What are tooth gems?
Tooth gems, also called tooth crystals or tooth jewellery, are small decorative flatback crystals bonded to the surface of the tooth using a dental-grade adhesive. It is a non-invasive, semi-permanent way to add sparkle to your smile. There is no drilling, no injections and no lasting alteration to the tooth. When applied correctly by a trained professional, tooth gems are enamel-safe, and a dental professional can remove them again without damaging the tooth.
Crystal Clear and Crystal AB are the most requested finishes, with hearts, navettes and other shaped crystals growing in popularity alongside the classic round flatback.
Why choose genuine Swarovski for tooth gems
Swarovski has been the go-to name in tooth gems for years, and for good reason:
- Unbeatable sparkle - the precision-cut facets throw out brilliant light refractions that plastic and acrylic imitations simply cannot match.
- Lead free and safe - genuine Swarovski crystals are lead free, so they are suitable for use in the mouth when applied with a proper dental adhesive by a trained technician.
- Consistent sizing - every crystal is cut to a reliable, uniform size, so it sits flush and bonds neatly.
- Lasting brilliance - genuine glass crystal holds its shine against saliva and daily wear far better than cheaper alternatives.
What size tooth gems are best
Tooth gems use the SS (stone size) system. Smaller sizes tend to work best on teeth as they sit flush and comfortable without getting in the way of your bite.
Size: SS3 Millimetre: 1.5mm Best for: Subtle, delicate sparkle
Size: SS5 Millimetre: 1.8mm Best for: The most popular all-rounder
Size: SS7 Millimetre: 2.4mm Best for: A slightly bolder statement gem
Size: SS9 Millimetre: 2.8mm Best for: Maximum sparkle on larger front teeth
SS5 is the most requested size overall, giving a lovely balance of sparkle and comfort. Sizes above SS9 are generally not recommended for teeth because of weight and how well they stay put.
Best selling colours and finishes
- Clear - the number one choice. Clean, classic and suits every smile, so it is the safest pick if you are new to tooth gems.
- AB (Aurora Borealis) - a rainbow, iridescent shimmer that shifts colour in the light, perfect if you want maximum impact.
- Coloured crystals - Pink is a classic favourite, and other colours let you personalise your look. Bear in mind coloured gems can affect how the tooth shade looks in certain lighting.
- Shaped crystals - hearts, navettes and other shapes add a playful or statement element, popular for multi-gem designs.
Loose crystals or a tooth gem kit
Both options use exactly the same genuine crystals, so it really comes down to how you like to shop.
- Loose packs of 20 or 100 - the practical choice if you are a technician working through a lot of gems, or you know exactly which size and colour you want. You can build your own mix and top up individual shades as you go.
- A ready made tooth gem kit - a curated set of crystals supplied in a handy little storage pot, put together as a shape or theme. Our Swarovski kits include designs such as hearts and wing shapes, with more themes available in the Preciosa range. A lovely way to try a design without buying a full pack of every element.
One thing worth knowing before you add one to your basket: our tooth gem kits contain the crystals and the storage pot only. They do not include dental adhesive or application tools, as those should be sourced and handled by a trained technician. If you are torn between loose crystals and a kit, just drop us a message and we will help you work out which suits your project.
How tooth gems are applied
Tooth gems should always be applied by a trained tooth gem technician, dental aesthetics specialist or qualified dental professional, using materials designed for use in the mouth. The process is quick, non-invasive and reversible:
- The tooth surface is cleaned and prepared.
- A small amount of dental-grade adhesive is applied.
- The crystal is positioned precisely using tooth gem tools.
- The adhesive is cured, usually with a dental LED light.
Never use nail glue or standard jewellery adhesive for tooth gems, as these are not safe for use in the mouth. Only ever use a dental-grade bonding product. Properly applied, tooth gems typically last anywhere from around 6 months to a couple of years, depending on placement, your bite and your aftercare.