Tooth piercings are decorative pieces of jewelry attached to the surface of your teeth.
Move over grills, tooth piercings are the latest bling for your smile. Toothpiercingsare a type of dental jewelry–usually small gems or crystals–that are glued to your teeth.
While tooth piercings have some risks, it’s generally considered safe when put on correctly. Here are the deets on how tooth piercings work, how it affects your teeth, and how to care for tooth gems.
What is a tooth piercing?
Toothpiercingsaren’tactuallypiercings, and the jewelry is not drilled into teeth. Instead, tooth gems are affixed to the tooth’s enamel with glue or cement. Mostpiercingsare attached to the front teeth and away from the gum line.
Oral jewelry comes in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and styles. Some popular options include:
Now, you might wonderwhysomeone would want a gemstone on their tooth. And the answer is simple: because it’s cool AF! Another perk is that they don’t have to be permanent. Semi-permanentpiercingscan last for years, but temporarypiercingsonly last up to six weeks.
Bonus: Some peeps dig that the jewels can fill small tooth gaps or draw attention away from dental irregularities. In onestudy, researchers also noted that tooth jewelry can mask the appearance of white spot lesions.
Are tooth gems actually safe?
Tooth piercings tend to be safe, but there are some potential probs to keep in mind. Oneconcernis the procedure can permanently change the tooth’s surface.
Other possible risksinclude:
For these reasons, the American Dental Association (ADA)advises againstgetting cosmetic tooth gems and jewelry.
Some peeps also claim that tooth piercings can give youbad breath. But we’re not 10/10 sure if that’s legit.
How does a tooth piercing procedure work?
When done correctly, tooth piercing procedures are quick and painless. Here’s what to expect at your appointment.
Tooth piercing aftercare tips
Once your tooth gem is in place, all you have to do is take care of it. Here are some tips to keep your piercing in place:
How do you remove a tooth piercing?
Temporary tooth jewels will fall off on their own. But, semi-permanent gems should be removed by a dentist. They will ensure that your tooth’s enamel isn’t damaged in the process.
That said, donottry to scrape or scratch your tooth piercing off. Trust us.
Frequently asked questions
Does a tooth piercing hurt?
Nope! A tooth piercing shouldn’t hurt. However, it can take a bit to get used to it. You may experience some minor discomfort on the inside of your lips for a few days.
How long does a tooth piercing last?
Tooth piercings can last from 6 weeks to years — it depends on the adhesive used to seal the jewelry to the tooth’s surface.
How much does a tooth piercing cost?
The tooth piercing procedure itself usually ranges from $25 to $100. It will also likely cost you more if you more visit a dentist who applies tooth gems.Pro tip: Be sure to talk to your provider about their rates beforehand.
BTW, tooth piercings are cosmetic, so your insurance will unlikely cover the bill.
Where can I get a tooth piercing done?
You can get a tooth piercing performed at a piercing parlor or dental office. Just keep in mind that not all places offer this service, so it’s a good idea to call ahead.
How much do teeth jewels cost?
Tooth jewels made of inexpensive materials can cost about $20. But higher gems usually start around $50, and the price can go way up depending on the type of jewelry you use. For example, a 24k solid gold tooth gem, with a stone, starts at about $100. A genuine diamond or ruby will also cost more than a cubic zirconia stone.
you may find lots of high-quality tooth piercing jewelry online. You might also find some options at piercing salons or jewelry stores.
Bottom line
Tooth piercings are gems or small pieces of jewelry attached to the tooth’s surface. They can last from 6 weeks to years. Folks like them because they look cool, are affordable, and don’t pose any significant health risks.
The procedure itself should be totally painless. It’s not an actual piercing, so you don’t have to worry about needles or drills. However, it’s super important you go to an expert provider like a dentist or a licensed piercer. This can reduce your risk of symptoms like tooth fractures, lip irritation, or gum recession.
