Imagine walking into a tattoo parlor and saying, “Put something pretty over my heart,” only to be told: “Sure—but just know this tattoo might change your heartbeat one day.” Would you still go through with it?
That’s the unspoken reality behind one of the hottest trends in aesthetic dentistry in 2024–2025: dental jewelry. From gold grillz and tiny diamonds bonded to teeth to gum piercings, sparkling smiles are everywhere—but few stop to ask the real question: at what cost?
Dental adornments are not a new invention. Among the Maya and Aztecs, elites decorated their teeth with gemstones as a status symbol. In parts of Africa, ornate teeth featured in initiation rites. But there’s a crucial difference: people in the past rarely lived long enough to suffer the long-term consequences. Today, with life expectancy often exceeding 80 years, the question isn’t just “Does it look good?”—but “Will I still want this when I’m 80?”
The rise of dental jewelry reflects a culture of instant gratification: wanting to look good now, without thinking about tomorrow. The application process seems simple—light enamel etching, adhesive, and placement. But under the microscope, the mouth pays a heavy price.
What’s the damage?
Enamel erosion: Enamel—the body’s hardest substance—is non-regenerative. Etching it to bond jewelry creates an entry point for bacteria. A 2023 study in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry found that 67% of people with bonded dental gems developed cavities under or around the jewel within three years, due to bacterial “pockets” formed by the adhesive.
Chronic pressure: Any jewelry on a tooth adds unnatural pressure. Like wearing shoes a size too small, occasional discomfort becomes chronic pain over time. With each bite, word, or chew, the stress builds.
Bacterial trap: Dental jewelry acts like a plush rug—it looks nice but gathers dirt. Even when professionally bonded, a microscopic gap often forms between the tooth and the ornament, becoming a haven for bacteria that regular brushing can't reach. A 2023 Frontiers in Oral Health study found that people with dental jewelry had 3.5 times more Streptococcus mutans—the primary cavity-causing bacteria—around the jewelry site.
Grillz: The status symbol with a medical bill
Grillz—metallic covers, often gold or silver—have become mainstream through celebrities like Post Malone, Madonna and Lizzo. But a 2022 Bulgarian study published in the Journal of IMAB found troubling health outcomes: 82% had gum disease, 45% developed extreme tooth sensitivity, 23% experienced irreversible enamel wear, 12% needed root canals.
The problem? Grillz create a “greenhouse effect” inside the mouth: moisture, warmth and no ventilation—ideal for bacterial growth.
A 2023 long-term study tracking hundreds of patients found that more than 90% developed at least one complication from dental jewelry. About 35% needed restorative treatment—crowns or complex repairs—after removal. Tooth loss rates were seven to nine times higher than control groups, reaching 14–17% over 10 years. In simple terms: dental jewelry is a gamble, and the odds are stacked against you.
The financial toll
Initial costs range from ₪500 to ₪5,000, depending on the material and design—but that’s just the start. According to Israeli dental clinics, average five-year costs include:
Dr. Khaled JafaliInstallation: ₪1,500
Annual maintenance exams: ₪800
Quarterly professional cleanings: ₪1,200
Cavity treatment caused by the jewelry (67% chance): ₪1,500–₪3,000
Replacement for lost/damaged jewelry: ₪800–₪1,500
Total estimated five-year cost: ₪15,000–₪25,000.
By comparison, professional teeth whitening costs ₪2,000–₪3,000 and delivers a strong aesthetic result—without the health risks.
If you still want one: do it safely
If you're still considering dental jewelry, follow these precautions: Use only a licensed dentist—not a technician or "jewelry expert," ensure enamel etching does not exceed 0.5mm, schedule a professional cleaning every three months, get annual X-rays of the jewelry site, remove the jewelry immediately if you experience pain, sensitivity or discoloration and limit grillz use to under four hours per day—never sleep with them on
- The author is Dr. Khaled Jafali, a specialist in aesthetic dentistry.