Tooth Gems

Tooth gems are small dental crystals, stones or pieces of dental jewelry that are bonded to the surface of a tooth using a specialised dental bonding system. They are available as crystals in different colours, sizes and shapes, as well as 18K or 22K gold dental jewelry. Opal can also be used as dental jewelry.

With professional application, the tooth is not drilled or ground. The tooth gem is bonded directly to the tooth surface using materials suitable for professional dental use.

How long tooth gems last varies from person to person. Professionally applied tooth gems can remain in place for several months and sometimes even several years. Retention depends on factors such as the quality of the application, the bonding system used, placement on the tooth, bite, oral hygiene, eating habits and aftercare. An exact lifespan can therefore never be guaranteed.

Many tooth gem professionals offer a short placement guarantee, for example around 2 weeks. This does not mean that a tooth gem is only expected to last two weeks; it provides reassurance if a correctly applied gem comes loose shortly after treatment.

When professionally and correctly applied, tooth gems do not have to cause permanent enamel damage. No drilling or grinding of the tooth is required. The enamel is, however, locally prepared to create a reliable bond between the tooth and the bonding material.

Why is correct application so important?

Retention does not depend on the adhesive alone. A successful tooth gem application depends on the entire bonding protocol: cleaning and preparing the tooth, correct etching, application of primer and bonding material, positioning of the jewelry, adequate curing and careful finishing.

Etching is an important part of this process. Dental etchant creates microscopic roughness and porosity in the enamel surface, allowing the bonding material to achieve better micromechanical retention.

Etchant must be used correctly and according to the instructions of the bonding system. More or longer etching does not automatically result in stronger bonding. Correct placement, amount, application time, rinsing and drying all contribute to a predictable result.

Finishing the bonding layer matters too

After placement, the bonding material around the tooth gem should be carefully finished. Sufficient material is required for secure attachment, but unnecessary thick edges, sharp transitions and excess bonding should be avoided.

A smooth finish also makes the area easier to keep clean. Irregular surfaces around oral jewelry may encourage plaque retention, making good oral hygiene particularly important.

Not every position is equally suitable

The most predictable bonding is generally achieved on healthy natural enamel. Tooth shape, bite and the position of the jewelry must also be considered.

Tooth gems are exposed to mechanical forces during eating and chewing. Biting into hard fruit, carrots, crusty bread or similar foods can place considerable load on the jewelry. If a gem frequently contacts food or opposing teeth, it may be more likely to loosen.

The size and shape of the tooth gem also matter. Larger or more prominent jewelry may be more easily contacted during biting or chewing, depending on its position.

In practice, tooth gems placed on the lower teeth often have a shorter retention time than those on the upper teeth, partly because space is more limited and contact with opposing teeth, the tongue, food and chewing forces can be greater.

A professional tooth gem artist should therefore assess the tooth, position, bite and size of the chosen jewelry before treatment. Crowns, veneers, composite restorations and damaged enamel require special consideration. If there is any doubt about the health of a tooth or surrounding gums, a dental assessment should be recommended first.

Yes, you can remove tooth gems, but removal must also be carried out carefully. It is not simply a matter of taking the crystal or dental jewelry off the tooth. After removal, bonding material may remain on the tooth surface. This needs to be removed correctly, and the surface should then be carefully finished and polished without unnecessarily removing enamel.

We therefore recommend having a tooth gem removed preferably by a dentist or dental hygienist. They have the appropriate instruments and knowledge to remove both the dental jewelry and any remaining bonding material in a controlled manner and to finish the tooth surface properly afterwards.

Do not try to pull, pry, scrape or remove a tooth gem with a sharp object. Even if the gem comes away relatively easily, bonding material may still remain on the enamel. Incorrect removal can damage the tooth surface.

Can you apply tooth gems yourself at home?

We do not recommend applying tooth gems at home without relevant professional training. Professional placement consists of several steps and requires more knowledge than simply gluing a crystal onto a tooth.

The tooth must first be assessed, cleaned and correctly prepared. Etch, primer and bonding then need to be used according to the correct protocol, and the material must be properly cured with a suitable curing light. The amount of bonding, the finishing around the gem, its position on the tooth and the bite are all important for both retention and keeping the tooth clean.

Correct use of etch is particularly important. Etch is an acid-based product that locally prepares the enamel for bonding. If used incorrectly, the acid can irritate or damage the gums and unnecessarily affect the enamel. It should therefore only be applied in the correct place, in the correct amount and for the prescribed time.

Never use nail glue, superglue or other adhesives that are not intended for dental use. These products are not designed for use in the mouth and may be harmful to your health, the tooth and surrounding tissues.

Would you like to apply tooth gems professionally? At X-treme Smile you can follow a tooth gem training course or choose a starter kit with training. You will learn the complete protocol for preparation, etching, placement, bonding, curing, finishing, hygiene, aftercare and removal.

Swarovski, BLINQ and zirconia tooth gems can all be used for professional tooth gem applications, but they differ in material, sparkle, quality and price.

Swarovski tooth gems

Swarovski tooth gems are original Swarovski crystals, known for their precise cutting, clarity and strong, long-lasting sparkle. They are available in many colours, sizes and shapes.

Swarovski is generally the preferred option when you want a premium crystal appearance and maximum sparkle.

BLINQ tooth gems

BLINQ is our own tooth gem brand. We developed the collection as an affordable professional alternative with a wide range of colours, sizes and shapes.

BLINQ crystals look beautiful and are highly suitable for professional applications, although some colours and designs may have a slightly less intense sparkle and may lose some brilliance sooner than Swarovski crystals. Swarovski also generally offers a more refined cut and light reflection.

BLINQ is more competitively priced, making it an excellent option for professionals who want to keep a large variety of colours and shapes in stock.

Zirconia tooth gems

Our zirconia tooth gems are laboratory-manufactured stones with a very bright, diamond-like appearance. Zirconia, also known as cubic zirconia, is technically not a real diamond but is manufactured to reproduce the clarity and brilliance associated with diamonds.

Its clarity, hardness and faceting give zirconia tooth gems a particularly luxurious appearance and a different light effect from traditional crystals.

X-treme Smile offers zirconia tooth gems individually, making them ideal for a more luxurious, exclusive or diamond-like tooth gem.

Which should you choose?

In short:

• Swarovski: premium crystal quality, refined cutting and long-lasting sparkle.
• BLINQ: our own brand, wide choice and attractive pricing; sparkle may be slightly less intense and long-lasting than Swarovski.
• Zirconia: laboratory-manufactured stone with a luxurious, diamond-like appearance and strong brilliance.

The best choice depends on the desired look, colour, shape, size and your client's budget.

Yes. Our gold tooth gems are made from real gold. Each piece of dental jewelry clearly states whether it is made from 18 karat (18K) or 22 karat (22K) gold.

Karat indicates the proportion of pure gold in the material. 24 karat is almost pure gold. Because pure gold is relatively soft, jewelry is generally made from gold alloys containing other metals to improve strength and workability.

What is 18K gold?

18K gold contains 75% pure gold. The remaining 25% consists of other metals that make the alloy stronger.

18K gold tooth gems are therefore:

• strong and dimensionally stable;
• suitable for small and detailed designs;
• well suited to normal wear;
• slightly less deep yellow than 22K gold;
• generally more affordable than comparable 22K pieces.

18K is therefore a very popular choice for gold dental jewelry.

What is 22K gold?

22K gold contains approximately 91.7% pure gold. This higher gold content gives it a warmer and richer yellow-gold colour.

22K gold tooth gems have a particularly luxurious appearance and contain considerably more pure gold than 18K jewelry.

Because of the higher gold content, however, 22K gold is softer and more malleable than 18K gold. For very small or detailed designs, 18K may therefore sometimes be more practical, while 22K is often chosen for its high gold content and rich colour.

18K or 22K: which should you choose?

Both are real gold tooth gems. The main differences are gold content, colour, hardness and price:

• 18K gold: 75% pure gold, stronger and slightly lighter in colour.
• 22K gold: approximately 91.7% pure gold, softer with a richer yellow colour.
• 24K gold: almost pure gold, but generally too soft for many fine dental jewelry designs.

The best choice depends on the design, desired appearance and your client's budget.

Meta title
Gold Tooth Gems: 18K vs 22K Gold | X-treme Smile

Meta description
Are our gold tooth gems real gold? Compare 18K and 22K gold by purity, colour, hardness and price and discover which option suits your client.

The right tooth gem size depends on the size and shape of the tooth, the desired look and the position of the crystal.

For round tooth gems, X-treme Smile uses this practical size guide:

• XXS – SS2: approx. 0.90–1.00 mm
• XS – SS3: approx. 1.00–1.30 mm
• S – SS4: approx. 1.30–1.60 mm
• M – SS5: approx. 1.60–1.80 mm
• L – SS6: approx. 1.80–2.10 mm
• XL – SS7: approx. 2.10–2.30 mm

Why do we use a size range rather than one exact diameter?

SS2, SS3, SS4 and the other SS sizes are standardised size designations, but this does not mean that every individual crystal has exactly the same diameter.

Small variations can occur due to the manufacturer, brand, cut, faceting, material, production tolerances and differences between product ranges.

An SS5 from one brand may therefore be fractionally larger or smaller than an SS5 from another brand. Very small differences can even occur within the same production range.

For this reason, we deliberately provide an approximate diameter range and combine this with the easier XXS to XL system.

Why do we use XXS to XL?

SS sizing originates from the crystal and jewelry industry and can be difficult for clients to visualise. XXS, XS, S, M, L and XL provide a much more intuitive indication of how large a tooth gem will appear.

XXS and XS provide a very subtle sparkle and are ideal for multi-gem designs.

S and M are popular all-round sizes.

L and XL create a much more noticeable effect.

The same size can look very different depending on tooth size. An SS5 may appear subtle on a large front tooth but quite prominent on a smaller tooth.

Also consider the bite and placement. As a gem becomes larger, there is more surface that can potentially be contacted during biting and eating. Larger gems may therefore be exposed to more mechanical loading from foods such as hard fruit, carrots or crusty bread.

These measurements are guidelines for round tooth gems. Hearts, stars, drops, gold dental jewelry and other shapes are measured differently and cannot always be compared directly using SS sizing.

Yes. When using the BLINQ tooth gem bonding system, we recommend using all three steps in the correct order. The products are designed to work as one system, and each step has a specific function in the bonding process.

Step 1 – BLINQ Blue Etch

Blue Etch prepares the enamel for bonding by creating a microscopic surface suitable for adhesion.

Etch must be used carefully and according to the correct protocol. It should only be applied to the enamel area where the tooth gem will be placed. Incorrect use, excessive application time or contact with the gums can irritate or damage soft tissue and unnecessarily affect the enamel.

More etch or a longer etching time does not automatically mean stronger bonding.

Step 2 – BLINQ Primer

After etching, BLINQ Primer is applied. The primer provides an important connection between the prepared enamel surface and the bonding layer that follows.

Skipping this step may reduce the quality and predictability of the bond. Always apply the primer according to the recommended procedure.

Step 3 – BLINQ Glue

BLINQ Glue is used to secure the tooth gem. Once the jewelry has been positioned correctly, the material is cured with a suitable curing light.

Finishing is also important. Use enough bonding material for secure attachment while avoiding unnecessarily thick edges or excessive material. A smooth finish makes the area more comfortable and easier to keep clean.

Can I skip one of the steps?

When using the BLINQ system, we do not recommend it. Blue Etch, Primer and Glue each have their own function and are designed to be used consecutively.

Other professional dental bonding systems may use a different protocol with more or fewer steps. Always follow the instructions for the system you are using and do not randomly combine components from different systems.

Bond strength also depends on correct cleaning and isolation, keeping the tooth dry, correct product amounts, tooth gem positioning, adequate curing and careful finishing.

Correctly storing tooth gem bonding products is important for maintaining the performance and shelf life of the 3-step BlinQ* bonding system. BlinQ* Blue Etch, Primer and Glue should be protected from heat, light and contamination.

Each product label shows a thermometer symbol with the temperature range in which the product should be stored. Always follow this storage range. This is especially important during summer, because temperatures inside a salon or treatment area can rise considerably.

If you work with tooth gems on location, for example at a festival, event or outdoor setting, pay extra attention to temperature and exposure to sunlight. Never leave the products in direct sunlight, on a windowsill, in a hot car or on a sunny work table.

How to store tooth gem bonding products correctly

• keep Blue Etch, Primer and Glue within the temperature range stated on the label;
• store the products in a closed, light-proof container;
• close every product immediately after use;
• do not leave products unnecessarily open on the work table;
• never place them in direct sunlight, for example on a windowsill or sunny work surface;
• do not leave the products in a hot car;
• protect Primer and Glue especially well from UV light;
• use clean application materials and avoid contamination of the packaging;
• always check the expiry date and storage instructions on the label.

BlinQ* Blue Etch – Step 1

Close BlinQ* Blue Etch immediately after use. Remove a used application tip after treatment and store the syringe with its designated closure. Always keep Blue Etch within the stated temperature range and protected from direct sunlight.

BlinQ Primer* – Step 2

BlinQ Primer is sensitive to temperature fluctuations and UV light.* Exposure to sunlight can affect the product and may cause light-sensitive components to react or cure prematurely.

For this reason, we supply our primers in small light-proof pouches that block UV radiation. Keep the primer in this pouch whenever it is not in use.

Only remove the primer from the protective packaging when needed, close it immediately after use and place it back into the light-proof pouch. Never leave the primer for extended periods on a work table, windowsill or other sunny location.

BlinQ* Glue – Step 3

BlinQ* Glue is a light-curing product and should therefore be protected carefully from light. Daylight, direct sunlight and light from a curing lamp can affect the product.

Close the Glue immediately after use and store it in a light-proof container within the temperature range stated on the label.

The storage instructions and temperature range on the product label always take priority.

If your tooth gem keeps falling off, this does not automatically mean that the adhesive is faulty. Retention depends on the entire application process: cleaning, etching, Primer, bonding, curing, placement of the jewelry and the client’s bite.

If tooth gems repeatedly come off too quickly, it is important to review the full protocol step by step.

1. The tooth was not cleaned properly or kept completely dry

For reliable bonding, the tooth surface must be clean and truly dry. Saliva, moisture, plaque or other contamination can significantly reduce adhesion.

After etching, removing the etchant, rinsing and drying, you should see a frosty white, matte area on the treated enamel. This is an important indication that the enamel surface has been properly prepared.

After this point, the surface must remain dry.

If saliva touches the etched area again, for example because the client keeps talking or pushes saliva forward from behind the teeth with their tongue, the surface has been contaminated again. You should then repeat the relevant preparation step according to the protocol before continuing.

A practical way to help the client is to ask them to:

• place their tongue against the roof of the mouth;
• keep their mouth still during this part of the treatment;
• avoid talking until the tooth gem has been positioned and cured.

It is worth explaining why: saliva contamination can directly affect how long the crystal stays attached. Clients usually cooperate much better when they understand that talking or moving during this stage can compromise the bond.

2. Blue Etch was not used correctly

Etching prepares the enamel for adhesion. Blue Etch should be applied precisely to the intended bonding area and used according to the prescribed protocol.

After the correct application time, the product should be removed, the tooth thoroughly rinsed and then dried.

A correctly etched surface should normally have a frosty white, matte appearance.

If you do not see this effect, or if the surface has become wet again due to saliva, do not simply continue with Primer and Glue.

Longer etching or using more Blue Etch does not automatically create a stronger bond. Always follow the recommended etching time.

3. Saliva contamination after etching

This is one of the most underestimated reasons why tooth gems fail.

A tooth may have been etched perfectly, but as soon as saliva reaches the prepared area, adhesion may be compromised.

This can happen when:

• the client talks;
• the tongue presses against the back of the teeth;
• saliva moves forward around the teeth;
• the working area is not kept sufficiently dry.

If this happens, do not simply continue with Primer and Glue. Restore the preparation according to the protocol before proceeding.

A cheek retractor, good moisture control and clear instructions to the client can make a major difference.

4. Primer was skipped or applied incorrectly

Primer forms the connection between the prepared enamel surface and the bonding layer.

If this step is skipped, used incorrectly or applied to a moist or contaminated surface, the bond may become less reliable.

When using the BlinQ* system, use Blue Etch, Primer and Glue in the correct order.

5. Too little or too much bonding material was used

The tooth gem needs sufficient contact with the bonding material. Too little material may result in insufficient bonding surface.

Using a large amount of Glue is not automatically better. An excessively thick or irregular layer can make placement and finishing more difficult.

Use enough material for reliable attachment and create a smooth, neat finish around the tooth gem.

6. The bonding material was not cured sufficiently

A suitable curing light is essential.

Pay attention to:

• sufficient light intensity;
• correct distance from the tooth;
• correct angle of the curing light;
• adequate curing time;
• sufficient light exposure around the tooth gem.

A curing light that does not provide enough power, is poorly charged or is positioned incorrectly may result in incomplete curing.

7. The tooth gem position is not ideal

Not every position on every tooth is equally suitable.

Tooth gems placed on the lower teeth often have a shorter retention time than those on upper teeth. There is usually less space and more contact with the opposing teeth, tongue, food and chewing forces.

Always check the client’s bite before placement.

8. The tooth gem is large or exposed to mechanical forces

A larger or more prominent tooth gem can be hit more easily during eating and biting.

Examples include:

• hard apples;
• carrots;
• baguettes;
• crusty rolls;
• other hard or crunchy foods.

If the gem is repeatedly subjected to direct mechanical forces, the chance of it coming loose increases.

9. The tooth surface is not suitable

The most predictable adhesion is generally achieved on healthy natural enamel.

Crowns, veneers, composite restorations or damaged enamel may react differently to the bonding system.

Always assess the actual tooth surface before placing the jewelry.

10. The tooth gem does not have a suitable bonding surface

The back of the jewelry also matters.

Not every random stone, nail-art crystal or decorative item is automatically suitable for professional tooth gem bonding.

A tooth gem should have a bonding surface suitable for professional adhesion.

11. The bonding products were stored incorrectly

Blue Etch, Primer and Glue must be stored correctly.

Temperature, UV exposure and prolonged sunlight can affect the products.

Keep them within the temperature range shown on the label and store them in a closed, light-proof container. Close all products immediately after use.

12. Products from different systems are being mixed

A professional bonding system is developed as a complete protocol.

Randomly combining Etch, Primer and Glue from different systems can make the result less predictable.

When using BlinQ*, preferably use Blue Etch, Primer and Glue together according to the BlinQ protocol*.

My tooth gems keep coming off – what should I check?

Check the process systematically:

cleaning → etching → frosty white surface → complete moisture control → no saliva contamination → Primer → Glue → placement → curing → finishing → bite → product storage.

The stage between etching and bonding deserves particular attention. A perfectly prepared enamel surface can become contaminated within seconds if the client talks or pushes saliva towards the teeth with their tongue.

So do not hesitate to ask the client to keep their mouth still and place their tongue against the roof of their mouth. It may seem like a small detail, but it can make a significant difference to how long the tooth gem stays in place.

For professional tooth gem placement, you need a suitable curing light for tooth gems. Use a professional dental curing light that is compatible with the bonding material you are working with.

Proper curing is essential for retention. Even if the tooth has been cleaned, etched and kept completely dry, and Primer and Glue have been applied correctly, insufficient curing can cause the tooth gem to come loose sooner.

Why do you need a dedicated curing light?

The difference is not only the colour or wavelength of the light, but also how the light is delivered to the bonding material.

With a professional dental curing light, the light is concentrated through the light guide onto a relatively small treatment area. This delivers a high amount of light exactly where the bonding material needs to be cured.

That is very different from lamps designed to illuminate a much larger area.

What should a good curing light provide?

Important factors include:

• a wavelength suitable for the bonding material;
• sufficient light intensity;
• a concentrated light beam;
• the correct curing time;
• the correct distance from the bonding material;
• the correct angle of the light;
• a sufficiently charged battery;
• a clean light guide without cured bonding residue.

Always follow the curing instructions for the bonding system you are using.

Can I use a nail lamp for tooth gems?

We do not recommend using a UV or LED nail lamp for tooth gems.

A nail lamp is designed to illuminate a relatively large area and cure gel or other nail products across several nails at the same time. The light is therefore spread over a wider area.

A dental curing light works differently. The light is concentrated through the light guide onto a small area, exactly where the dental bonding material needs to cure.

So even if a nail lamp emits blue or UV light, this does not mean that the tooth gem bonding material receives the same effective light intensity.

A nail lamp may also have a different wavelength range and curing performance from what the dental bonding material was designed for.

Can I use my teeth whitening lamp for tooth gems?

A teeth whitening lamp is also not a substitute for a dental curing light.

A whitening lamp is designed to illuminate a large part of the mouth at once, so the light is distributed across several teeth.

For tooth gem bonding, you need the opposite: concentrated light on a small bonding area.

A whitening lamp may look powerful and produce a large amount of light, but this does not mean that the tooth gem bonding area receives the same effective intensity as it would from a dental curing light.

In simple terms:

• Nail lamp: light spread across several nails.
• Teeth whitening lamp: light spread across a large part of the teeth.
• Dental curing light: concentrated light delivered through a light guide directly onto the bonding material.

Keep the curing light close to the bonding area

Distance and position also matter.

The further the light source is from the bonding material, the less effective light may reach the treatment area. Hold the light guide as close and as straight as possible to the tooth gem according to the protocol, without moving the jewelry.

Make sure the bonding material around the tooth gem can be reached properly by the light.

Extra important with gold tooth gems

With gold tooth gems and other opaque dental jewelry, light cannot pass through the jewelry itself.

The bonding material therefore needs to be cured properly from the accessible sides. Position the curing light carefully and make sure the bonding around the jewelry receives sufficient light according to the protocol.

Check your curing light regularly

Even a professional curing light can become less effective over time. Regularly check:

• whether the battery is sufficiently charged;
• whether the light is functioning correctly;
• whether the light guide is clean;
• whether cured bonding residue is blocking the tip;
• whether the light guide is damaged.

Cured bonding material on the end of the light guide can block part of the light and reduce the effective light output.

When using the BlinQ* bonding system, combine Blue Etch, Primer and Glue according to the BlinQ protocol with a suitable professional dental curing light*.