Frequently asked questions:
TOOTH GEMS

A tooth gem is a small decorative jewel bonded to the surface of a tooth using dental-grade orthodontic adhesive. There is:

• No drilling
• No enamel removal
• No permanent alteration when applied correctly

When placed with the right materials and technique, tooth gems are enamel-safe and semi-permanent, meaning they can last for months while still allowing removal by a dental professional if needed. Gems may also eventually detach on their own.

My job is not just to make something sparkle — it's to make sure it's done without harming the tooth or gums.

Enamel is the hard, outer layer of the tooth. It does not regenerate. My goal is to:

• bond to enamel
• never damage it
• never weaken it

That's why I:

• never drill
• never scrape
• never force gem placement that doesn't make sense from an anatomical and/or dental health perspective
• never rush prep

A good bond should release cleanly when removed by a dental professional — not take enamel with it. I am always happy to provide your dentist with my material list, if that makes them more comfortable with the removal.

All metal gems are made from solid 18kt gold. This is the safest and most reliable option for tooth gem jewelry. It provides the best balance of purity and strength for the oral environment. It:

• is biocompatible
• is corrosion-resistant
• is non-porous
• is durable enough for long-term wear
• holds its shape without cutting or bending

Crystals are Swarovski and Preciosa brands, using exclusively lead-free glass.

My oral-safe bonding system is based on the same principles orthodontists use to bond braces brackets to enamel. This system is:

• enamel-safe
• predictable
• time-tested
• designed for the oral environment
• capable of holding small decorative gems through chewing, temperature changes, brushing, and years of wear (depending on the piece & client anatomy)

When applying gems, I take into consideration:

• Will this gem rub when you eat or bite down?
• Will your gem's placement trap plaque?
• Will your gem's placement irritate soft tissue?

When deciding on your gem placement, you should rule out teeth with visible cracks/chips/erosion/plaque/decay, as it is best to place gems on smooth, healthy enamel. I will help you with this. Additionally, gems can not be placed over old dental bond. You must see a dental professional for bond removal first, as I need a flat, clean surface to work with or the gem will not adhere.

Depending on gem placement desired, inflamed gums in the area can also be a contraindication to service. Gems will not bond to veneers, composite, crowns, etc.

Gems do best when applied to the front six teeth (top and/or bottom). Some gems (e.g. larger crystal shapes) will only work on a flat surface, which often rules out the canine teeth.

No. I do not under any circumstances:

• remove tooth gems
• diagnose dental conditions
• treat oral health issues
• give medical or dental advice

I am happy to refer you to a dentist for consults and removals.

See a licensed dentist or orthodontist to polish off the remaining material.

• Inflamed gums in the service area
• Tooth decay
• Enamel erosion
• Plaque buildup
• Veneers, crowns, composite in the area you want gemmed (it will not work)
• Invisalign: even small gems will not fit under the tray, and can have a negative impact on Invisalign's effectiveness. Other non-tray retainers may be compatible. Please contact me first to discuss.
• Sometimes, the shape of a tooth is not compatible with the chosen gem. In this case, we can pivot to another tooth or piece of jewelry.
• Not feeling confident about maintaining aftercare, including regular home dental hygiene and professional dental cleanings.

Whitening is OK but may weaken the gem's bond if whitening is very strong or frequent. You can trim this area out of your white strips or not put whitening gel on the teeth with gems, or go lightly in these areas. Keep in mind the area under the gems will not whiten.

If you plan to whiten before you get your gems, it's best for gem longevity and your own comfort if you whiten two weeks in advance of your gem appointment.

They can be placed around wire-style retainers, and most night guards, but not under Invisalign. Please bring your appliance with you to your appointment so we can be sure!

No. Unfortunately, gems can only be placed on natural teeth (enamel).

The gem process is usually fast, about 15 minutes end-to-end, though complex projects can take 30-60 minutes. It is painless, but may be triggering if you are dentist-wary. Want to know more about what your specific gemming process would look like, based on your design goals & access needs? Email me and I'll be happy to walk you through in detail.