Cure a tooth gem with UV light for 60 to 120 seconds, holding the light as close to the gem as you can without touching it. Ideally 30 seconds per side (top, bottom, left and right). Keep your tooth dry the whole time.
Curing is the last step, and one of the most important. If the glue doesn't fully cure, your gem comes off much sooner. Below you'll read how to do it right, how long it takes and how to make your gem last as long as possible afterwards.
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What does curing a tooth gem mean?
The Bond (the tooth-safe glue) stays liquid until UV light hits it. The light hardens the glue and locks your gem in place. If too little light reaches it, the glue only half cures and your gem won't hold as well.
How to cure a tooth gem, step by step
- Check the spot first. Is your gem straight and on a flat part of your tooth? Adjust it now, because you can't after curing.
- Keep your tooth dry. Use the cheek hook and cotton rolls so no saliva gets near your tooth.
- Hold the light as close as you can. As close to your gem as possible, without touching it. The further away, the weaker the light.
- Shine for 60 to 120 seconds. Ideally 30 seconds per side: top, bottom, left and right. The longer, the stronger the bond.
- Rinse gently afterwards. Rinse your mouth with a little water to remove any leftover Etch or Bond.
Every step, from brushing to curing, is in the instructions on how to apply tooth gems.
How long should you cure a tooth gem?
60 to 120 seconds in total. A little longer is better than too short. Curing too briefly is one of the most common reasons a gem falls off quickly.
Mistakes that ruin the cure
- Holding the light too far away.
- Curing too briefly, or from one side only.
- Saliva or moisture on your tooth while curing.
- Moving your gem after you've started.
- Using too much Bond. A thin layer, not much bigger than your gem, works best.
More mistakes and fixes in the most common mistakes and aftercare.
How to make your tooth gem last longer
- Don't eat or drink anything except water for the first 1 to 2 hours.
- Only eat soft food for the first 12 hours.
- Don't brush the tooth with your gem for 12 hours, and preferably don't use an electric toothbrush for the first 24 hours.
- Don't bite into hard things with that tooth and don't play with your gem.
Everything about brushing and eating is in tooth gem aftercare.
FAQ
Can you over-cure a tooth gem?
Stick to 60 to 120 seconds. Within that time, the longer you cure, the stronger the bond.
How do I know my gem has cured properly?
Feel it gently with your tongue. Is your gem firm and does the glue no longer feel sticky? Then it has cured properly.
Can I use any UV lamp?
Use the UV light from your kit. It's made to hold close to your tooth. Lost it or broken? You can order a new UV light separately.
Everything you need in one kit
The Mix & Match Kit has everything to apply and cure your gem properly: your own choice of gems, Etch & Bond, a UV light, wax pencil, cheek hook and cotton rolls. Painless and no drilling. Loved by 5,000+ happy customers.
