Yes, every tooth gem comes off at some point, because it's temporary. 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. Did yours fall off after a few days? Then it's almost always down to the application or the first hours after.
Below you'll read why tooth gems fall off, what you can do about it and what to do once yours is off.
5,000+ happy customers
Gem came off or ready for a refresh?
Already have a kit? With Etch & Bond you can reapply your gems at home.
View Etch & Bond →
Why does my tooth gem keep falling off?
These are the most common causes during application:
- Your tooth wasn't dry. Saliva or moisture is the biggest culprit. It stops the glue from bonding.
- Your tooth wasn't clean enough. Plaque and grease weaken the bond. Brush your teeth well first.
- The Etch wasn't fully removed. Wipe all the Etch off with a slightly damp cotton roll, then dry your tooth well.
- You touched the etched area. With your tongue or fingers. That ruins the bond straight away.
- Too much or too little glue. A thin layer, not much bigger than your gem, holds best.
- Cured too briefly or too far away. Hold the UV light as close to your gem as you can for 60 to 120 seconds.
- The wrong spot. Too close to the biting edge or on a curved part of your tooth.
Why does it come off later?
- Biting into hard or sticky food, like nuts, hard apples, crusty bread, ice cubes or caramel.
- Electric or hard brushing over your gem.
- Playing with your gem with your tongue, nails or cutlery.
- Smoking, frequent alcohol-based mouthwash, or lots of acidic drinks and soda.
All 11 mistakes and 8 aftercare tips are in the most common mistakes and aftercare.
My tooth gem fell off. What now?
- Is your gem completely off? Then you can simply apply a new one.
- Is there still a grey layer on your tooth? Then only the crystal has come off. That grey layer is the foil of the gem, not glue. Have your dentist or dental hygienist remove it and don't scratch at it yourself.
- Is your gem loose but not off yet? Don't pull or pry at it. Read how to do it safely in how to remove tooth gems safely.
How to make your next gem stay on longer
- Brush your teeth well first and take at least 15 minutes.
- Keep your tooth dry with the cheek hook and cotton rolls.
- Use a new application stick for Etch and for Bond.
- Pick a flat part of your tooth, in the middle or slightly towards the gum.
- Cure for 60 to 120 seconds, as close to your gem as you can.
- Don't eat or drink anything except water for the first 1 to 2 hours.
More on how long a gem stays on in how long do tooth gems last.
FAQ
Do tooth gems fall off on their own?
Yes. A tooth gem is temporary and comes off by itself after a while. How long that takes is different for everyone.
Can I glue the same gem back on?
It's better to use a new gem. A gem that has come loose often bonds less well, and sometimes its grey bottom layer stays behind on your tooth.
Can I use nail glue or super glue?
No, never. Only use glue made for teeth, like Etch & Bond (tooth gem glue).
Want your sparkle back?
Already have a kit? With Etch & Bond or the Refill Pack you can apply a new gem at home. You keep using the UV light, cheek hook and wax pencil from your kit. No kit yet? In the Mix & Match Kit you choose your own gems and get everything you need.
