The Tooth Gem Trend – Are Tooth Gems Bad For Your Teeth?

Wellspring Dental

Trends come and go – some which are more questionable than others. While some people have their go-to style, others like to keep up with those ever changing trends. Now most of the time, these new styles revolve around clothes, hair or makeup – but recently, a trend that has gotten some buzz are tooth gems. 

If you’re not yet familiar, “tooth gems” are tiny gems, metal shapes (such as hearts and stars) or diamonds that are applied to the tooth with adhesive. The problem with tooth gems is that they are simply not good for your teeth over time. Unfortunately, these gems have become increasingly popular with celebrities and people of influence, making them pop up even more often as time goes on. So, what are the repercussions of opting in for the tooth gems? 

Are Tooth Gems Bad For Your Teeth? 

For starters, tooth gems are simply not healthy for your smile. Because they are applied with adhesive, there is a portion of your tooth that will go without proper care for an extended period of time. Ultimately, tooth gems can cause your enamel to wear away, resulting in irreparable damage down the line. Not to mention, you are at risk for some serious staining and discoloration between where the gem is applied vs the tooth surface that is exposed every day. 

How Long Do Tooth Gems Last?

So how long do tooth gems last? Well, these gems are designed to stay on the tooth anywhere from six months to a year – which is a long time for a foreign object to be covering a portion of your tooth. Tooth gems don’t allow you to brush your teeth properly, ultimately resulting in a greater risk for cavities and tooth decay. The scary part? – You don’t know what your tooth will look like once the gem is removed, possibly resulting in permanent discoloration for years to come. 

An Alternative To Tooth Gems

While tooth gems may seem like a fun trend to play around with, we encourage you to weigh out the pros and cons of this shiny addition. If a bright white smile is something you are looking to achieve, we encourage you to consider a professional teeth whitening treatment – a perfectly safe alternative! For those of you who want significant change, there are other cosmetic options to consider such as composite veneers or porcelain veneers. 

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