Short answer: A tooth gem is a small decorative stone, usually attached to the surface of one of the front teeth with dental adhesive. It is applied without drilling or cutting into the tooth and without the need for numbing, and it can be removed whenever you wish. When done with the correct technique, it does not cause permanent damage to the tooth; however, the area around it needs to be cleaned well. Depending on the person and the conditions, the gem can stay on for anywhere from a few months to a few years.
One of the most talked-about options in recent years among people who want to add a small, personal touch to their smile is the tooth gem. Done by bonding a shiny stone of a few millimeters to the surface of the tooth, this application aims to offer an aesthetic detail without making a permanent change. Although a tooth gem is generally seen as a harmless accessory, it can have negative effects on the tooth surface and oral health if not done properly. In this article, we explain what a tooth gem is, how it is applied, whether it damages the tooth, how long it stays on and how it is removed.
What is a tooth gem?
A tooth gem is a decorative stone a few millimeters in diameter, usually attached to the outer surface of one of the front teeth with a special dental adhesive. In everyday Turkish it is also called "diş taşı," "diş kristali" or "diş mücevheri" (tooth stone, tooth crystal or tooth jewel). The term "diş taşı" here should not be confused with the same Turkish word for tartar, meaning hardened plaque that builds up on the tooth surface.
The materials used vary:
- Crystal stones: The most common option. These are brilliant-cut glass crystals whose base is prepared for bonding.
- Precious stones: Real diamonds or other precious stones can also be used; they are usually applied set in a thin metal mount.
- Gold or metal shapes: Thin metal shapes such as stars or hearts can also be bonded using the same method.
A tooth gem is usually applied in the upper jaw, to a lateral incisor or canine that is easily visible when smiling. The placement is chosen together with the person according to their smile line and the shape of the tooth surface. It is a purely cosmetic application; it has no treatment function.
How is a tooth gem applied?
A tooth gem is applied by bonding it to the tooth surface without any drilling or cutting, in a way similar to the techniques used for bonding fillings and brackets. The procedure does not require numbing and is usually quick.
- Check: The tooth to which the gem will be bonded is assessed to see whether it is healthy. If there is a cavity, a crack, a large filling or gum inflammation, it is recommended to address these first.
- Choosing the spot: The position of the gem is decided together with the person in front of a mirror. Not placing it too close to the gum line makes cleaning easier.
- Surface cleaning: The tooth surface is cleaned of plaque and stains.
- Surface preparation: An acidic gel is applied briefly to the small area where the gem will be placed, then rinsed off and dried. This allows the adhesive to grip the enamel.
- Bonding: A bonding agent and a small amount of flowable composite are applied; the gem is placed on top of this material.
- Curing: The composite is hardened with a curing light. Any excess around the gem is removed and the edges are smoothed.
After the procedure, it is usually possible to eat and drink right away; however, not biting very hard foods with that tooth on the first day can help the bond set.
Who is it not suitable for?
On teeth with crowns, veneers or large fillings, the bond may be weaker than on enamel, and the chance of the gem falling off increases. For people with inadequate oral hygiene, active cavities or gum disease, the application should be postponed until these problems are resolved. It is also not recommended for young children whose baby teeth have not yet been replaced and whose enamel development is not yet complete.
Does a tooth gem damage the tooth?
A tooth gem applied with the correct technique using the bonding method generally does not cause permanent damage to the tooth structure, because no tissue is removed from the tooth during the procedure and the gem can be removed whenever you wish. Nevertheless, there are some risks that should not be overlooked.
- Plaque buildup: The edges around the gem create a small area where plaque can cling. If this area is not brushed carefully, the risk of staining, white spots on the enamel surface and cavities can increase.
- Gum irritation: If the gem is placed too close to the gum, it can cause gum inflammation.
- Lip friction: Some people may feel slight friction until the inside of the lip gets used to the gem.
- Swallowing or inhaling: A loosened gem can be swallowed without being noticed; although very rare, there is also a chance it could be inhaled into the airway. For this reason, if you feel the gem moving, you should see your dentist without delay.
- Improper practices: Drilling into the tooth to embed the gem causes irreversible damage to the enamel. In addition, using adhesives that are not dental materials can irritate the tissues of the mouth.
For these reasons, it is recommended that a tooth gem be applied by a dentist, after an assessment of your oral health, and with dental materials.
How long does a tooth gem last?
Depending on the application technique, the type of gem, the tooth surface and the person's habits, a tooth gem can stay in place for anywhere from a few months to a few years. It is not possible to give an exact length of time.
The main factors affecting how long the gem lasts are:
- Whether the surface it is bonded to is natural enamel
- The size of the gem and whether its base is suitable for bonding
- Habits such as biting hard foods with the front teeth or biting pens or nails
- Teeth clenching and grinding
- Brushing with a hard-bristled brush while pressing hard on the gem
For the gem to stay on trouble-free for a long time, it helps to clean the area carefully with a soft brush and gentle movements, to go to regular checkups, and to show it to your dentist if you notice discoloration around it.
How is a tooth gem removed?
A tooth gem is removed by a dentist, who carefully takes away the composite material around the gem and then polishes the tooth surface; the procedure is usually quick and leaves no permanent mark on the tooth.
- The gem is detached with suitable instruments.
- Adhesive residue remaining on the tooth surface is removed in a controlled way with burs that will not damage the enamel.
- The area is polished to restore the tooth's natural shine.
Trying to remove the gem yourself at home can scratch the enamel or cause it to chip. If the gem falls off on its own, the composite residue left on the tooth surface should also be cleaned off by a dentist; otherwise, this area can collect plaque and become stained. A slight color difference may be visible where the gem was removed, because that area was shielded from light for a long time; this difference usually fades over time. You can find answers to other frequently asked questions about cosmetic treatments on our frequently asked questions page.
How should you care for your teeth while wearing a tooth gem?
The care routine for people wearing a tooth gem is no different from ordinary oral care, apart from paying a little more attention to the area around the gem. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste should continue, and the edges of the gem should be cleaned with a soft-bristled brush using small movements. The surfaces between the tooth with the gem and its neighbors should also be cleaned regularly with dental floss. At checkups every six months, the retention of the gem and the enamel surface around it can be assessed; these checkups allow discoloration or loosening noticed at an early stage to be easily addressed.
If you are considering a tooth gem, when should you have an exam?
Before getting a tooth gem, a short exam to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy helps the gem last longer and helps prevent possible problems. If you notice loosening of your existing gem, discoloration around it or sensitivity in the gum, a checkup is also recommended. At our polyclinic in Oran, Çankaya, the placement and type of gem are discussed with you, and application and removal are carried out in a way that protects the tooth surface.
Frequently asked questions
Is the tooth drilled when a tooth gem is placed?
No, a tooth gem is applied using the bonding method, and no drilling or cutting is done on the tooth. The tooth surface is only prepared with a gel for a short time so that the adhesive can grip. Drilling into the tooth to embed the gem damages the enamel and is not recommended.
What should I do if my tooth gem falls off?
If the gem falls off, keep it and see your dentist. Cleaning off the adhesive residue left on the tooth surface prevents staining. If the gem has been swallowed and there are symptoms such as shortness of breath or coughing, you should go to a healthcare facility without delay.
Can a tooth gem be placed on a crowned tooth?
On crown or veneer surfaces, the bond may be weaker than on natural enamel, and the chance of the gem falling off increases. In some cases, application may be possible with special surface preparations. Suitability is assessed during the exam.
Does a tooth gem make brushing harder?
Since the area around the gem is more prone to plaque buildup, this area needs to be cleaned carefully with a soft brush. Avoiding pressing hard on the gem while brushing extends the life of the bond.
