Do you have any tattoos? According to most estimates, 1 in 5 Americans have at least one. Did you know that it is also possible to have tattoos on your teeth?
What Are Tattooths?
Tattoos on teeth is a unique, growing trend in dentistry. It all started in the late 90s, when a patient in need of a crown requested a Corvette on his crown. Since then, dental labs that create custom permanent crowns to restore size, shape, and function of damaged teeth have added ink to made-to-order crowns.
Who Can Get a Tooth Tattoo?
If you think a tattooth of your very own would be neat, first you will need a new dental crown. Since dental crowns are caps that completely cover damaged teeth, a tattooth is not appropriate for everyone. Only teeth that require dental crowns are eligible for tattooing because the process that sets the ‘ink’ involves baking the crown to an extremely high temperature to make a permanent lasting design. But if you are needing to solve the following common dental issues, you may have the option of adding custom artwork to your crowns:
- Repair a tooth with a large filling or chip
- Cover a discolored or misshapen tooth
- Cover a tooth that has had a root canal
- Attach a bridge
If you qualify for a dental crown and think a tattooth would be a fun way to express yourself, you’ll need to decide on a design and a location for your tooth tattoo. Many people choose team logos and initials on the inside of the tooth or on one of the teeth along the jawline.
Are Tattooths Permanent?
Since tooth ink is applied to a dental crown, tattooths last for the life of a crown. A tattooth will not wear away as a result of eating or drinking, but if you change your mind it can be removed by a dentist.
Consult with Us!
Because we want you to be confident about your smile, we encourage you to carefully consider the pros and cons before getting a tooth tattoo on a dental crown. Interested in learning more about whether other dental trends are safe, including tooth jewelry and DIY whitening? Contact us today!
