In recent years, tooth gems have become a popular trend for adding a touch of sparkle to smiles. Many people have embraced this cosmetic dental accessory as a fashion statement. While tooth gems can certainly enhance the aesthetics of your smile, it’s essential to understand the potential risks they pose to your dental health.
At Hendersonville Family Dental, we want patients to understand the risk of investing in these gems to enhance their smiles. Without the proper education, you may make a choice that has significant negative consequences on the appearance and health of your smile. If you are considering getting tooth gems, keep reading to see how they may do more harm than good.
What are Tooth Gems?
Tooth gems are small decorative jewels attached to the surface of teeth. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors and are typically made from materials like crystal, gold, or diamonds. The application process is quick and non-invasive, involving the use of dental adhesive to bond the gem to your tooth. Tooth gems are a trendy way to add a bit of sparkle to your smile. While many service providers state that tooth gems are non-damaging, they may cause some damage to your teeth during installation or across their lifetime.
How They Can Damage Your Teeth?
1. Enamel Damage
The process of attaching a tooth gem to your tooth involves bonding it to its surface, which might require slight roughening of the enamel. This roughening can weaken the enamel, making it more susceptible to decay. In some states, practitioners are not required to have any dental training to perform this service, making it more likely that they may damage your enamel during this process.
2. Plaque Accumulation
Plaque and bacteria can be incredibly damaging to your teeth. When your tooth gem is installed, it can create small crevices where plaque and bacteria may accumulate. If this plaque and bacteria aren’t cleaned properly, it may lead to cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Even when you have tooth gems installed, regular dental cleanings are essential to keep your teeth safe.
3. Chipping and Cracking
Your dental team has probably stressed the importance of avoiding biting down on hard substances. While your tooth gem is adhered to your tooth, the bonding process may sometimes result in your tooth chipping or cracking. If the gem becomes loose, you may also accidentally bite down on it, which can lead to painful cracking or chipping.
4. Allergic Reactions
It isn’t uncommon for patients who choose to get tooth gems to experience an allergic reaction during this process. Patients may be allergic to the materials used in the adhesive or to the gem itself. While allergic reactions to the materials used in the adhesive or the gem itself are not a direct cause of tooth damage, they can lead to complications that may indirectly affect dental health, including inflammation and irritation, swelling, and infection.
5. Difficulty in Removal
If you are considering getting a tooth gem, it is important that you think about the removal process as well. During the removal process, your practitioner may inadvertently damage your tooth. This damage may include cracks, chips, and fracturing, which can be incredibly uncomfortable and costly to treat.
Safe Ways to Enhance Your Smile
If you want to avoid the damage associated with tooth gems, there are several safe ways that you can enhance your smile with the help of an expert dental team. Some of the best ways to enhance your smile include:
- Professional Teeth Whitening: If you are looking for an easy way to enhance your smile, you may want to speak to your dentist about professional teeth whitening treatments. These treatments are often far more effective than over-the-counter products. If you seek professional whitening, you can trust that your enamel is protected while achieving a whiter smile.
- Orthodontics: If you are experiencing insecurity about the misalignment of your teeth or bite issues, you may be a good candidate for orthodontics. Some orthodontic options, like braces and clear aligners, can help you straighten misaligned teeth and correct bite issues. Not only will this enhance your smile by creating a straighter smile, but it may also improve your overall oral function.
- Veneers: Veneers are a great way to alter the shape and color of your teeth. They are a thin shell of porcelain that covers the front of your teeth. If you have weak teeth, have experienced severe chipping, or are dealing with difficult-to-treat staining, veneers may be a great way to improve your smile. However, they are one of the most expensive options for enhancing the appearance of your smile.
Enhance Your Smile with Hendersonville Family Dental
If you are looking for a reliable dental office in the Hendersonville, North Carolina, area to help you enhance your smile, turn to our team at Hendersonville Family Dental. Our team has provided the most reliable cosmetic dentistry services to patients across the area since 2017, and we’re confident that we’re the perfect choice for you.
Whether you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry, or something else, our team provides a variety of services to meet every patient’s unique needs. If you would like to learn more about our cosmetic dentistry services to improve the appearance of your smile, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
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