Are you looking for that million-dollar smile, quite literally? How about attaching a Swarovski crystal or a custom gold crown on one of your teeth? If you’re missing the bigger picture here, think of American rapper Machine Gun Kelly, who recently got a brand new set of vampire fangs in place of his canine teeth as well as a pair of diamond studs shining on his lateral incisors.
Just to jog your memory a bit further, haven’t you heard of the four crystals in the shape of a butterfly adorning Spanish singer Rosalía’s teeth? Or the million-dollar teeth grill worn by American singer-songwriter Katy Perry – confirmed by Guinness World Records as the most valuable ever – besides celebrities like J Balvin, Madonna, Rihanna, Beyonce and Miley Cyrus, who flaunt their mouth accessories with elan?
In simple terms, jewellery implants have become a significant part of cosmetic dentistry, a branch of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth, gums, and smile. According to Dr Riddhii D of Experteeth Dental Care in Mumbai, jewellery implants have an aesthetic appeal as they add a personalised touch to your smile. “It is non-invasive and does not require drilling or anesthesia. Tooth gems can be removed without causing damage to the tooth, and make a fashion statement. They are easily removable and don’t harm the teeth,” she adds.
So far, so good. But it is equally important to understand the different procedures of cosmetic dentistry, their benefits, as well as the potential risks involved, before choosing the treatment that is right for you. “Improper application or removal can damage the tooth enamel, jewels can trap food particles, leading to plaque buildup and increased risk of cavities. Some individuals may have allergic reactions to the materials used in the jewellery. The high-quality gems and professional application can be costly too. Gems can also fall off over time and need reapplication,” adds Dr Riddhii D.
Smile makeover
Besides jewellery implants, there are various other types of cosmetic dental procedures. For instance, teeth whitening involves bleaching the teeth to make them lighter and remove stains and discolouration. It is a non-invasive way to brighten smiles. Similarly, veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that cover the front surface
of the teeth to improve their appearance including chipped, stained or misaligned teeth.
Dr Ridhii D of Mumbai says, “Veneers are a transformative solution for natural look and feel while bonding involves applying a tooth-coloured resin material to the teeth and hardening it with a special light. It can repair decayed, chipped, or misshapen teeth. Crowns cover and encase the entire tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. Gum
contouring reshapes the gum line to improve the overall appearance of the teeth and smile.”
According to Dr Kamlesh Kothari, dental implant specialist, cosmetic dentist and maxillofacial surgeon, Kolkata, advancements in dental technology have revolutionised treatments such as teeth whitening, dental veneers, bonding and crowns along with orthodontics, dental implants and gum contouring.
Dr Kothari lists some of the technologies used in cosmetic dentistry such as digital smile design (DSD) that allows for precise planning and visualisation of procedures, enabling patients to see potential results before treatment begins. Similarly, 3D printing helps in the creation of dental implants, crowns, bridges, and dentures with unparalleled precision and customisation, while laser dentistry is minimally invasive options for teeth whitening, gum contouring, and cavity treatment.
While DSD, 3D printing and laser dentistry have made procedures effective, CAD/CAM technology (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) revolutionises the creation of dental restorations, providing same-day crowns and bridges with enhanced accuracy and reduced chair time.
“Teledentistry also offers remote consultations and monitoring, increasing accessibility and convenience for patients. Innovations in nanotechnology and biomimetic materials have led to the development of advanced materials that mimic natural tooth structure, improving the durability and aesthetics of dental restorations. These materials enhance the overall functionality and longevity of cosmetic treatments, ensuring patients receive the highest quality of care,” adds Dr Kothari.
Multiple use cases
Cosmetic dentistry has immense use cases. According to Dr Kothari, implants contribute to the overall health of the jawbone by fostering osseointegration, thereby staving off bone degeneration and preserving facial symmetry. “Implants are durable and alleviate the need for temporary fixes like bridges or partial dentures, offering a lasting remedy for the younger generation. For middle ages, dental implants restore the ability to bite and chew effectively, crucial for maintaining a balanced diet and overall well-being. For the elderly, implants preserve bone structure and facial contours, improving chewing efficiency, and eliminating the inconveniences associated with removable dentures,” adds Dr Kothari.
As per Dr Nisha Sancheti, founder, Dr Nisha Dental Care Clinic in Mumbai, jewellery implants are mainly used for aesthetic enhancement and not for functional improvement, so the success rate is generally high when done by experienced professionals. “The process involves embedding small jewels, usually diamonds and other gems onto the surface of the teeth by using dental adhesives or small drilled holes. But one needs to regularly take care of dental hygiene,” she says.
Go for regular dental check-ups to ensure that the jewel remains securely attached. “Jewellery implants enhance the aesthetic appeal. This procedure is non-invasive and reversible. Customisable designs and jewel types can be found in cosmetology. But keep in mind the potential risk of enamel damage. Higher plaque accumulation is likely if not cleaned properly. Possibility of jewel detachment requiring additional visits to the dentist,” adds Dr Sancheti.
As per Dr Kothari, before undergoing the procedure, take a thorough evaluation by a qualified dentist or oral surgeon for oral health, bone density, and medical history. Check for adequate bone density. While the success rate of implants is high, complications such as infection, nerve damage, or implant failure can occur. As an investment, it can be a costly affair, ranging between `18,000-`50,000 per tooth, depending on a variety of factors.
“Post-surgery, one needs to keep regularly brushing and flossing. Professional dental cleanings are essential to prevent complications such as peri-implantitis, which is inflammation around the implant. Choose a qualified practitioner to ensure comprehensive post-operative care.” adds Dr Kothari.
Know Your Treatment
- Teeth whitening: It lightens the colour of teeth; uses at-home bleaching kits and over-the-counter products
- Dental veneers: They refer to thin, custom-made shells placed on the front surface of teeth made from porcelain or composite resin
- Dental bonding: It is the application of a tooth-coloured resin used to repair decayed, chipped or misshapen teeth made from composite resin
- Dental crowns: They are placed over damaged teeth to restore shape, size and strength and are made from porcelain, metal or ceramic
- Gum contouring: It is reshaping of the gum line which improves the aesthetics of the teeth. It is done through surgical scalpel or laser
Dental Implant Checklist
- Check for bone density; bone grafting may be necessary if there is insufficient bone
- Check for conditions such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases as they can affect healing or implant success
- Good oral hygiene is essential to prevent infections
- Dental implants can be expensive; so look for long-term benefits
- Choose an experienced dentist for your dental implant
