Definition
A tartar is a piece of jewelry that is attached to a tooth and remains permanently attached to it. The tooth jewelry is attached to the tooth by means of acid etching technique, as it is done with fillings. In addition to tartar, other motifs and color variations are also available. In technical jargon the stones are also called Twinkles.
Who uses tartar?
Dental jewelry is offered in dental offices and is used by the dentist himself or by dental professionals. The tartar or tooth jewelry may only be attached to healthy teeth, which is why it must be used by qualified personnel.
Is it possible to glue a tartar by yourself?
A tartar cannot be fixed by itself, because the tooth must be professionally pre-treated to prevent plaque or bacteria from settling under the fixed stone, otherwise caries will develop underneath. In addition, the tooth must be roughened with an etching gel made of phosphoric acid so that the bond to the dental adhesive remains intact and no bacteria can attack the tooth. These products are only available in the dental practice and should only be used as medical products by qualified personnel.
We absolutely advise against any offers for independent bonding, as these offered materials are not medical products and therefore their suitability is not guaranteed. If used by the patient him/herself, damage to the hard tooth substance may occur. Furthermore, the optimal bond is not guaranteed and the stone can peel off very quickly.
What are the costs at the dentist?
The cost of dental jewelry at a dentist is usually very low and there is a wide selection of figures and motifs. The regular costs are between five and twenty euros. The tooth jewelry is a purely private service and is not subsidized or covered by any health insurance. Therefore every dentist can arrange his own price. A price comparison can be worthwhile.
How can tartar be removed?
If the tooth jewelry is to be removed, this should be done again at the dentist’s and not be attempted by the patient himself in order not to damage the teeth. The dentist can remove the stone professionally and fluoridate the tooth afterwards in order to optimally treat the area under the tooth jewelry. If this after-treatment does not happen, the area over which the stone used to lie can be sensitive and more susceptible to caries, so self-treatment is not recommended. You can find additional information here: Fluoridation of the teeth
