Tooth Jewellery: What You Need to Know Before You Bling Your Teeth
Tooth jewellery is a new body art trend. As well as having shining white teeth, people are now enhancing their style by adding gemstones to their teeth. Below is a guide to everything you need to know before you have jewels attached to your teeth.
The procedure
The dentist will first inspect your oral health to ensure that there are no underlying problems such as tooth decay or gum disease, which may affect your suitability to have jewels fitted. They will then professionally clean and polish your teeth; this will ensure that any build up of plaque and tartar does not interfere with the bonding process.
Your dentist will then apply a special bonding agent to the front of the tooth, followed by a tiny amount of dental composite. The jewel you have chosen will then be pressed into the composite material. You will then be allowed to inspect the position of the jewel, so your dentist knows you are happy. If you aren't happy, you should let your dentist know and they will reposition the jewel. If you are happy with the position of the jewel, the dentist will use a special light which causes the composite to set, holding the jewel in place.
The procedure is safe and does not require invasive procedures such as drilling. The treatment is relatively quick and painless. If your teeth are sensitive, you may find the process slightly uncomfortable. If you have any concerns about this, you should speak to your dentist before they begin the treatment. The dentist will be able to reassure you and offer pain relief if needed.
Aftercare
Tooth jewellery doesn't need any special maintenance. You should continue to maintain your regular dental hygiene routine, brushing twice a day. You should also check that plaque is not building up around the edge of the jewel. If it is, you should brush and floss the tooth with extra care.
However, you should be careful with what you eat. Extremely sticky foods such as sweets could cause the jewel to become dislodged from the surface of your tooth. If this happens, you will need to visit your dentist to have the jewel reattached. If the jewel becomes dislodged and you accidentally swallow it, do not panic. The jewel is non-toxic and will not cause you harm as it passes through your digestive system in the usual way.
If you are considering tooth jewellery and you have any questions or concerns about the procedure, contact your local dentist today for further help and advice.