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Tooth gems back as fashion statement, creating business opportunities in Hampton Roads

For a lot of people a great smile includes tooth gemming. It's a statement people make by having small crystals (or gems) placed on their teeth.

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WVEC) — Tooth gems made a bit of statement in the 1990s when people decided their pearly whites needed a little extra bling. During the past few years, they seem to have made a comeback. Celebrities, including Katie Perry, have been adding small crystals to their teeth.

Some people in Hampton Roads are getting on board with tooth gems, and Robin Gooding is helping them. She creates bright smiles for dozens of people at her shop in Chesapeake called Tooth Gems by Robin. She said the work is speaking for itself.

“It’s in the mouth, so it’s really word of mouth," Gooding told 13News Now. "It’s a great advertisement because anytime someone is talking to one of my clients they are like, 'I like it' or 'I’m not sure of it.' The more they look at it, they’re like, 'I really like it.'”

“I used to not ever like to smile or anything like that," said Cecilia Marie. "Now, because I have a jewel in there, I don’t mind smiling. I don’t mind talking.”

Gooding said part of the appeal is that the gems are temporary. You can remove them whenever you want. They are glued like braces. Her customers said it takes about 10 minutes and is painless.

“There is a prep that we use to compare the enamel and rods in the enamel," explained Gooding. "Then, there’s a composite that bonds to that enamel. Then, we use an LED light that cures the composite, so it holds onto the tooth and holds onto the gem.”

Some might have concerns about the process or just having a random jewel in your mouth. A Williamsburg dentist explained online that having a tooth gem comes with risks like developing a decay or infection. The dentist explains having the gem also offers a hiding spot for food particles and harmful bacteria.

Robin said she hasn’t seen any clients that had troubles.

“As long as you maintain your dental hygiene, brush your teeth, floss your teeth go to the dentist. They can keep it on. If you do that, it’s safe,” Gooding said.

The tooth gem can last for several months or longer. If anyone wants to take it off, the dentist can polish the gem off.

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