Ok, let’s see how “cool” you really are: Do you know what a dental “grill” is? A dental grill is a mainstay in hip hop fashion and can be seen in the public worn by various rappers and celebrities (perhaps you saw when reality star Kendra wore one on her show The Girls Next Door on the E! Channel). It’s a type of jewelry worn over the teeth. Dental grills are usually removable and can be made of silver, platinum or gold and are sometimes adorned with jewels. They’ve been around since the 80’s but have come a long way since they first entered the hip hop scene. Today, grills are often custom made from impressions taken of the teeth and are comfortable and require no adjustment to the natural teeth.
Thinking a dental grill may be a little too hardcore for you but wishing there was a way to jazz up your smile? Maybe you’re not really ready to commit to a grill but you can recognize the cool factor associated with having a little “bling” added to your smile. There is a solution for you! Today, some dentists offer their patients “tooth gems.” Tooth gems are jewelry for your smile. Instead of covering a number of your teeth like a grill, a tooth gem is one singular jewel attached to the tooth of your choosing.
So how does a tooth gem work? Your dentist attaches a decorative gem to the tooth of your choosing (pick a tooth somewhere in your mouth that people will see when you talk or smile). It will stay put through eating, drinking, flossing and brushing. Although it will stay put through these normal activities, it is also in no way permanent. Your dentist can easily remove it for you if you change your mind or want to switch gems down the road. The adhesive used to attach the jewel to your tooth will not damage your enamel in any way. No special care is needed for your gem. You will simply need to care for your teeth as usual with regular flossing, brushing and even rinsing with mouthwash if you choose.
This special decoration is just another way to set you apart from the rest of the crowd and add interest to your smile in a new and exciting way. If you’re interested in adding a tooth gem to your smile, you should call your dentist to see if he or she offers this new and exciting trend in smile jewelry. Before your dentist will attach a gem to any of your teeth, he or she will need to make sure your teeth are healthy and free of decay. If you are due for your regular dental cleaning, you will need to have that done first. Any issues with your smile will need to be taken care of before adding any cosmetic embellishments.
Bright Side Dental is a dental group with locations in Sterling Heights, Livonia, Canton, and Royal Oak, Michigan. Visit www.BrightSideDental.com.