From rhinestone-studded smiles on social media to intentional tooth staining and artistic enamel designs, smile art is having a moment.
What once lived on the fringes of fashion and pop culture has entered the mainstream, fueled by influencers, celebrities, and a growing interest in self-expression through appearance. But as these trends gain traction, many patients are left wondering: Are tooth gems and smile art harmless fun—or a dental fad with real risks?
The answer, as with many cosmetic trends, isn’t black and white.
The Appeal of Smile Art
At its core, smile art taps into something deeply human: the desire to stand out and feel confident. Teeth are highly visible, especially in an era of selfies and video content. For some, adding a gem or artistic detail feels no different than choosing bold earrings or a unique hairstyle.
Smile art also benefits from its temporary nature - at least in theory. Tooth gems are often marketed as non-permanent, reversible, and less invasive than traditional cosmetic dentistry. This makes them especially appealing to younger audiences who want to experiment without committing to veneers or bonding. But what’s marketed as simple and safe deserves a closer look.
Tooth Gems
Tooth gems are typically small crystals or charms bonded to the surface of a tooth using dental adhesive. When applied correctly by a dental professional, they can be placed without drilling or permanent alteration to the tooth. However, problems arise when:
- Gems are applied outside a dental setting
- Non-dental adhesives or kits are used
- Proper isolation and bonding techniques are skipped
Poor placement can trap plaque around the gem, increasing the risk of decay, enamel damage, and gum inflammation. Removal done improperly can also scratch or weaken enamel, which causes damage that isn’t always reversible. In other words, the gem itself isn’t necessarily the issue. How and where it’s applied matters far more.
Trending: Tooth Stains
Intentional tooth staining is a newer (and more controversial) form of smile art. Some trends involve using pigments or chemicals to darken enamel for aesthetic effect.
From a dental perspective, this raises red flags.
Enamel is porous. Once certain stains penetrate it, they can be extremely difficult, or even impossible, to remove completely. Unlike coffee or wine stains, intentional staining agents may cause permanent discoloration, weaken enamel, or interfere with future whitening and restorative treatments.
What may seem edgy or artistic in the moment can result in long-term cosmetic challenges that require professional correction.
The Health-First Perspective
Dentistry balances aesthetics with function and long-term oral health. While self-expression is valid, teeth aren’t accessories you can easily replace. Key questions to consider before pursuing smile art:
- Will this compromise my enamel or gum health?
- Can it be safely reversed?
- Is it being done under professional supervision?
- How might this affect my oral health five or ten years from now?
A thoughtful cosmetic choice should enhance confidence without creating future dental problems.
Fun, Fad, or Future?
Smile art isn’t inherently frivolous, nor is it universally advisable. When done responsibly, with tooth gems placed by trained professionals, it can be a fun, temporary form of expression. When done impulsively or without dental oversight, it can quickly shift from trend to regret.
As with many beauty movements, smile art reflects a broader cultural shift toward personalization. The key is making informed decisions that respect both creativity and health. If you’re considering tooth gems or other forms of smile art, start with a conversation - not a kit or a pop-up studio. A dental professional can help you understand what’s safe, what’s reversible, and what aligns with your long-term oral health goals.
Trends come and go. Your smile should last a lifetime.