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TOOTH JEWELLERY – BLINGING UP THE PEARLY WHITES
By Dr. Neromini Fagu
The world of beauty and aesthetics is ever changing, and this applies to fashion as well as dentistry.
Gem studded teeth of an Ancient Mayan.
Aesthetics has become very important in dentistry and has led to the development of newer materials and techniques. Everyone wants whiter, brighter teeth and, even then, some choose to add more bling with their own visual style. There has been a rise in the trend of dental jewellery, with pop stars leading the way.
But blinging up the pearly whites has been around a long time. Research indicates that nearly 2,500 years ago native Americans displayed their wealth and status by drilling pieces of precious gems into the surface of their teeth. This practice was not limited only to the wealthier classes. The dentists in those days seemed to have had a good understanding of dental anatomy and they were able to place gemstones into the teeth without interfering with the dental pulp.
Some of these dental artists used a tool made of a very hard stone, obsidian, to puncture tooth and bone, much like today’s dental drill. Ancient texts suggest that herbal anesthetics were commonly used before dental work was performed. Special adhesives made from natural resins and crushed bones were used to affix the jewels into teeth.
Over the years, there have been many other ways to include teeth in fashion. The practice of drilling into the tooth to set in precious stones made way for gluing the stones directly on to the tooth without damaging the tooth. Other types of adornments included the fabrication of “grills” to cover sets of teeth. This dental fashion was made popular by hip hop artists like Nelly and Lil Wayne, with the latter reportedly spending an astounding US$120,000 on his.
Crystals bonded to teeth
Another practice in the past has been gold caps. There are many older Guyanese, and some younger ones, today sporting this fashion trend. Of course with the price of gold being what it is now, this type of embellishment might not be so affordable. Additionally, the damage to tooth structure in grinding it down to make room for the gold cap is not advisable.
The popularity of using tooth gems is growing, especially as today’s technique involves bonding the stone directly to the tooth without the need to remove tooth structure. This dental trend belongs to all age groups but is most commonly worn by 18-35 year old hip-hop artists and disc jockeys in order to amplify their performance and to get an extra spark to their smile while interacting with the audience. While teeth aesthetics can enhance a person’s self-esteem and self-confidence, it is not suited for everyone.
Tooth jewellery should be indicated only in patients with good oral hygiene maintenance as the attachment area of the tooth gem is highly prone for plaque accumulation. If you are considering this form of body art you should be aware of the potential risks involved. Some of the risks include tooth sensitivity, aspiration of the gem, allergy, and chronic injury to the adjacent teeth/ mucosa, including tooth fracture and gum recession. Complications may sometimes lead to the eventual loss of the tooth.
For more information contact OMNI DENTAL at 295 Quamina Street, Georgetown Tel: 227-0025, Parika Tel: 260-3133 or send emails to [email protected].
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