Veeners and tooth gems: are they a good match?

A mix of white and yellow gold charms and crystal tooth gems done by Ro Bataille at Cherry Bomb Studio, NYC

One of the most common questions we receive at Cherry Bomb Studio is some variation of "Can I get tooth gems over veneers?"

Today, I'll officially set the record straight!

Essentially, the answer is no. Putting tooth gems on veneers isn't possible due to the nature of the veneers themselves. Veneers are custom-made, thin shells of porcelain or composite resin bonded to your teeth' front surface. They are designed to improve the appearance of teeth by altering their shape, color, or alignment.

Tooth gems, on the other hand, are small decorative lead-free gems that we apply to the surface of natural teeth. They adhere to the enamel using a dental adhesive. Since veneers are made of different materials and have a smooth and polished surface, the adhesive used for tooth gems may not bond effectively to the veneer's surface, potentially causing them to become dislodged or compromising the integrity of the veneers.

Additionally, applying tooth gems involves some preparation of the tooth's surface, which is not recommended for veneers as it may damage the veneer or affect its appearance.

But there is good news! We're always happy to gem a tooth that doesn't have veneers on it. We also offer walk-in tattoos and piercings if you want to take your self-expression in a different direction!