Tooth Gems

A small decorative stone bonded to the front of a tooth, removable later without drilling. A fun and temporary way to express your personality.

A tooth gem applied to a front tooth at Ogilvie Dental in Gloucester, Ottawa

Add Sparkle to Your Smile

At Ogilvie Dental, Dr. Kohila Kandasamy & Associates apply tooth gems as a cosmetic addition to a front tooth. Tooth gems are a non-invasive cosmetic enhancement that lets you express your own style.

Gems are bonded to the enamel with the same kind of adhesive used to bond braces brackets, so no hole is drilled and the tooth is not altered. They can be taken off later and the surface polished. The main thing to know is that plaque collects around the edge of a gem, so it needs careful brushing.

What Are Tooth Gems?

Tooth gems are small, decorative crystalline stones or precious materials that are adhered to the surface of teeth using dental-grade adhesive. They are:

  • No drilling — the enamel is not cut
  • Temporary and reversible
  • Available in various colors and designs
  • Applied in a single short visit, with no anaesthetic needed
  • Durable with proper care

Tooth Gem Options

Gem Type Description Duration
Crystal Gems Sparkly crystalline stones 6-12 months
Diamond Gems Clear crystal stones 6-12 months
Colored Gems Various colored stones for personalized style 4-8 months
Custom Designs Multi-gem patterns or special designs 4-8 months

Application, Care and Removal

What a tooth gem appointment involves, and what looking after a gem asks of you.

1

The Appointment

Gems are applied in a single short visit, with no anaesthetic needed.

2

Bonding the Gem

The gem is bonded to the enamel with the same kind of adhesive used to bond braces brackets, so no hole is drilled and the tooth is not altered.

3

Looking After It

Plaque collects around the edge of a gem, so brush gently around it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and keep flossing.

4

Check-Ups

Attend regular dental checkups so the condition of the gem and the tooth underneath can be monitored.

5

Removal

Gems can be taken off later and the surface polished, without drilling.

Tooth Gem Care

To keep your tooth gems looking beautiful and lasting as long as possible, follow these care tips:

  • Brush gently around the gem with a soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Avoid extremely hard or sticky foods that could dislodge the gem
  • Don't use teeth as tools to bite or open things
  • Maintain regular dental hygiene with flossing
  • Attend regular dental checkups to monitor gem condition

Benefits and Considerations

A tooth gem is a cosmetic addition rather than a dental treatment. Here is what that means in practice.

Benefits of Tooth Gems

Eye-Catching Style

A decorative addition to a front tooth, in a range of colours and designs

Quick Application

Applied in a single short visit, with no anaesthetic needed

Non-Invasive

No drilling or damage to tooth structure

Easy Removal

Temporary and reversible with professional removal

Considerations

  • Plaque collects around the edge of a gem, so the area needs careful brushing.
  • Gems are temporary; the options listed above are given as lasting between four and twelve months depending on type.
  • Avoid extremely hard or sticky foods that could dislodge the gem.
  • Don't use teeth as tools to bite or open things.
  • A gem is a cosmetic addition, not a treatment for anything, and the tooth underneath still needs regular check-ups.

A tooth gem is cosmetic and reversible. If you have decay or gum problems, those are dealt with first — ask us at your next check-up whether a gem is suitable for your tooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about tooth gems. For anything else, call 613-321-0265.

What is a tooth gem?

A tooth gem is a small decorative crystalline stone or precious material bonded to the surface of a tooth using dental-grade adhesive.

Does applying a tooth gem damage the tooth?

No hole is drilled and the enamel is not cut. The gem is bonded with the same kind of adhesive used to bond braces brackets, and the tooth itself is not altered.

How long does a tooth gem last?

It depends on the type. Crystal and diamond gems are listed as lasting 6 to 12 months, and coloured gems and custom designs 4 to 8 months.

How long does the appointment take?

Gems are applied in a single short visit, and no anaesthetic is needed.

Can a tooth gem be removed?

Yes. Gems are temporary and reversible. They can be taken off later and the surface polished, without drilling.

How do I clean around a tooth gem?

Plaque collects around the edge of a gem, so brush gently around it with a soft-bristled toothbrush, keep flossing, avoid extremely hard or sticky foods that could dislodge it, and attend regular dental checkups.

Ready to Add Sparkle to Your Smile?

Schedule your tooth gem application appointment today and express your unique style with a sparkling smile.

Professional Application  |  Same-Day Service Available