JOURNAL No.001
Reading Time｜approx. 7min
Dentist Explains Types of Tooth Accessories and Differences from Tooth Jewelry
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Understand what grills are as tooth accessories
- Understand the difference between grills and tooth jewelry
- Learn tips for enjoying them safely from a dentist's perspective
What are grills? Reasons why they're gaining attention as tooth accessories
Grillz are removable tooth accessories that are worn on the teeth. They are mainly made of metals such as gold or silver and are generally custom-made to fit the wearer's teeth.
Like rings and necklaces, they can be worn to match the day's fashion or occasion, making them a popular new accessory choice worldwide.
In recent years, interest in grills has grown in Japan, influenced by social media and artists, and the term "tooth accessory" has become more common.
However, many people have questions such as "Do they involve shaving teeth?", "What's the difference from tooth jewelry?", "Where can I get them made?", and "Are they safe to enjoy?"
In this article, Dr.Grillz Tokyo, run by dentists and dental technicians, will explain the types, features, and safety of tooth accessories, including grills, in an easy-to-understand manner.
What are grills?
Grills are not accessories adhered to the surface of teeth; they are custom-made to fit the teeth and worn only when desired.
Since they are custom-made to each person's dental alignment, they are characterized by excellent fit and comfort. Designs range from simple to bold, and materials and shapes can be freely chosen.
They became widely known around the 1980s with American hip-hop culture, but now they are enjoyed across various cultures, including music, fashion, and art.
In Japan, their recognition is gradually spreading, and more people are becoming interested in them as accessories to express their individuality.
What types of tooth accessories are there?
Tooth accessories can be broadly divided into two types: "those that adhere to the teeth" and "those that are worn on the teeth."
Adhesive type for teeth
A typical example is Tooth Jewelry. Small stones and other adornments are bonded to the tooth surface using specialized dental materials. Because they are relatively easy to enjoy, their popularity has grown in recent years, especially on social media, and more dental clinics are offering them.
Wearable type for teeth
A prime example is Grillz. They are often custom-made to fit the teeth and can be worn only when desired. Their removability makes them attractive, as they can be worn to match the day's fashion or for special events.
Tooth Jewelry
Application Method: Adhered to teeth
Removal: △ (Removed at a dental clinic)
Features: Accessories like small stones attached to the teeth
Grillz
Application Method: Worn based on tooth impression
Removal: ○
Features: Custom-made removable accessories
Differences between Grillz and Tooth Jewelry
While both are tooth accessories, there are significant differences in how they are worn and enjoyed.
Tooth jewelry is an accessory directly fixed to the teeth. Grills, on the other hand, are custom-made to fit the teeth and are worn only when desired.
Therefore, those who "want to enjoy an accent daily" tend to choose tooth jewelry, while those who "want to change them according to fashion" or "want to create their own custom-made design" tend to choose grills.
Neither is superior; it is important to choose the way of enjoying them that suits you best.
Who chooses Grillz?
In the past, grills were strongly associated with hip-hop culture. However, the ways people enjoy them are gradually expanding today.
People who work in creative fields like music and art. People who wear them for special occasions. People who want to subtly express their individuality.
Everyone has different reasons for choosing them. Therefore, there is no single "right way" for grills to be.
The ability to choose your own expression. That is also one of the charms of grills.
PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Things to know if you're considering tooth jewelry
In recent years, with the spread of social media, interest in tooth jewelry has grown, and dental clinics offering procedures at relatively affordable prices have increased in Japan. While it's gaining popularity as an easy-to-enjoy tooth accessory, there are points to be aware of before undergoing the procedure.
For tooth jewelry, it is common to perform a process called "etching" to securely fix the specialized adhesive. During etching, the tooth surface (enamel) is treated very slightly with chemicals to create microscopic irregularities, invisible to the naked eye, thereby enhancing adhesion.
While the treated area is very shallow, the microscopic changes in enamel morphology caused by etching do not fully revert to their original structure. Therefore, when undergoing the procedure, it is important to receive a thorough explanation of the treatment content and characteristics and to make a decision only after you are fully convinced.
Furthermore, after the procedure, it is crucial to maintain tooth health and promote remineralization through daily oral care, such as high-concentration fluoride application at a dental clinic and using fluoride-containing toothpaste.
To enjoy your grills for a long time
Grills are not accessories that are bonded to the tooth surface. They are custom-made tooth accessories that are fitted to your dental impression and worn only when desired.
Therefore, precise dental impressions and high accuracy of fit are essential for long-term comfortable use. Insufficient fit can lead to them coming off easily or causing discomfort. Also, daily maintenance is important, such as cleaning them after use and storing them thoroughly dried.
At Dr.Grillz Tokyo, dentists and dental technicians collaborate to custom-make grills that perfectly fit each individual's mouth.
Because they are worn in the mouth, we do not compromise on precision and fit, in addition to aesthetic beauty.
FAQ
Q. Do grills require shaving my teeth?
Standard removable grills can be worn without shaving your teeth. However, depending on your tooth alignment and the design, suitability may vary, so it is recommended to consult with a dentist.
Q. Can I wear grills every day?
This depends on the duration of use and the condition of your mouth. If wearing for extended periods, it is important to regularly clean and care for your oral cavity to maintain hygiene.
Q. What is the difference from tooth jewelry?
Tooth jewelry is an accessory that is adhered to the tooth surface to be enjoyed. Grills, on the other hand, are custom-made removable accessories that are worn only when desired.
Q. Are grills custom-made?
Typically, they are custom-made to fit each individual's dental impression. Designing them to match your tooth alignment and bite allows for a more natural fit.
FROM THE JOURNAL
Grills may still be known only to a limited number of people in Japan. While we respect their history and culture, we don't believe grills should be exclusive to HIPHOP.
Learning about tooth accessories. Understanding them correctly. Being able to make the right choice for yourself. We believe that this accumulation will foster new culture.
In this Journal, we will build knowledge one step at a time, focusing on lasting insights rather than fleeting trends.
— Dr.Grillz Tokyo
NEXT JOURNAL
What is the price of grills?
The price of grills varies widely, from a few thousand yen to hundreds of thousands of yen or more.
A dentist explains clearly why there is such a price difference, covering materials, design, manufacturing methods, and the value unique to custom-made items.
