tooth gem AFTERCARE

Gems and charms can last from 1 month to 2+ years depending on biology, diet, and hygiene. As long as you follow proper aftercare (honor system), my work is guaranteed for 30 days.

Before appointment:

If you're going to whiten, do it 2 weeks in advance.
Brush right beforehand if you can!
Bring or email photo ID (passport, license, state ID, military ID) and either 1) proof of COVID-19 vaccination OR 2) negative test result (home tests OK) from within 24 hours of appointment.

After appointment:

You will feel the gem on your tooth; it will fade with time and you will not notice the gem after a few days. Note: nothing should ever feel sharp; if something is sharp, get in touch as soon as possible.
Avoid anything super-stainy (red wine, turmeric, etc.).
Eat mindfully: avoid hard/sticky foods, do not chew ice/hard candy/taffy, chomp on dense/hard foods (e.g. bagels) on gem-less teeth, if possible.
Brush and floss your teeth as normal, and keep the area clean. The cleaner you keep your gem, the longer it will last. Charcoal toothpastes are not recommended.
Whitening is OK but may weaken the gem's bond if whitening is very strong or frequent. You can trim this area out of your white strips or not put whitening gel on the teeth with gems, or go lightly in these areas. Keep in mind the area under the gems will not whiten.
Keep in mind that the less you fiddle with it, the longer it will last. Similarly, the less you use your gemmed tooth/teeth to bite directly into things, the longer the gem(s) will last.
Maintain regular dental visits. As with braces/retainers, plaque and tartar can accumulate around gem(s) and should be monitored-- along with the rest of your mouth-- during regularly scheduled trips to the dentist.
Watch gem(s) for changes. If gem(s) feel loose, or there is a change in appearance on/around gem(s), consult with your dentist.

When you want the gem off:

Gems will eventually fall off on their own but there is no way to predict when this will happen. Some factors affecting longevity include pH balance of the mouth, diet, enamel quality, position on your tooth, size of gem, type of gem, and your oral hygiene habits.
If you decide you are done with your gem before it has fallen on its own, you can visit your dentist to have it removed. I suggest calling beforehand to make sure this is a service they can offer you. Many dentists will include it with a cleaning appointment for no charge, but all dentists are different.
Sometimes when a crystal falls, it will separate from its metallic backing. This is normal. You will see the shiny disc that the glass crystal sits on, and the glass part of the gem will be gone. The backing and remaining adhesive can be easily removed by a dentist with polishing / buffing. If will also often dissipate naturally as you brush the area over time.
Please do not attempt to remove crystals on your own! This is not safe! Visit a dentist!