Would you like to enhance your smile and highlight it with small accents? Then dental jewelry is a great choice for making your teeth shine even brighter with simple touches.
Small gemstones, bas-reliefs, or decorative motifs are gently attached to your front teeth by your dentist. Every time you smile, your dental jewelry shines through, making your teeth sparkle beautifully.
Our dentists would be happy to consult with you in person about dental jewelry and show you a selection of attractive options.
What is dental jewelry?
We generally refer to any type of decoration that is permanently or temporarily attached to the teeth as dental jewelry. The selection ranges from subtle gemstones to so-called “grillz,” a trend that originated in the U.S. hip-hop scene.
Most dental decorations are permanently attached to the canines or incisors. Here, they are visible as sparkling accents with every smile, without compromising the aesthetics of your teeth.
They are attached at the dentist’s office in much the same way as dental prosthetics or braces are fitted. If you’d like to have the dental jewelry removed at a later date, this can be done gently and without leaving any residue.
Dental Jewelry: What Types Are Available?
Dental jewelry comes in countless colors, shapes, and styles. In a broader sense, artificial dental crowns and veneers can also be considered dental jewelry. The most common types of dental jewelry are as follows:
- Twinkles are small bas-reliefs in the shape of stars, hearts, and other motifs. They are made, for example, of thin gold foil or white gold and are often adorned with small gemstones.
- Skyces are gemstones made of crystal glass, diamonds, or plastic. They are cut flat so they do not rub against the inside of the mouth and are bonded directly to the tooth without a setting.
- Dazzlers are delicate designs made of gold foil, such as stars, hearts, or animal motifs.
- Tooth tattoos are ideal for people who want temporary dental jewelry. The colored foil designs adhere to the teeth for a few days and then peel off on their own.
- Grillz are a controversial form of dental decoration. These solid metal caps are placed over the teeth, sometimes covering the entire front row of teeth. They are made of silver, gold, or platinum and are often lavishly decorated.
Who is dental jewelry suitable for?
Dental jewelry is generally suitable for anyone who wants to beautify their teeth and is looking for small, sparkling accents. Since the decorations are very delicate and can be removed without leaving any residue, there is essentially no reason not to wear dental jewelry. We advise against gemstones in the mouth only in rare cases, such as chronic gum inflammation, severely decayed teeth, or poor oral hygiene.
How is dental jewelry applied in Zurich?
Applying dental gems is incredibly simple. First, a general dental checkup should be performed. If there are any cavities or other issues, these are treated beforehand.
To attach the stones, the tooth surfaces are cleaned, polished, and lightly etched with an acid. This ensures that the decorations adhere optimally. The dentist secures the gemstone in the desired position using a dental composite adhesive. Finally, the dental jewelry is light-cured and polished once more. The entire procedure usually takes no longer than 15 minutes.
Is dental jewelry safe?
Dental jewelry is generally very safe when professionally applied by a dentist. It’s important to pay special attention to thorough oral hygiene around the stones and to be careful when eating hard or sticky foods.
We also recommend getting a professional teeth cleaning in Zurich on a regular basis. During these cleanings, your teeth and dental jewelry are thoroughly examined. If a gemstone becomes loose, we can replace it before it falls out completely. Otherwise, there is a risk that the gemstone could be swallowed or inhaled.
How much does dental jewelry cost?
The cost can vary significantly depending on the type and material. Feel free to visit us in Zurich and let one of our dentists show you a selection of dental jewelry. The dentist can explain the differences between the various options and calculate the cost—including installation—for your preferred piece.
FAQ
Dental decorations such as Twinkles, Dazzlers, or Skyces are just one way to enhance the appearance of your teeth. At our practice in Zurich, we offer professional teeth whitening as part of our cosmetic dentistry services. Veneers or Lumineers—thin shells made of dental ceramic—can also be used to improve the appearance of your teeth.
Depending on how it is attached and the type of jewelry, it can last for several years. The adhesives used are also used to attach braces or dentures, ensuring optimal durability.
Depending on which option you choose, the jewelry can be made of metal, plastic, or crystal glass, for example. High-quality diamond jewelry can also be used for the teeth.
Just like the brackets on braces, dental jewelry can also come loose—for example, if it’s not attached properly or when chewing hard or sticky foods. If a gemstone is in danger of falling out, please feel free to schedule an appointment at short notice so we can remove or replace your dental jewelry.
As long as you continue to practice thorough oral hygiene, your risk of tooth decay will not increase. Be sure to brush the area around the calculus particularly carefully. We also recommend having your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis.
Dental jewelry is specifically designed to be bonded to the teeth and does not damage them when applied correctly. To prevent damage to your teeth, you should only wear dental jewelry that is explicitly recommended for this purpose. The jewelry should be professionally applied and removed by a dentist.
After having your tooth jewelry applied, you should practice good oral hygiene and be careful when eating hard or sticky foods. Have your tooth jeweler checked regularly by your dentist. If the gemstone comes loose, the dentist can remove the jewelry and attach a new gemstone.
Using special instruments, the dentist can remove dental jewelry just as easily and safely as the brackets on a set of braces. Any remaining adhesive residue is gently polished away, and the tooth surfaces are then treated with a fluoride gel to help the enamel regenerate quickly.