Continuing a theme we discussed a while back regarding so-called "grillz" and mouth jewelry, this morning's mailbox contained a particularly disturbing article from the ordinarily conscientious and righteously stylish folks at JCK Style.
I can usually glean from the articles if they're being downright ornery about a topic or a fad like this one, as I would be. But I can't get a proper read on this one. Take a look for yourselves. They actually seem to be giving some sort due diligence in reporting on DecoDent's Tooth Jewels. Must be a slow news day over at JCK. A very, very slow news day.
The reason behind some bright smiles may not be bleach alone. Enter Santa Barbara, Calif.-based DecoDent, an importer of German-made crystal teeth jewels with sparkling, light-reflecting coated backs. Jewels mounted in 18k gold, are attached to teeth with dental material, and adhere to tooth surfaces for six months to several years.
Former dental hygienist Monika Linau got her own Tooth Jewel while working in Germany. When she moved to the United States, her jewel attracted admirers, so she imported them for resale. According to Linau, youths like the self-application kits and mature clients buy the longer-lasting gems that dentists must apply. Jewelers aren't sold on the gems, but Linau says there's opportunity for Tooth Jewels in fashion-forward outlets. "They've been marketed mainly to dentists and don't harm teeth," says Linau. Some advice for users: Get regular dental exams and brush teeth daily. Don't use electric toothbrushes during the first 24 hours of new Tooth Jewel applications. And don't worry if a jewel is accidentally swallowed, nature will take its course, "flushing" away your fixture - and your money, from $29.95 to $255.95 - in due time.
DecoDent is even giving grills competition. Shapes like dollar signs and numbers are available in 18k white or 22k-24k yellow gold, and so are genuine diamonds.
Sexy.
I guess I'm just never going to be one of the cool kids!
Posted by: Wendy | July 28, 2006 at 12:19 PM
Actually, my sister-in-law is originally from Germany and she has a really small, discreet gem set into one of her front teeth (ala the photo attached). Its tasteful and kind of pretty.
I'm not big on the body-art/grilled teeth/etc etc fads, but its certainly less scary/offensive looking than some things I've seen :)
Posted by: BrokenUgly | July 30, 2006 at 08:51 AM
Just plain nasty!
Posted by: Tammy | August 01, 2006 at 07:42 AM
These so called "dental grillz" are getting more popular nowadays. You can see them on some hiphop musicians, who are very particular with their "blings". Some people think they are just overpriced braces, while for others it's a status symbol. As long as they still practice basic oral hygiene, there is nothing wrong with it.
Posted by: Timothy McLaney | May 19, 2011 at 06:26 AM