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Removable caps and grillz are a form of tooth jewelry, typically gold, that fit over your existing teeth, both in the front and in back. You can pop these pieces in and out as you please. Since I take detailed double impressions of your teeth ahead of jewelry production, your jewelry is customized not only to your design specifications, but to your teeth-- built to fit like a glove.
Your jewelry will last for a long time if properly cared for. For the safety of both your jewelry and your teeth, it's recommended you remove any jewelry before eating, drinking, smoking, or sleeping.
To keep your jewelry looking pretty, use a polishing cloth on the outer portion of the piece, and a toothbrush, brushing gently, on the inside. You may also soak your gold teeth in mouthwash overnight. To keep bacteria at bay, you're advised to clean your grillz as often as you clean your real teeth. See full care instructions here.
Jewelry comes in 10-18kt solid gold-- yellow, white, or rose, as well as silver or platinum, depending on budget and preference. Pieces are often embellished with a variety of precious stones, including diamonds, as well as colored enamel.
HAVE A GAP: Yes! Depending on the size of your gap, there are different options available such as making pieces a bit larger to compensate for gap space, adding a gap filler piece, or making a series of separate pieces as opposed to one large set of grillz.
HAVE CROOKED TEETH: Generally, yes! Jewelry is created based on an impression of your teeth, so crooked teeth are no issue-- the jewelry will match your teeth.
HAVE MISSING TEETH: Generally, yes, as long as the teeth on either side of the missing tooth are healthy and strong enough to support jewelry. As each person's mouth is unique, please reach out for an online consult on your specific chompers.
Production time is typically is 3-6 weeks, but can take longer for large/intricate projects. Additionally, jewelry occasionally needs to be resized, which can add additional time. While rush options are available for a fee, it's highly recommended you allow at least 2 months between your first appointment and any big events you're hoping to wear your jewelry to.
Jewelry is built based on your personal, detailed bite impressions; pieces are custom-made to slide snugly on top of your tooth/teeth, gripping them from the front/back. Putting your jewelry on should merely require a little push into place from you. Pieces should be tight enough to stay in place but not so tight that they cause any pain/tooth movement.
If you are experiencing any pain/discomfort, or if your jewelry is slipping/moving, please get in touch right away so we can fix it up to ensure your jewelry is comfortable long-term.
Can you? Sure. SHOULD you? No.
While most people are physically capable of eating/drinking/sleeping with their jewelry in, it is not advised for a number of reasons, such as:
Food/drink on grillz = dirty grillz.
Rough foods may scratch your jewelry.
Bacteria may sneak between your grill and teeth, which heightens your risk of cavities.
It's also important to clean your teeth between eating and putting your jewelry back in your mouth. This removes food/bacteria stuck between your teeth before replacing the jewelry, lowering risk of cavities.
Cathedral Tattoo Studio welcomes you warmly! While IDs are required for service per Illinois law, YOU dictate your pronouns/how you'd like to be addressed.
Cathedral Tattoo Studio is largely wheelchair-/assisted device-friendly, with an open path to the tooth gem area, and a large single occupancy restroom. Please note there is a small bump from the sidewalk into the shop at the entrance. There is currently no bathroom bar, but one is forthcoming.
Clients typically lay on a tattoo bed for their service, but the process can be modified to be done wherever you're most comfortable.
Cathedral Tattoo Studio typically has music on and may have incense burning, so please keep this in mind if you have sensory sensitivities.
Mobile services to accommodate accessibility needs are an option, schedule permitting.
The gem process is usually fast, about 15 minutes end-to-end, though complex projects can take 30-60 minutes. It is painless, but may be triggering if you are dentist-wary. Want to know more about what your specific gemming process would look like, based on your design goals & access needs? Email me and I'll be happy to walk you through in detail.