Can you remove tooth gems and apply them yourself at home?

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.