Tooth Gems 101: Procedure, Risks, and Costs

Tooth gems are becoming more and more popular and offer a unique and fun way to express your personal style. But are they safe? How does the process work? How much do they cost, and are there any risks if you get tooth gems from a dentist like Dr. Zaneta Hamlin?

At Cusp Dental Boutique, our team is here to answer your questions. In this guide to tooth gems, we’ll discuss the basics of tooth “bling,” how the process works, how to care for tooth gems, the risks involved, and so much more.

Understanding Tooth Gems – The Basics Of Tooth Bling

Tooth gems are pretty simple to understand! As the name suggests, tooth “gems” are usually made out of some kind of crystal. For more affordable options, this is usually colored glass. But in some cases, semi-precious or precious stones like rubies, emeralds, and even diamonds can be used as tooth gems.

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There are even some tooth “gems” that aren’t gems at all, but are made from precious metals like gold and silver. Tooth gems are available in a huge variety of shapes, sizes, styles, and materials.

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As for their purpose? Tooth gems are entirely cosmetic! This non-invasive, semi-permanent treatment is meant to accentuate your teeth, your smile, and your face. It also gives you a new way to express your personal style and taste.

What are the benefits of getting tooth gems from a dentist?

Not sure if tooth gems are right for you, or if you should see a dentist like Dr. Hamlin for treatment instead of opting for a DIY kit? Here are just a few reasons

• Enhanced safety – DIY tooth gems may not always be made from the highest-quality materials. When you get tooth gems from a dentist, you’ll always get high-quality tooth jewelry made from non-toxic, safe, and durable materials.

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• Long-lasting results – Tooth gems usually last at least 6-12 months, and it’s pretty common to keep them for longer if you take good care of your smile.

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• Express your style and turn heads – Whether you want to accentuate your facial features, match your favorite outfits, or even show support for a sports team, you can choose a design, color, and tooth gem style that will help you show off your unique personality and boost your confidence.
  
  
• Affordable treatment – Tooth gems are pretty inexpensive, especially when compared with some other cosmetic dentistry treatments like veneers. Even if you’re on a tight budget, you can enhance your smile with a tooth gem or two!
  
  
• Totally reversible, too – Tooth gems are totally cosmetic and do not require any enamel removal. If you’re ready to remove them or switch to a new style, Dr. Hamlin can simply remove them with no damage to your teeth.

How Much Do Tooth Gems Cost? What To Expect

The cost of tooth gems in Virginia Beach can vary widely. Primarily, the cost of treatment depends on how many tooth gems you’re getting, and the size and materials used to create your tooth jewelry.

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 A simple glass tooth gem, for example, may cost only about $100. However, a tooth gem made with gold, silver, or precious or semi-precious stones could easily cost $1000 or more.

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Since they're purely cosmetic, dental insurance doesn’t cover the cost of tooth gems. However,  we offer transparent pricing at Cusp Dental Boutique so that you can understand exactly how much your new bling will cost.

Your Guide To The Tooth Gem Placement Process

Wondering how to get tooth gems in Virginia Beach? In the next section of this guide, we’ll discuss the entire process, from your first consultation to the eventual removal or replacement of your tooth bling. 

Initial consultation

First, you’ll come in for a visit with Dr. Zaneta Hamlin. She will assess your oral health and make sure that your teeth are healthy enough for tooth gems. As long as you don’t have any cavities or other issues, you’ll likely be a good candidate for treatment!

Picking out your favorite styles

The next step is to take a look at all of the tooth gem designs we have available at Cusp Dental Boutique. Whether you want a simple glass gem or a more complex design that incorporates precious metals or semi-precious stones, we’ve got what you need.

Placing your tooth gems

Once you’ve chosen your tooth gems and their desired location, Dr. Hamlin will clean up your teeth and use a special liquid to roughen the surface slightly. Then, she will place a small amount of dental cement on the tooth and apply the tooth gem. 

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Next, she will use a UV light to cure the cement and harden it, locking the tooth gem in place. The final step is to clean up and polish your tooth to make sure that it looks great. Then, Dr. Hamlin will send you home to enjoy your new tooth bling!

Caring for your new smile

For the most part, tooth gem aftercare is super simple. You don’t need to do anything special when caring for your new smile. Mostly, you just want to make sure that you’re brushing your teeth thoroughly. Food particles, bacteria, and acid tend to build up around tooth gems, so proper brushing is essential to keep your smile healthy.

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It’s also best to avoid biting into super hard foods (apples, crusty bread, carrots) with your front teeth, since this can loosen your tooth gems over time. Similarly, you should try to chew crunchy foods like chips and popcorn with your rear teeth. You should also avoid gummy candies, since these can loosen and wear out your tooth gems.

Tooth gem lifespan and removal

Tooth gems usually last 6-12 months, but can last up to two years or longer in some cases. But eventually, your tooth gems will wear down and may start to loosen. When this happens, they’ll need to be removed or replaced. Dr. Hamlin will check on your tooth gems during every six-month checkup at Cusp Dental Boutique.

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Not sure how to get tooth gems off? You need the help of a dentist like Dr. Hamlin. Since they're bonded tightly to your teeth with professional dental cement, it’s not safe to try and remove them yourself. You could permanently damage your teeth if you try to remove tooth gems on your own.

Tooth Gem Safety, Risks, And Potential Complications

Overall, tooth gems are very safe, and there are no important complications to worry about when you get a tooth gem from a qualified dental professional. 

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There’s no need to remove any natural enamel, which means that there’s no damage to your teeth. They're attached very strongly to your teeth, too, which means your new gems are unlikely to move, slip, or fall off of your tooth.

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The most important thing is to maintain good oral hygiene. Tooth gems do have a tendency to collect food debris, bacteria, and acid. This means you need to brush thoroughly around each gem to remove any buildup and prevent a higher risk of tooth decay (cavities).

How To Choose The Right Tooth Gems For Your Style

Need some tips on how to choose the right tooth gems to express your unique style? Here are a couple of quick tips:

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• Pick a qualified dental professional – You should avoid DIY tooth gems. They're not always safe, and they're unlikely to last more than a few weeks or months at most. If you see a dentist like Dr. Hamlin, you’ll get the best results, and you can get expert input on which style to choose, too! 

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• Think about size and location – For obvious reasons, it’s best to choose the front teeth, especially if you’re only getting a few tooth gems. This ensures your new bling will be front-and-center when you smile!
• Choose the right color – A color that accentuates your hair, eyes, or the color of your skin is a great choice. For example, if you have bright blue eyes, choosing a blue tooth gem can help accentuate your eyes and make them “pop” even more!
• When in doubt, ask your dentist – Dentists like Dr. Hamlin have years of experience picking out tooth gems. If you’re not sure which style is right for you, your dentist can guide you in the right direction! 

FAQs About Tooth Gems

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1. Do tooth gems damage teeth? Not at all. They're removable and require absolutely no alteration to your natural enamel, so you don’t have to worry about tooth damage.
   
   
2. How long do tooth gems last? Between six and 12 months for most patients. Good oral hygiene helps prolong the lifespan of your new bling!
   
   
3. Can I remove tooth gems myself? Absolutely not. You risk damaging your enamel. If your tooth gem is loose or you’re ready to remove it, you will need to visit Dr. Zaneta Hamlin to have it removed at Cusp Dental Boutique.
4. Are tooth gems safe for teens? Yes. As long as your teen’s mouth is healthy, they can get tooth gems without any issues.

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5. What designs are the most popular? You can’t go wrong with a classic round or oval gem. There are tons of other designs and shapes, though, like stars, butterflies, squares, and so much more. Check with Dr. Hamlin to learn more about the most popular tooth gems at Cusp Dental Boutique.

Book Your Visit And See If Tooth Gems Are Right For You!

Interested in tooth gems in Virginia Beach, VA? Dr. Zaneta Hamlin and our team are here to help. Whether you want a single tooth gem or a full mouth full of bling, we can help you express your style, feel proud of your smile, and love how you look. Give us a call at (757) 904-4347 or book your first visit online to explore all of your options for tooth gems at Cusp Dental Boutique.