Tooth Gems vs Grillz: What's the Difference?

Both involve adding bling to your teeth, but tooth gems and grillz are actually pretty different beasts. If you're trying to figure out which one suits your vibe, here's what you need to know.

The Basic Breakdown

Tooth gems are small crystals or jewels bonded directly to the surface of your teeth. They're typically tiny - think the size of a pinhead or maybe a bit larger. One gem, maybe a few scattered across your smile, and you're done.

Grillz, on the other hand, are removable covers that fit over your teeth. They're usually made of metal - gold, silver, platinum - and can cover anywhere from one tooth to your entire set of top or bottom teeth. They slide on and off like a retainer.

That removability is probably the biggest functional difference between the two. Gems stay put until they fall off or get removed. Grillz you can pop in and out whenever you want.

The Look

The aesthetic is completely different. Tooth gems give you subtle sparkle. Even if you go wild with multiple gems, they're still small points of light catching attention when you smile. It's delicate, almost dainty.

Grillz make a statement. There's nothing subtle about a mouth full of gold or diamond-encrusted metal. They're bold, flashy, and impossible to miss. That's kind of the point.

If you want elegant embellishments for creative projects or your personal style, gems might be your speed. If you want everyone in the room to know you've got mouth jewelry, grillz deliver that energy.

Cultural Context

Grillz have deep roots in hip-hop culture, particularly from the 1980s onward. They became iconic in the South, with cities like Houston and Atlanta becoming known for their grill culture. Wearing grillz carried cultural significance - wealth, success, street credibility.

Tooth gems don't have the same concentrated cultural origin story. They've bounced around different subcultures and mainstream beauty trends over the years without being tied to one specific community.

Both have gone more mainstream now, but grillz still carry more of that hip-hop association. Tooth gems feel more like a general fashion accessory at this point.

Application Process

Getting a tooth gem is relatively quick and straightforward. A technician or dentist cleans your tooth, applies bonding adhesive, places the gem, and cures it with a light. Fifteen minutes, maybe twenty, and you're sparkling.

Grillz require more work upfront. You need to get impressions or molds of your teeth so the grillz can be custom-fitted. Then they're manufactured based on those molds. The whole process can take weeks from start to finish, though some places offer same-day options with less precise fitting.

Once you have your grillz though, putting them on takes seconds. Gems are one-and-done until they fall off.

Cost Comparison

Tooth gems are usually pretty affordable. Depending on the gem quality and where you go, you're looking at anywhere from $50 to maybe $200 for a single gem. Even high-end Swarovski crystals don't break the bank.

Grillz can range from cheap to absolutely wild. Basic grillz might run a few hundred dollars. Custom gold or platinum grillz can cost thousands. Diamond-encrusted pieces? Sky's the limit. Some people drop tens of thousands on elaborate custom grillz.

So if budget is a concern, gems are definitely the more accessible option. Grillz are an investment.

Maintenance and Care

Tooth gems don't require much beyond your normal oral hygiene routine. Brush carefully around them, don't bash them with hard foods, and you're good.

Grillz need more active maintenance. You have to take them out to eat (usually - some people eat with them in, but it's not recommended). They need regular cleaning to prevent bacteria buildup. You're also supposed to brush your teeth before putting them back in.

There's more responsibility involved with grillz. They're like any other piece of jewelry - they need care to stay looking good and to keep your mouth healthy.

Comfort Factor

Once a tooth gem is on, you basically forget about it. It's flush with your tooth surface and shouldn't cause any sensation or discomfort. You're not aware of it unless you're looking in a mirror.

Grillz feel like something in your mouth because, well, they are something in your mouth. Most people adjust pretty quickly, but there's definitely a break-in period. Talking might feel weird at first. Some people find them annoying after a few hours and want to take them out.

If you're sensitive about having things in your mouth or you know you'd constantly mess with them, gems are probably the better choice.

Safety Considerations

When done properly by professionals, both tooth gems and grillz are safe. The key phrase there is "when done properly."

Tooth gems use dental-grade adhesive that doesn't harm enamel. The gems themselves are inert and don't react with anything in your mouth. The main risk is damage from improper removal, which is why you should have a dentist take them off rather than picking at them yourself.

With grillz, the safety concerns are different. Poorly fitted grillz can trap bacteria, irritate gums, or even damage teeth if they're too tight. Cheap metal can cause allergic reactions or tarnish and discolor your teeth. But quality, properly fitted grillz shouldn't cause problems.

There's actually a whole guide on whether tooth gems are safe if you want to dig deeper into that side of things.

Which One Is Right for You?

It depends what you're going for. Want something low-maintenance and subtle that you can wear every day without thinking about it? Tooth gems.

Want to make a bold statement that you can control when and where you show off? Grillz give you that flexibility.

Budget matters too. Gems are an easier entry point financially. Grillz require more upfront investment, though you can wear them repeatedly, which might make them cost-effective in the long run if you're really into the look.

Can You Have Both?

Sure, why not? Some people wear grillz over teeth that also have gems. It's your mouth - you can decorate it however you want.

That said, most people tend to pick one or the other based on their overall aesthetic. The combination can be a lot, but if maximalist mouth jewelry is your thing, nobody's stopping you.

The Everyday Practicality

Tooth gems work for pretty much any lifestyle. You can wear them to the office, to job interviews, to meet your partner's parents. They're small enough that they don't read as unprofessional in most settings.

Grillz are trickier in that regard. Depending on your industry and workplace, showing up with a gold grill might not go over well. But since you can remove them, you have options. Wear them on your own time, take them out for professional situations.

Cultural Appropriation Considerations

This is worth mentioning. Grillz have specific cultural significance in Black communities, particularly within hip-hop culture. If you're not part of that culture, wearing grillz can come across as appropriative, especially if you're treating them as a costume or trend without understanding their cultural weight.

Tooth gems don't carry the same cultural baggage. They've been adopted across so many different groups that they're more neutral territory. Just something to think about before you commit to either option!

Final Thoughts

Tooth gems and grillz both let you add personality to your smile, but they do it in completely different ways. Gems are subtle, permanent (ish), and easy. Grillz are bold, removable, and require more commitment.

There's no wrong choice here - it's about what matches your style, lifestyle, and budget. Some people love the everyday sparkle of gems. Others want the impact and versatility of grillz. And some folks might try both at different points just to see what feels right.