be a comfortable, delicate and temporary addition to your smile.
Who Can Get A Tooth Gem?
Tooth gems are an aesthetic choice that may not be a good treatment option for everybody. Tooth jewel candidates must have a strong, healthy smile in order to be a candidate for this procedure. They cannot be placed on prosthetic teeth—only live teeth can receive them. The best candidates for tooth jewels are those with excellent oral hygiene. Patients should take extra care to thoroughly brush their teeth to prevent the build-up of food particles and bacteria on the jewelry.
Jewelry For Your Teeth, For Every Style
Perhaps the most exciting part of this procedure is choosing your gem. Our jewels are made of high-quality, nontoxic material, built to last and not harm your teeth. Whether you’re looking for a gem with gold, silver, or crystal we have a wide variety of shapes, colors and materials to choose from. No matter your style, we are confident that we can help you find the perfect gem for you.
How Long Will My Tooth Gem Last?
Tooth gems typically last between 6 months and 2 years, depending on factors such as oral hygiene, the quality of the gem, and its placement on the tooth. Temporary gems may last up to 6 months, while permanent gems can last several years with proper care. Tooth jewels are an elective and purely aesthetic procedure with the added benefit of not being permanent. They are a great way to experiment with the appearance of your smile because they are temporary and easy to remove at any point. However, with proper care, a jewel can last for many years. Practicing good oral hygiene is the best way to ensure that it lasts. Attempting to remove it at home could damage your teeth—make an appointment with a qualified provider to safely and professionally remove your gem.
What To Expect
At Clemente Orthodontics, the procedure is quick and easy—placing your jewel only takes about 10 minutes from start to finish. Your orthodontist will first discuss the process of placing the gem with you and help you decide on its exact placement. The procedure is painless and does not require the use of a drill. Though setting a tooth gem is fairly straightforward, we aim to help patients feel as informed and comfortable as possible leading up to the procedure. We offer a slew of services to protect and improve your smile. Find out more about our team here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Gems
At Clemente Orthodontics, we offer tooth gems as a fun, temporary way to add sparkle to your smile. Here are answers to common questions about this popular cosmetic enhancement.
What are tooth gems?
Tooth gems are small decorative crystals or jewels that are temporarily bonded to the surface of your teeth using a special dental adhesive. These gems come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing for personalization and self-expression. They’re an increasingly popular way to add a touch of sparkle to your smile without permanent alterations to your teeth. At Clemente Orthodontics, our tooth gems are made from high-quality materials and applied by professionals with dental expertise.
Are tooth gems safe for my teeth?
When applied by dental professionals like our team at Clemente Orthodontics, tooth gems are safe and won’t damage your teeth. We use dental-grade adhesives specifically designed for tooth application, which are different from regular glue or craft adhesives. The bonding process is similar to the one used for braces and doesn’t harm your tooth enamel when properly applied and removed. However, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene while wearing tooth gems to prevent plaque buildup around the gem.
How long do tooth gems last?
Tooth gems typically last between 1-6 months, though this can vary based on your eating habits, oral hygiene practices, and the location of the gem. Gems placed on front teeth may wear off sooner than those on less-used teeth. The beauty of tooth gems is their temporary nature—they allow you to try different looks without a long-term commitment. When a gem does fall off, the remaining adhesive will naturally wear away, or you can visit our office for professional removal.
Does getting a tooth gem hurt?
The tooth gem application process is completely painless. There’s no drilling or alteration of your tooth structure involved. Your tooth surface is simply cleaned, dried, and prepared with a mild etchant (similar to what’s used for braces or sealants), and then the gem is bonded using dental adhesive. The entire process takes just minutes per gem, and you’ll be able to show off your sparkly smile immediately. Our experienced team ensures your comfort throughout the quick procedure.
Can I get tooth gems if I have braces or Invisalign®?
Yes! Tooth gems can be applied while you have braces or after you’ve completed orthodontic treatment. For patients with traditional braces, gems can be placed directly on the tooth surface around the brackets, adding a customized look to your orthodontic treatment. If you’re using Invisalign®, gems can be placed in positions that won’t interfere with the fit of your aligners. Our orthodontists will help determine the best placement for optimal results with your specific treatment.
How do I care for my teeth when I have tooth gems?
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential when you have tooth gems. We recommend:
- Brushing normally, being gentle around the gem area
- Flossing carefully to avoid catching the floss on the gem
- Using a non-abrasive toothpaste to preserve the shine of the gem
- Avoiding excessive consumption of acidic foods and beverages
- Being cautious with very hard or sticky foods
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings should continue as usual while you have tooth gems. If you’re also undergoing orthodontic treatment, follow all the care instructions provided by your orthodontist.
Will tooth gems affect my speech or eating?
Tooth gems are very small and smooth, so they typically don’t affect speech or eating. You may notice the gem with your tongue initially, but most patients adjust very quickly—usually within a day. Because the gems are bonded to the front surface of the tooth and are minimal in thickness, they don’t interfere with your bite or the way your teeth come together. This makes them a comfortable option for adding some sparkle to your smile without functional compromises.
How are tooth gems removed?
When you’re ready to have a tooth gem removed (or if it hasn’t fallen off naturally after several months), our professionals can safely remove it at our office. We use special dental instruments to gently lift the gem from your tooth surface without damaging your enamel. Any remaining adhesive is carefully polished off, leaving your tooth in the same condition it was before the gem was applied. This is much safer than attempting to remove a gem at home, which could potentially damage your tooth enamel.
Can teenagers get tooth gems?
Yes, teenagers can get tooth gems with parental consent. Many teens enjoy tooth gems as a way to express themselves through a temporary smile enhancement. They’re particularly popular among teens who want to add some personality to their smile during special events like proms, sweet sixteens, or quinceañeras. If your teen is interested in tooth gems, we recommend scheduling a consultation to discuss placement options and care instructions.
How much do tooth gems cost?
The cost of tooth gems varies based on the type of gem, how many you choose to get, and placement location. During your consultation at Clemente Orthodontics, we’ll discuss pricing options based on your specific desires. We offer various package options to accommodate different budgets. Remember that tooth gems are a cosmetic enhancement not covered by dental insurance, but their temporary nature makes them a relatively affordable way to add some sparkle to your smile.
Interested in adding some sparkle to your smile with tooth gems? Contact us today to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient locations in Ridgewood, Woodcliff Lake, or New City. Our team looks forward to helping you customize your smile with this fun enhancement!
When you’re ready to have your gem or multiple gems placed your orthodontist will bond the jewel to the surface of the tooth using the following steps:
