Dental jewellery is a small crystal or gem bonded to the front surface of a tooth. It is purely decorative, takes about fifteen minutes to fit, and involves no drilling and no damage to the tooth.
The gem is attached with the same bonding material used for tooth-coloured fillings. Because nothing is cut away, it can be removed at any point and the tooth underneath is unchanged.
It is a popular request before weddings and festivals. Dr. Vitkar fits tooth jewellery as one of her routine cosmetic treatments.
What happens at your appointment
So there are no surprises: this is the sequence dental jewellery follows at Care Plus Dental Clinic.
Check and selection
The tooth is checked for decay and the gum for inflammation, then you choose the gem and its position.
Surface preparation
The enamel surface is cleaned and conditioned. Nothing is drilled or removed.
Bonding
The gem is placed with dental adhesive and cured with a light, exactly as a composite filling is set.
Finishing
The edges are checked so the gem feels smooth against your lip and does not catch.
Aftercare
What you do in the days after treatment affects the result as much as the appointment itself.
- Avoid biting hard food directly with that tooth for the first 24 hours.
- Brush normally but gently around the gem.
- If it comes off, keep it and bring it in; it can usually be re-bonded.
- Keep the area clean, as plaque collecting around the edge can stain the tooth.
Dental Jewellery: common questions
Does it damage the tooth?
No. No drilling is involved and no enamel is removed. The gem is bonded to the surface and the tooth underneath stays intact.
How long does it stay on?
It varies with habits and diet, but tooth jewellery commonly stays put for several months to a few years. It can be re-bonded if it comes loose.
Can it be removed?
Yes, at any time. It is removed and the surface polished, leaving the tooth as it was.
Does it hurt?
Not at all. There is no drilling and no injection.