It’s called tooth gems, which are jewels that are bonded to the enamel of your tooth. What concerns dentists the most is the DIY method of doing it yourself. Here’s why it’s important to talk to an ...

“Tooth gems are basically bits of jewellery, whether precious or semi-precious, that you apply on the teeth ideally using a dental cement which has been proven to be safe,” says Dr. Sundeep ...

Even tooth gems applied correctly with oral bonding materials are troublesome, she said, because they “are adding something to your teeth that will also attract bacteria. You’re increasing ...

Tooth gems are typically made out of glass or crystal, and are bonded to the teeth using a safe adhesive. It’s unclear if the jewels Biles applies to her teeth are real diamonds are not, though.

Tooth gems can last a few weeks to many years, depending on who applies them and what they use to bond them to the tooth. Cadoo says hers stays on for a few months to a couple of years or more.

Tooth-gem artists like Lovo can add just one sparkle per tooth or create dazzling designs with dozens of gems — including symbols and logos — clustered across a client's teeth.

Tinley Park-based cosmetologist Libby Kerfman has started offering tooth gems, a mouth decoration that helps people to add to their self-esteem, she said, by adding some sparkle to their bite.

She also noted tooth gems might impact the color of teeth with wear. Adding, “Your teeth are naturally porous; if you drink a lot of coffee or wine, they can start to change color a bit.