One of the first questions people ask before getting a tooth gem is: how long will my tooth gem actually stay on?

The honest answer is that there's no exact expiry date.

Tooth gems are generally considered semi-permanent, and how long one stays in place can vary considerably from person to person. Some people enjoy theirs for several months, while others find that theirs lasts much longer. Application, placement, everyday habits and aftercare can all play a part.

What affects how long a tooth gem lasts?

Application

The way a tooth gem is applied can make a difference to how well it stays in place. Proper preparation of the tooth and the use of appropriate bonding materials are important parts of the application process.

This is one reason professional application matters when choosing a tooth gem.

Placement

Not every tooth experiences the same amount of pressure throughout the day.

The position of a gem, the shape of the tooth and your individual bite can all influence how much contact or pressure it experiences.

Your everyday habits

Your tooth gem has to live in your mouth; which is a surprisingly busy place.

Biting directly onto hard foods, chewing ice, biting your nails or repeatedly playing with your gem can all put additional stress on the bond.

You don't need to be afraid of eating normally with a tooth gem. It's more about being aware of where your gem is and avoiding unnecessary pressure on it.

Aftercare

Looking after your teeth and your gem can help you get the most out of your tooth gem.

Continue brushing and flossing regularly, and take a little extra care around the gem. Avoid deliberately picking or pulling at it, and follow the aftercare advice given after your appointment.

Do gold tooth gems last longer than crystal tooth gems?

Not neccesarily.

The lifespan of a tooth gem isn't determined by the material alone. The bonding process, placement, shape of the piece and your individual habits can all influence how long it remains attached.

So while an 18K gold tooth gem and a crystal tooth gem may look very different, you shouldn't assume that one will automatically last longer simply because of the material.

What happens if a tooth gem comes off?

Tooth gems are not permanent, so eventually yours may come loose or fall off.

If that happens, don't try to glue it back onto your tooth yourself. If you're unsure whether any bonding material remains on the tooth, have it checked and removed professionally rather than trying to scrape it away.

And if you've simply decided you're ready for a different look, tooth gems can be professionally removed rather than left to wear indefinitely.

So, how long should you expect your tooth gem to last?

There isn't one number that applies to everyone.

A professionaly applied tooth gem can last for months and potentially much longer, but your individual experience will depend on a combination of factors; including the application, placement, your habits and how you care for it.

Rather than thinking of your tooth gem as having a fixed lifespan, think of it as a piece of semi-permanent jewellery that you get to enjoy for as long as it stays comfortably in place.

Thinking about getting one?

Efya Gems offers all clients a one month warranty. If your gem comes off within this period, you are welcome for a free replacement.

Explore the Adinkra Collection or book an appointment at the Efya Gems studio in Amsterdam to choose your next tooth gem.