Are Grills Bad for Your Teeth? A Dentist Explains

Grills can look incredible — and they can be safe for your teeth. The problems people run into usually come from a poor fit, cheap metal or skipped cleaning, not from grills themselves. Here's what a dentist wants you to know before you get a set.

The short answer

A well-made grill that fits closely, worn on healthy teeth and cleaned every day, is low risk. There isn't much research on wearing grills long term, so the safest approach is to treat a grill like any other dental appliance: have it fitted properly and keep up with your checkups.

The real risks

• Cavities and gum disease. Food and plaque can get trapped between a grill and your teeth. Left there, bacteria cause decay, inflamed gums and bad breath.
• Gum irritation. Rough or poorly finished edges can rub against your gums.
• Wear on your other teeth. Metal is harder than enamel, so a grill can wear down the teeth it bites against — especially if you grind.
• Metal reactions. Cheap or plated grills may contain nickel or other base metals that irritate some people.
• Poor fit from home kits. At-home mold kits often produce grills that rock, pinch or trap food.

How to wear grills safely

• Start with a dental exam. Treat any cavities or gum problems first — a grill covers them up, it doesn't fix them.
• Get it made from a precise scan. A close fit leaves less room for food and plaque.
• Choose quality metal. Solid gold (yellow, white or rose) or platinum is less likely to cause a reaction than plated base metals.
• Take removable grills out to eat and brush.
• Clean it every day. Rinse it after wearing, brush it gently with a soft toothbrush, and let it dry before storing it in its case.
• Brush and floss before putting it back in.
• Keep your regular checkups. Your dentist can spot early problems under or around the grill.

Removable vs. permanent

Removable grills slide on and off, so your natural teeth stay as they are. You wear them when you want and take them out for meals and cleaning.

Permanent options, such as diamond-set crowns, are a dental procedure. A crown usually means reshaping the natural tooth, so it's a long-term decision. It should only be done on a tooth that's healthy enough to support it, by a dentist who checks your bite and gums first. Smaller accents, like a single diamond bonded to a healthy tooth, are less involved.

Why it matters who makes your grill

Dr. Montalvo designs grills from a 3D scan of your teeth, using the same CAD/CAM technology he has taught at UCLA, USC, the University of Utah and Loma Linda University. You see the design on screen before it's made, and he checks your teeth and gums before anything is fitted.

See Diamond Dentistry & custom grills

This article is general information, not a diagnosis. If you're worried about your symptoms, contact a dentist or doctor.