What Are Tooth Gems?
Tooth gems are tiny decorative crystals or jewels adhered to a tooth surface as a form of body art. The procedure is completely non-invasive—no drilling or permanent alteration of the tooth is needed. Typically, a dental-grade adhesive (composite resin or glass ionomer) is applied to the enamel, a Swarovski crystal or similar gem is placed on the wet resin, and then the adhesive is cured with a blue LED light. This is very similar to how orthodontic brackets or composite fillings are bonded. Because of this, the process is painless, requires no anesthesia, and is easily reversible.
Tooth gems have become popular in cosmetic dentistry and beauty salons. LaserGlow offers premium tooth gem supplies, including authentic Swarovski crystals (lead-free and stain-resistant) in various colors and sizes. Each pack typically contains 20 gems (e.g. 1.8mm or 2.2mm in diameter) to customize smiles with single or multiple crystals. These gems are designed to be durable (with reinforced backplates) and bright, refracting light for maximum sparkle on the tooth.
The Tooth Gem Kit and Supplies
A professional tooth gem kit includes all the materials needed for safe application. Key components are:
- Etching Gel: A mild phosphoric acid gel to lightly etch the enamel surface. Etching creates micro-roughness so the resin can bond strongly. Always rinse off and dry the enamel after etching.
- Bonding Agent: A liquid resin that penetrates the etched enamel and is light-cured to provide a sticky base. This forms a solid foundation for the gem. Using a high-quality dental bonding agent is critical for long-lasting adhesion.
- Dental Adhesive/Composite: A light-curing clear adhesive (often orthodontic composite resin) used to glue the gem onto the tooth. Brands used in kits are typically dental-grade and tested for oral use.
- Tooth Gems: The actual decorative crystals (e.g. Swarovski gems). Genuine Swarovski crystals are lead-free and designed for dental aesthetics. They come on a foil backing that helps reflect light.
- LED Curing Light: A high-intensity dental LED light is used to quickly polymerize (harden) the bonding agent and adhesive under the gem. This ensures the gem is securely fixed in seconds. LaserGlow’s pro kit even includes a curing lamp designed for both whitening barriers and tooth gems.
- Wax Applicator Tool: A handy wax-tipped brush (often included) helps pick up and place the tiny gems precisely. The wax tip holds the crystal until it is correctly positioned.
LaserGlow’s Professional Tooth Gem Kit bundles these items: etch gel, bond, adhesive, a wax brush (disposable) and an LED light (if not already in the office). It is meant for dentists or trained estheticians who offer tooth gem services. Always choose a kit that clearly states it contains dental-grade products.
Step-by-Step Tooth Gem Application
Performing a tooth gem application is straightforward if each step is followed carefully. We recommend using the wax tip applicator method (as shown in LaserGlow instructions for precise placement:
- Patient Preparation: Ensure the patient has brushed and flossed. Select the target tooth (usually an upper incisor or canine for visibility). Isolate the tooth with cotton rolls to keep it dry.
- Etch the Enamel: Apply a thin layer of etching gel to the chosen enamel surface and leave for 15–30 seconds. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry completely. Proper etching (15–20 seconds with 35% phosphoric acid) ensures strong bonding
- Apply Bonding Agent: Place a small drop of dental bonding resin on the etched area. Use a microbrush to spread it evenly. Light-cure with an LED light (30–60 seconds) to form a tacky surface. This creates the “glue” layer.
- Load the Gem: Using the wax applicator tool, gently press the sticky wax tip onto the back (flat side) of the gem. The gem should adhere to the wax.
- Place the Gem: Position the gem precisely on the bonded tooth surface. The wax tip holds it steady. Adjust until it’s centered as desired.
- Cure the Adhesive: Shine the LED curing light on the gem from different angles for about 20–40 seconds to harden the adhesive. Verify the light is curing the bonding agent completely (no uncured resin remains).
- Remove Residual Wax: The wax applicator can often be twisted slightly to release the gem after curing. Any wax residue can be wiped off with alcohol on a cotton swab – it will not harm the final bond.
- Final Check: Once cured, the gem should be firmly attached. Instruct the patient to check their smile in a mirror and ensure comfort. There should be no rough edges. If anything feels off, the gem can be carefully removed and reapplied.
These steps take only a few minutes. The end result is a dazzling tooth gem that adds sparkle to the smile. As Wellspring Dental notes, “the procedure to attach a tooth gem is simple and non-invasive. Using the LED light allows the gem to bond in seconds, making it a quick add-on service in any esthetic dental or beauty setting.
Safety and Best Practices
While tooth gem application is cosmetic, it must be done correctly to protect oral health. Follow these best practices:
- Use Medical-Grade Adhesives: Only use dental or jewelry adhesives designed for oral use. Hale Family Dentistry warns against “super glue” or non-dental glues; always use resin or glass ionomer cement. Bad glues can irritate the gums or damage enamel.
- Limit Contact with Soft Tissue: Do not extend adhesive beyond the tooth. A small dab is enough. If the gem is near the gumline, it should be moved slightly apical to avoid gum irritation or inflammation.
- Maintain Hygiene: Advise patients that extra diligence in brushing is needed. The area around the gem can trap plaque. Hale Family Dentistry highlights that “plaque loves uneven surfaces”, so patients should floss around the gem daily. Good hygiene minimizes cavities and gum issues around the decoration.
- Monitor Enamel Integrity: Do not etch or bond over worn or decayed enamel. Ensure the tooth is healthy beforehand. Improper application or removal of a gem (especially by untrained persons) can chip enamel. As a safeguard, never force-remove a gem; if removal is needed, use proper dental methods to dissolve or grind off the adhesive.
- Use Single-Use Applicators: For safety and infection control, dispose of the wax brush after each client. This prevents cross-contamination and ensures the wax retains tackiness.
- Informed Consent: Explain to clients the temporary nature of tooth gems. They typically last 6–12 months before needing removal or replacement. Clients should know that while removal (done by a dentist or dental tech) is straightforward, waiting too long can make it harder to clean the spot, as gums and enamel adjust.
By adhering to these precautions, estheticians and dentists can safely offer tooth gems. When done right, there’s minimal risk. Both Wellspring Dental and Hale Family caution that “improperly placed gems” or poor glue are the real dangers, not the gems themselves. Using a reputable tooth gem kit (like LaserGlow’s) with known safe ingredients is the first step toward a trouble-free experience.
Aftercare and Removal
After application, advise patients on care:
- Avoid Sticky/Chewy Foods: Immediately after, avoid very sticky candies or foods that might pull on the gem for at least 24 hours.
- Gentle Oral Care: Patients should brush and floss around the gem carefully twice a day. A soft-bristled brush works best so as not to catch on the gem.
- Long-Term Checks: At each dental check-up, examine the bonded tooth to make sure the gem hasn’t trapped plaque under the margins. Sometimes the adhesive edges can wear; these should be smoothed if rough.
- Removal: If a client wants the gem removed, a professional can polish off the gem and adhesive with a dental handpiece. This process should be painless and leave the enamel intact. Wellspring notes that removal “if applied improperly, can potentially damage enamel,” so it’s best done by a clinician. A well-done application should allow relatively easy, safe removal without drilling.
In short, with proper application and aftercare, tooth gems are a fun, safe aesthetic service. They allow personalization of a smile with glamour. Estheticians adding tooth gems to their skill set are capitalizing on a growing trend. By using a comprehensive tooth gem kit and following our step-by-step guide, professionals can ensure sparkling results and satisfied clients.