There are many things you can do to improve the look of your smile, including teeth whitening and covering chipped teeth with veneers. If you're looking for a way to make your smile extra special, though, then tooth jewelry may be what you're looking for. Here's more information about this cosmetic dental option.

Blinged-Out Enamel

Tooth jewelry is exactly what it sounds like. They are decorative pieces designed to be affixed to your tooth. They come in a wide range of designs from tiny diamonds to gold hearts to religious symbols such as the cross and Star of David. The jewel is usually placed on one of the front top teeth so it can be seen when you smile.

The jewel is usually kept in place using a special type of glue. However, they're not permanent fixtures in your mouth. The jewel can be removed at any time and any glue residue can be buffed out by the dentist. The installation procedure takes about 15 minutes and, depending on the type of adhesive used, will stay on the tooth from six months to several years.

Special Considerations

Teeth jewelry is generally harmless and won't damage teeth as long as you maintain a good oral care routine. However, there are a couple of things you need to be aware of before you opt for this cosmetic procedure.

It's best to have the jewel placed by a dentist for a couple of reasons. First, a dentist can advise you where to place the jewel so it doesn't get damaged or interfere with your ability to speak and eat. For instance, you don't want to place the jewel on either of your two front teeth, since you use them to bite into foods. Instead, the incisors may be the best location.

Second, while you can find at-home kits that let you place teeth jewelry yourself, the glue used in these kits may not be as strong as what the dentist uses. This increases the risk the jewel will fall off and be accidentally chewed and/or swallowed.

Another thing you need to prepare for is it may take a day or two for the glue to set completely. Therefore, the dentist may advise you to avoid eating certain foods or brushing that particular tooth too vigorously until the glue has fully cemented the jewel in place. Thus, if you're following a special diet, you'll need to make the appropriate adjustments for that time period.

The cost of teeth jewelry varies widely depending on the actual piece you get. For example, a plain glass gem can cost over $50, while higher-end real gems like diamonds and rubies may cost a couple of hundred dollars. You also need to factor in the cost of the actual dentist appointment.

To learn more about tooth jewelry or to make an appointment to have one placed, contact a cosmetic dentist like Family Dentistry Of Brick, PA in your area.