Oral Embellishment Part I: Teeth Grillz and Tooth Gems

Humans have something in common: the desire to change their appearance. This desire even extends to the oral cavity, where individuals seek to adorn themselves with tooth gems, teeth grillz, piercings, and tattoos. The oral cavity, often regarded as a gateway to communication and expression, becomes a canvas for personal adornment, reflecting cultural identity, fashion trends, and personal style choices.

Teeth grillz are teeth caps or covers crafted from materials such as gold, silver, or diamond-coated metal. They serve a decorative purpose, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of one or more teeth while smiling.

History

Rich Etruscan women (800 BC-200 BC) in Italy were pioneers in what we now recognize as wearing grills purely for aesthetic purposes. These elite women opted to remove their front teeth deliberately to have them replaced with a gold band appliance, typically crafted by skilled goldsmiths. In Central America, the Mayans initially used grillz made of jade in their upper front teeth and continued the tradition by wearing gold dental decorations. Ancient Filipinos decorated their teeth with gold pegs or fitted gold bands. Vietnamese grandparents wore gold crowns for dental protection, evolving into a fashion statement among younger generations.

Originating from the West Indian immigrants and popularized by hip-hop artists, grills became a fashion statement, symbolizing wealth and success, and influencing mainstream American culture.

Types of teeth grillz

Teeth grillz come in different types, materials, and styles.

• Solid grillz: Consisting of smooth gold/silver covering one or multiple teeth

• Gem-encrusted: Featuring precious stones or crystals set on shiny silver or gold

• Open face: Metal frames surround the tooth, leaving the center exposed

• "Just the cuts" grillz: Metal grillz with engravings or patterned designs

• Filling gaps: Metal bars placed between tooth gaps

• Fang grillz: Designed to resemble fangs

• Trillion cuts: Engraved tiny cuts on solid metal for a dazzling effect

• Bars: Horizontal bars across teeth, customizable with jewels or designs

Procedure

Teeth grillz is not generally recommended due to potential hazards to oral health and hygiene. If a person chooses to get them, they should be fitted by a dentist with the necessary expertise and experience in this specific area of cosmetic dentistry. They should be customized to accommodate the unique dental structure of each individual.

The initial step involves a consultation with the dentist to assess oral health status, ensuring suitability for wearing tooth grillz. This session also includes discussions on design and material options, prioritizing safety and comfort. This is followed by teeth impressions, fabrication, fitting, and adjusting of the grillz.

Potential risks

There is a risk of enamel wear, tooth hypersensitivity, chipping of adjacent teeth, misalignment of teeth, tooth decay, irritation of surrounding oral soft tissues, gum problems, bad breath, difficulty in speaking and chewing, and even temporomandibular joint disorders. Grillz made from metals like nickel may cause allergic reactions. According to the American Dental Association, no studies are showing that grills are harmful to the mouth, but neither are there studies showing that their long-term wear is safe.

Precautions

Individuals who wear grillz should be careful about brushing and flossing to prevent food debris from becoming trapped between their teeth and the grillz. Choosing a permanent dental grillz means accepting it as a permanent addition to your mouth, requiring extra care to clean around the grillz. In the case of removable grillz, it is advisable to limit the duration of wearing, particularly by removing them before eating. Additionally, grillz should be cleaned thoroughly with a separate soft-bristled toothbrush and washed in water daily to eliminate plaque bacteria, and food debris. It is recommended to avoid using dangerous jewelry cleaners or any other products that may be harmful if ingested.

Tooth gems are single or a few delicate multi-colored gems or diamonds that are fixed individually to the teeth. They can be semi-permanent or permanent. Tooth gemstones can also be bonded to veneers.

History

Archaeological findings reveal that ancient Mayan and Aztec cultures in Mesoamerica utilized materials such as jade and turquoise gems to adorn their teeth. Beyond aesthetic appeal, they hold symbolic importance as social status, wealth, and spiritual practices. In India, during the Mughal era (16th-18th centuries), diamonds, pearls, and gemstones embellished the teeth of emperors and nobles, epitomizing power and luxury.

Across Africa and the Middle East, tooth gems signify both status and beauty. In ancient China, tooth gems symbolized yin and yang harmony, worn by royalty for prestige and spiritual protection. Meanwhile, Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia embraced tooth gems as expressions of beauty and cultural heritage.

During the late 1990s and early 2000s, tooth gems surged in popularity, largely driven by celebrities, especially pop singers and hip-hop artists, who prominently showcased them during performances and public outings. In recent years, tooth gems went viral on social media as celebrities including Drake, Katy Perry, Hailey Bieber, Beyonce, and Kim Kardashian showed their sparkly teeth.

Procedure

Tooth gems should be fitted by a cosmetic dentist using bio-compatible materials and polished to avoid any bacterial traps, as they are comparatively safe, hygienic, and last longer. Semi-permanent tooth gems are applied similarly to braces by roughening the enamel with an acidic solution before bonding the gemstone with adhesive and a curing lamp. They last between six months to one year and can be easily removed by a dentist. However, permanent tooth gems require drilling and cannot be easily removed. When removed, they leave a hole which has to be then filled with a tooth-colored material.

Potential risks

Precautions

Dentists strongly advise against attempting the DIY route with nail art gems and superglue to avoid the ingestion of toxic glue. If the gem is not strategically placed, it can irritate the soft tissues and cause gingivitis and traumatic lesions on the inside of the lips. Also, if the gem isn't placed properly, it could lead to the breakage of an opposing tooth when the person bites.

In conclusion, Teeth grillz and Tooth gems present diverse dental fashion options, but their application comes with inherent risks, particularly when not administered by dental professionals. While these adornments may provide temporary flair, it's essential to prioritize oral health and safety.

References

1. 1. Mark AM. Oral piercing and gems. The Journal of the American Dental Association [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2024 Apr 9]; 153(12):1194. Available from: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0002817722005748.

2. Grills, ‘grillz’ and fronts. The Journal of the American Dental Association [Internet]. 2006 [cited 2024 Apr 9]; 137(8):1192. Available from: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0002817714649655.

3. https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2023/05/tooth-gems-are-they-safe-your-teeth

4. https://www.villainaesthetics.co.uk/blogs/news/tooth-gems-exploring-the-fascinating-history-and-cultural-significance

5. https://shungrill.com/article/how-are-grills-put-on-teeth

Stay tuned for Oral embellishments Part II: Oral piercings and Oral Tattoos!!

By Dr. Nirainila Joseph