Tooth grillz: what they are, the different types and the damage they cause
You've probably seen many artists sporting smiles with extravagantly designed dental jewellery in recent years. These dental jewels are known as teeth grillz and are becoming more and more common among those who want to show off an eye-catching smile.
Many people who wear these caps are unaware of the risks they pose to the health of their smile and how important it is to consult an expert in order to avoid complications after they have been fitted.
In this article we explain what tooth grillz are, the different types that exist, how to put them on and what damage these caps could cause to teeth.
What are teeth grillz?
What we commonly call grillz are metal caps or crowns that are placed on the teeth which can be made of different materials, such as gold, silver or coated with diamonds.
Grillz are a type of dental jewellery that is placed on one or more teeth to decorate the smile for purely aesthetic purposes.
Types of teeth grillz
There are different types of teeth grillz depending on the number of teeth they cover, their permanence and the material they are made of. Teeth grillz can cover an individual tooth or several, according to the individual's preference.
Depending on their permanence, teeth grillz can also be distinguished between removable and permanent. Fixed teeth grillz require the teeth that will be covered to be previously prepared, while the removable ones do not.
Finally, tooth grillz can be classified according to the material they are made of:
- Gold tooth grillz: one of the most expensive and ostentatious options.
- Silver grillz: also a popular choice among wearers and slightly cheaper than gold grillz.
- Diamond grillz: these are the most exclusive of all the materials and can have up to 100 diamonds bonded to a gold or silver base.
How are grillz put on?
If you're wondering how to put on grillz, we explain all below.
Putting grillz on teeth is not a complex process, but you should go to the dentist and do it under professional supervision to make sure that there are no pre-existing health conditions and to try to reduce the negative consequences that these caps can have.
Here we explain step by step how grillz are put on:
- Before the grillz are placed, it is important to remove tartar, treat cavities and identify any periodontal diseases or gingivitis to avoid more serious problems after placement.
- After checking that the teeth are in optimal health, the dentist will take an oral impression (of the patient's mouth and tooth structure) to ensure that the grillz fit the teeth perfectly.
- Once the oral impression has been taken and optimal oral health has been verified, the design of the grillz and the desired material can be selected.
- The grillz are then produced – a process which usually takes no more than two to three weeks.
Once the grillz have been received, depending on whether they are fixed or removable, the next step will vary. If they are removable, it will be necessary to see a dentist for instructions on how to put on and take off the grillz, as well as how to take care of them. Whereas, fixed grillz will be applied by a professional once they have prepared your teeth.
Dental damage: are grillz bad for your teeth?
Despite being very fashionable, grillz are bad for your teeth, causing certain damage and posing risks to your oral health that you should be aware of before opting for them.
As they are an additional accessory placed on the teeth that impede the mouth from functioning correctly, grillz can damage the teeth, as well as affect bite and gums. The following are among the most common complications that patients experience when they have tooth grillz placed:
- Bacterial plaque and tartar retention, due to difficulty in maintaining proper oral hygiene.
- Tooth decay and gum disease, as a consequence of a lack of optimal oral hygiene.
- Sores, due to the grillz rubbing against oral tissue in the mouth.
- Dental fractures, due to the pressure that this type of cap can exert on the teeth.
- Bite problems, as grillz can alter and prevent proper occlusion.
- Tooth malposition problems, because grillz do not prevent teeth from moving and, instead, put increased pressure on the teeth which can accelerate their movement.
What to take into consideration when wearing grillz
The main precaution to be taken is that tooth grillz should be fitted under professional supervision, so that the grillz are customised for the patient and produced with the correct materials. A professional must also check that your oral health is in optimal condition to wear them.
It is important to note that it is not advisable to buy teeth grillz on the internet or to purchase them ready-made without being tailored to you, as they can cause irreparable damage to your mouth if they are not custom-made.
How to take care of grillz
If you are still interested in wearing teeth grillz, here are some tips on how to take care of them and prevent some of the risks mentioned above:
- Maintain optimal oral hygiene: wearing grillz makes proper hygiene difficult, so it is important to pay special attention to your dental routine, by brushing teeth more frequently and flossing once a day.
- Wash the grillz frequently: they should be brushed properly to remove the bacterial plaque that adheres to them. If they are removable, they should be cleaned once every 24 hours.
- Visit your dentist before you put them on: as previously mentioned, it is important to consult an expert before wearing grillz. It is also essential to visit your dentist regularly during the period you choose to wear them, to identify any changes in time.
- Do not use them over long periods: if you want to use grillz, the recommendation is to use them for a short time in order to minimise their impact.
Prices: how much are grillz?
How much tooth grillz are can vary, depending on the quality of the material, whether they are for one tooth or several, and if they are permanent or removable.
Teeth grillz can be easily purchased on the internet without any customisation or professional supervision. These caps can be very cheap, from as little as £20, but despite the tempting price, we stress that their use is not at all recommended for your oral health.
On the other hand, the price of grillz that are fitted under professional supervision and are made of quality materials can differ significantly depending on the material and design chosen. Silver grillz, which are the cheapest, can be priced from £500, while diamond grillz are the most expensive and can cost up to £20,000.
Impress clear orthodontics: the solution to problems caused by grillz
As mentioned throughout the article, wearing teeth grillz can cause certain complications to your oral health, like bite problems or accelerating the movement of teeth, leading to dental malpositions.
If you are experiencing any of these problems after wearing tooth grillz, Impress clear orthodontics can fix them and help you achieve a healthy, aligned smile.
Treatments with Impress clear aligners are suitable for resolving bite problems and dental malposition in a discreet and efficient way.
If you would like us to assess your case and propose the best solution for you, our team of professionals is at hand to help you achieve good oral health and perfect occlusion.
Find your nearest Impress clinic and book an appointment online, by phone on +44 20 3808 1072, or via WhatsApp.
