Rajpal, who prefers to work with biocompatible materials such as gold and precious or semiprecious stones. 'It sounds obvious, but nobody should be ingesting toxic glue,' insists Dr. Nope! Advice from dentists hasn't stopped folks from taking the DIY route with nail art gems and superglue, but it should. So, I shouldn't try applying tooth gems at home? 'Or if the gem isn't placed properly, you can break an opposing tooth when you bite down,' he cautions. In the wrong hands, he warns you could end up getting a gem with a rough surface that can cause traumatic lesions on the inside of the lip. The bottom line? In general, as long as a dentist applies your chosen gem, and you're taking proper care of your teeth at home, 'the risks are minimal,' Dr.

Apa recommends brushing twice a day with a non-abrasive toothpaste and soft bristle sonic toothbrush 'because the vibration offers a deeper clean and dislodges food stuck to the gemstone,' he says.

Needless to say, keeping the gem clean and practicing good oral hygiene is essential if you want to avoid gum inflammation, decay, or other dental issues. 'Tooth gems can trap plaque and create places for stray food particles and harmful bacteria to hide,' Dr. On top of not offering any benefits, there are a few dental risks that come with getting a set of gems. 'They're a very specific aesthetic choice because they don't offer the restorative benefits that come with veneers or crowns,' he says. 'This hole will then need to be filled in with a white filling material that is color-matched to the existing shade of the tooth,' adds Dr. As for permanent tooth gems, though, be warned that removing a permanent tooth gem that was inserted into a tooth will leave a hole. “The gem is simply polished off along with any adhesive on the tooth,' says Dr.

Semi-permanent tooth gems can also be safely removed by a dentist if you change your mind or want to switch up the design. Kantor says not to worry: 'There's no harm to your tooth if that happens and the gem can simply be re-attached.' Sometimes a tooth gem may fall off on its own if you bite down hard on something, but Dr. Kantor, adding that picking or playing with your tooth gem is also off-limits. 'For the first 24 hours after getting a tooth gem, you should only eat soft foods and avoid using an electric toothbrush or drinking soda, coffee, or tea to protect the fresh bond,' says Dr. The right aftercare and dental materials used to bond the gemstone to the tooth will help you get the most out of your new dental jewelry. Most tooth gems are semi-permanent and can last anywhere between six months to one year, says Brian Kantor, a cosmetic dentist in New York City. 'My in-office fees include both and can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on the size, quality, and quantity of the stones and the nature of the design,' says Dr. Some dentists charge two separate fees – one for the gemstone and another for the application. The cost will largely depend on your choice of design and materials (a Swarovski crystal, for example, will be cheaper than a diamond). Apa says they can't be worn with Invisalign. Also worth noting: While tooth gems can be bonded to veneers, Dr. Permanent tooth gems do require drilling a hole in the desired location, so be ready for the commitment if you're planning on getting this adornment because it won't be easy to remove.

Temporary teeth gems