How Long Do Tooth Gems Last?

So you've decided to add some sparkle to your smile. Smart choice. But before you book that appointment or go on a crystal spending spree, you're probably wondering how long this tiny piece of bling is actually going to stick around.

The short answer? It depends. The longer answer involves a bunch of factors that can either keep your gem shining for years or have it popping off in a few weeks. So let’s dive in and take a closer look.

The Average Lifespan

Most tooth gems last anywhere from six months to a year with normal wear. Some people report their gems lasting two or even three years, while others lose them within a couple months. There's no universal expiration date stamped on these things.

A lot depends on the quality of application. When a trained professional uses proper dental-grade adhesive and follows the correct bonding process, you're looking at the longer end of that spectrum. DIY jobs or a cheap application adhesive? You might be fishing your gem out of your lunch sooner than you'd like.

What Makes Them Fall Off

Tooth gems don't just decide to leave one day - there are usually reasons behind their departure.

The most common culprit is what you're eating. Hard, crunchy foods can knock a gem loose if you bite down the wrong way. Sticky foods like caramel or taffy can literally pull them off. If you're someone who loves chewing ice or biting into apples with reckless abandon, your gem might not last as long as someone with gentler eating habits.

Your oral hygiene routine plays a role too. Aggressive brushing directly on the gem can weaken the adhesive over time. Electric toothbrushes with too much pressure? Same issue. You need to clean your teeth properly, but being mindful around the gem helps it stick around longer.

Then there's the placement. Gems on your front teeth generally last longer than ones on teeth that do heavy chewing work. If your gem is on a molar that's constantly grinding food, it's going to face more stress than one sitting pretty on your front incisor that barely touches anything.

The Quality Question

Not all gems and adhesives are created equal. Professional dental bonding agents are specifically formulated to stick to tooth enamel safely and effectively. The stuff in DIY kits from random websites? Maybe not so much.

Higher-quality crystals also tend to stay put better. They're cut more precisely, which means better surface contact with the adhesive. Cheap rhinestones might look similar at first glance, but the backing isn't always as flat or well-made, which affects how well they bond.

Your Teeth Matter Too

The condition of your tooth enamel affects how well a gem will adhere. Smooth, healthy enamel provides the best surface for bonding. If you have rough spots, demineralization, or wear on your teeth, the gem might not stick as securely.

Some people naturally have more acidic saliva, which can gradually weaken adhesive bonds. There's not much you can do about your body chemistry, but it's worth knowing that it can be a factor in how long your gem lasts.

Lifestyle Factors You Can Control

Maintaining your tooth gems for longer wear isn't complicated, but it does require some awareness. A few habits can significantly extend the life of your sparkle.

Avoid biting directly on hard objects with the tooth that has your gem. That means being careful with things like pens, fingernails, or bottle caps (you shouldn't be using your teeth as tools anyway, but we all have our moments).

When you're eating, try to be conscious of where your gem is. If it's on a front tooth, don't bite into corn on the cob or ribs with that spot. Use your other teeth for the aggressive food work.

Watch your drink choices too. Highly acidic beverages like soda, energy drinks, or even lemon water can gradually affect the adhesive. You don't need to avoid them completely - just maybe don't swish them around your gem constantly.

The Removal Factor

Sometimes gems fall off naturally, but other times you might want them removed professionally. If you're tired of your gem or need it gone for some reason, a dentist can take it off without damaging your tooth.

Interestingly, professionally removed gems often come off cleaner than ones that fall off on their own. When they detach naturally, it's usually because the bond has weakened unevenly, which can sometimes leave a bit of adhesive residue behind. A dentist can remove both the gem and any leftover bonding material properly.

When Gems Last Surprisingly Long

There are people walking around with tooth gems that have been firmly in place for three, four, even five years. What's their secret?

Usually it's a combination of excellent initial application, careful maintenance, and a bit of luck regarding placement and personal biology. These folks typically got their gems from experienced professionals, take good care of their teeth overall, and probably aren't chomping through bags of ice on the regular.

Some gem placements are just inherently more stable. The canine teeth, for instance, often provide good real estate for gems because they're prominent enough to show when you smile but don't take as much direct chewing force as molars.

The Reapplication Reality

Most people who love their tooth gems don't just get one and call it done. They reapply when gems fall off, sometimes trying different placements or colors. Once you're used to the sparkle, a plain tooth can feel kind of boring.

The good news is that reapplication doesn't damage your teeth. As long as you're going to someone who knows what they're doing, you can get gems repeatedly over the years without any negative effects on your enamel.

Setting Realistic Expectations

If someone promises you that a tooth gem will definitely last two years, they're probably overselling. If someone says it'll only last a few weeks, they might be underselling (or using terrible adhesive).

Six months to a year is the realistic sweet spot to expect. Anything beyond that is a bonus. Anything less might mean the application wasn't great or you've been particularly rough on it.

The best approach is to enjoy your gem while it's there and not stress too much about exactly when it might depart. It's meant to be fun, not a source of anxiety. When it eventually falls off - and it will eventually - you can always get another one if you want. That's kind of the beauty of tooth gems. They're temporary enough to keep things interesting.

Want to stick around? Learn how Swarovski stones elevate garments, or have a browse of our comprehensive gem collection right here at Bluestreak Crystals.