New to tooth gems? Start with what are tooth gems and how do they work.
Our advice: get a tooth gem from age 16. It's not a rule, but it is safer and smarter. Either way, wait until your adult teeth are fully in, your teeth are healthy and you don't have braces. Many salons also only work from a certain age, or with a parent's consent.
Tooth gems are everywhere, so it makes sense that teens want one too. Below you'll read what to check, when it's better to wait and how to do it safely at home.
How old do you have to be to get a tooth gem?
There is no legal minimum age. We recommend 16 or older. Salons set their own age limit and often ask younger customers for a parent's consent. Besides your age, it's mostly about your teeth:
- Are your adult teeth fully in? Don't put a gem on a baby tooth or on a tooth that's still coming through.
- Are your teeth healthy? No cavities, cracks or irritated gums.
- Do you have braces? Then it's better to wait. Read more in tooth gems with braces.
- Do you brush well? A gem needs a little attention every day when you brush.
Are tooth gems bad for teens' teeth?
Not if they're applied properly. There's no drilling or filing: the gem sits on the surface of your tooth and comes off by itself after a while. What matters is using glue made for teeth, never nail glue or super glue. Read more in are tooth gems bad for your teeth.
Applying a tooth gem at home as a teen
You can, as long as you follow the steps calmly. Ideally do it together with a parent or carer. That way you also have help with the mirror and keeping your tooth dry.
- Read the full instructions first.
- Take at least 15 minutes.
- Pick a flat part of a healthy tooth, not close to the biting edge.
- Keep your tooth dry and cure for 60 to 120 seconds.
When is it better to wait?
- You're under 16.
- You still have baby teeth or teeth coming through.
- You have fixed braces.
- You have cavities, cracks or pain in your tooth.
- You don't feel like following the steps calmly.
For parents
- A tooth gem is temporary and comes off by itself.
- There's no drilling or filing.
- A dentist or dental hygienist can also remove it.
- Does your child feel pain, irritation or strong sensitivity? Stop and contact your dentist.
FAQ
Can kids get tooth gems?
We recommend tooth gems from age 16. Either way, wait until all adult teeth are fully in.
How long do tooth gems last?
On average, a tooth gem stays on for 2 to 3 months. Depending on your teeth, what you eat and how you apply it, that can range from about 3 weeks to a year or more.
Can a tooth gem be removed?
Yes. It comes off by itself, or a dentist can remove it. Read more in how to remove tooth gems safely.
Doing it together?
The Mix & Match Kit has everything to apply a tooth gem safely at home: gems, tooth-safe Etch & Bond, a UV light and clear instructions. Painless and no drilling. Loved by 5,000+ happy customers.
