Tooth Gems

WHAT ARE TOOTH GEMS?

Our semi permanent Tooth Gems are lead free, Dental-Grade, 100% Swarovski Crystals that are designed to enhance your smile without risk of damage or allergies. They are bonded to the tooth by a CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN using a dental adhesive.  We offer a wide variety of sizes and colors.


DOES THE APPLICATION HURT?

No, not at all!  The procedure is painless. You may feel the presence of the gem during the first few days of attachment, however you will quickly get used to it being there.  They are small, flat, and designed to barely be felt.


HOW IS THE TOOTH GEM ATTACHED?

The procedure for bonding tooth gems is safe, easy, and pain free.  No drilling is required.  For a durable bond, we use a dental grade etch to prep the tooth, then the gem is glued in place with dental composite glue and followed by being light cured to harden the composite, to ensure a long lasting bond. The process is very similar to the technique for attaching an orthodontic bracket.


HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE?

The process takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and you will only need one appointment.  You can have multiple gems placed in one sitting if you so choose.


HOW LONG DO THE TOOTH GEMS LAST?

Client results vary, depending on diet, body chemistry and dental care.  On average most gems fall off naturally after approximately 6 weeks to a year, but some have been known to fall off sooner or last for years!  If your gem should fall off prematurely, we can replace it at no charge within the first 7 days.  After 7 days, we cannot guarantee the gem as there are many factors that affect an individual’s amount of wear.  The longevity of tooth gems depends entirely on the individual.  The natural acidity of your saliva, your diet, and your dental health habits all factor into how long the gem will remain adhered.  It also depends on your at home care, the size of the gem, and placement on the tooth.


WILL THE TOOTH GEM HARM MY TEETH?

No, the procedure is non-invasive and when properly placed on a natural tooth, the gem will not damage or harm your tooth in any way.  The gem is bonded in the same way an orthodontic bracket is applied. Simply be sure to adhere to a regimented dental hygiene routine and just as in having braces, tooth gems do not leave a mark once they are removed.


WILL THE GEM IMPEDE MY DENTAL HYGIENE?

No, in fact, the presence of a tooth gem may encourage you to care for your teeth more than you had in the past, since it will bring more attention to your smile!  You will be able to chew, brush, and floss as you normally would, as well as continue to receive professional dental cleanings and exams. PROPER DENTAL CARE WILL ENSURE YOU HAVE NO ISSUES!


CAN I HAVE TEETH WHITENING DONE?

You can still have your teeth whitened, just be sure you are careful using the mouthpiece or tools needed to properly complete the whitening treatment.  If it’s an at home teeth whitening kit, there should be no issues having this done, but make sure to clean your teeth properly before and after the procedure.


CAN I STILL RECEIVE TOOTH GEMS WITH FALSE TEETH, VENEERS, INVISALIGN, OR WHILE WEARING A RETAINER?

Unfortunately for dentures, veneers, crowns, and caps, the bonding agent will only attach to natural tooth tissue.  Please do not choose the placement of a gem for a tooth that is false or has a cap or crown on it, etc. If you are using a wire type retainer, we encourage you to bring it to your appointment so that we can ensure the gem is placed where it won’t interfere with the retainer.  If you are getting Invisalign, it would need to be placed directly over the tooth, and would not fit properly over the gem.  Your straight teeth are more important!  Once you’re through with your Invisalign process come in for a tooth gem and let your NEWLY ENHANCED SMILE SPARKLE!


HOW DO I REMOVE A TOOTH GEM?

We recommend you see your dental professional to have it removed, in the same manner as dental brackets are removed. The gem will be polished off with no visible mark on the tooth and will only take a couple of seconds to remove.  But if you need to remove it at home, you can usually just pick it off or use dental floss to work it off.  Simply pry up one side of the gem to remove it.  Floss can work with a little pressure moving it back and forth from the top down to “cut” the glue.   Normal brushing will get rid of any excess glue or the backing of the gem.  WE DO NOT OFFER TOOTH GEM REMOVAL.


WHAT IF I SWALLOW MY TOOTH GEM?

Have no fear, the gems are tiny glass crystals.  They have no sharp edges and will come out the “natural way” the same as it went inside your body

HOW MUCH DO TOOTH GEMS COST?

We only use 100% Swarovski Crystals.  The first gem and procedure start at $60 plus tax, (depending on size/shape).  Any additional similar gems are ½ price when adhered in the same sitting, on the same client.  Custom pricing is available for additional gems and designs during the same appointment, on the same client (please advise in advance if you are planning to get multiple gems so we plan accordingly when booking your time slot).


HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?

All sessions are by appointment ONLY!  Please contact the shop at (973) 227-2227, message Dayna on Instagram: @bellaartetattoo, or email Dayna at tattoodayna@gmail.com to book your appointment.  A $20 plus tax non-refundable deposit will be due at the time of booking and will be deducted from the total cost of the procedure.  Should you need to postpone/change your appointment, we require 72 hours notice.  If you fail to provide 72 hours, your deposit will be forfeited and you would have to leave another deposit to get back on the calendar.


WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW BEFORE MY APPOINTMENT?

Be sure to brush and clean your teeth before showing up for your appointment

You must be 18 years old or older and arrive with a valid government issued photo ID in hand

No photocopies or images on cell phones will be accepted

If you are under the age of 18, you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian with their valid government issued ID in hand and the minor’s photo ID (school ID, driver’s permit or license, passport, etc.)

SOME DO’s AND DON’Ts:

DO continue to adhere to your normal professional dental exams and cleanings

DO brush and floss your teeth as you normally would once your gem has been on for a minimum of 12 hours

DO brush thoroughly around the gem itself to avoid any plaque buildup, after a minimum of 12 hours

DON’T brush directly over the gem for the first 12-24 hours

DON’T use an electronic or ultrasonic toothbrush or water pick for the first 48 hours after the gem is applied

DON’T pick at or play with your new gem(s)

DON’T eat or drink anything but water for the first 1-2 hours

DON’T use the gemmed tooth to bite down on excessively hard or sticky food as this can cause your gem to immediately become loose and fall off:

Chewy foods — bagels, licorice, etc.

Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice, etc.

Sticky foods — caramel candies, chewing gum, etc.

Hard foods — nuts, hard candies, etc.

Foods that require biting into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots, etc.