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Guide updated and enriched by Emir ICE. Beyond the history of the brand, this article explains what a grillz actually is: the dental impression process, types of construction, materials and finishes, hygiene and maintenance, usage precautions, the adjustment period, and common mistakes. Two comparative tables, a glossary, and an FAQ round out the dossier.
Warning: this article treats the grillz as a piece of jewelry. It in no way replaces the advice of a healthcare professional. For any oral health questions, discomfort, pain, or irritation, consult a dental surgeon.
Johnny Dang is a Vietnamese immigrant who became the premier jeweler of diamond jewelry for the biggest American Hip Hop stars and artists.
Johnny Dang is an entrepreneur and jewelry designer, known as "the jeweler to the stars".
Dang created eccentric jewelry that accessorized and defined the lifestyle of today's popular Hip Hop stars. Best known for popularizing the diamond-encrusted tooth covers called "Grillz", Johnny Dang influenced the Grammy-winning hip-hop collaboration of Nelly and Paul Wall.The song "Grillz" by Nelly and Paul Wall colorfully elaborated on the jewelry phenomenon taking over the entertainment industry. From Paris Hilton and Hugh Hefner to P. Diddy and Kanye West, everyone was wearing grillz!
Today, the Johnny Dang & Co company Instagram page shows a multitude of famous artists wearing his jewelry, hugging him as if he were part of the family, with big smiles of diamond-encrusted grillz as they visit his 16,000-square-foot shop that resembles a small palace. Kanye West, Jay Z, Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Cardi B, Rick Ross, and many other big names are all loyal clients of Johnny Dang Co.
Today, his fortune is estimated at a net worth of 20 million dollars. Based in Houston, Texas, Johnny Dang began working in the jewelry field as a watch repairer by renting a booth in a local Houston flea market. One thing led to another, and Johnny Dang became passionate about building a brand. That is when several collections began to emerge: Johnny Dang chain, bracelet, ring, grillz, and watch.
He then expanded his booth with his first location in the Sharpstown Mall, also in Houston, Texas, specializing in custom jewelry repair and manufacturing, and later a second store in the same mall.
The popularity of Johnny Dang and his business tenacity forced other competing jewelry stores to close their doors. Every day, celebrities, out-of-towners, and window-shopping regulars flood his stores.
Johnny Dang Co is considered an architect of the "Bling Bling" jewelry industry; all his creations are custom-made and manufactured in-house in their state-of-the-art jewelry and repair workshop. Since then, he has been known as the "Jeweler to the Stars" and regularly creates custom pieces for a large number of celebrities.
Recognized for his eccentric and custom jewelry designs, clients can conceive and create the jewelry of their dreams. Johnny Dang Co offers a true bespoke service from the initial idea to the final jewelry design.
As one of the most respected and revered jewelers in the "Hip Hop" jewelry industry, Johnny Dang and many of his custom jewelry collections have been featured in Hip Hop magazines such as XXL, The Source, and Ozone, and have appeared on shows like MTV's "Super Sweet Sixteen" and BET's "Spring Bling." He and his business partner, Paul Wall, are featured in their own reality series, "The Johnny Dang and Paul Wall Show."
Today, Johnny Dang Co and his hip-hop star partner Paul Wall now own three stores in the luxury mall in Houston, Texas, and have major wholesale clients, in addition to their regular custom-design business.
He has single-handedly changed the way today's artists wear their jewelry.
Johnny Dang is so respected in the industry that you can easily find his name in a dozen songs. Gucci Mane, Chief Keef, and Lil Pump have all mentioned him in their songs and rocked his jewelry during their concerts.Even if you are not a fan of diamonds, gold chains, or hip hop, the story of Johnny Dang, going from repairing jewelry in a flea market to creating his own luxury jewelry empire, is the embodiment of the American dream and is an inspiration to anyone who dreams of being an entrepreneur.
The story above explains how the grillz went from the Houston hip-hop scene to global popular culture. It says nothing, however, about what this object is from a jeweler's perspective.
Yet this is where the real questions for a buyer come into play: how is it fitted, what material is it made of, how is it worn, how is it maintained, and what precautions should be taken.
The rest of this guide answers these questions one by one, without unnecessary jargon.
A grillz is a removable piece of jewelry that sits on the visible surface of the teeth. It does not replace anything, is not glued on, and does not alter the tooth: it slips on over the top, like a shell.
The term "grill" is sometimes used in the singular to refer to the set placed on a jaw, and "grillz" for the object in general. Both spellings circulate, but the latter has become standard in French.
The principle is purely decorative. A correctly designed grillz stays in place by simple friction on the dental crown, without excessive pressure, and can be removed in a few seconds.
It is not a dental brace, a prosthesis, or a medical device. It does not correct any alignment defects and has no therapeutic function.
It should never be used to mask a dental problem. A painful tooth, irritated gums, or an unseated crown are matters for a dental surgeon, never a jeweler.
This is the step that determines the comfort of the jewelry. A custom grillz must start with an impression of your dentition.
A dental impression kit generally contains a rigid tray, one or more bags of two-component impression putty, and instructions. The principle is simple, but precision counts.
Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth. An impression taken on uncleaned teeth loses sharpness at the edges.
Read the entire manual before mixing anything: once the two putties are combined, the working time is short.
Knead the two components until you obtain a perfectly homogeneous color, without marbling. Poorly mixed putty hardens irregularly and distorts the impression.
Distribute the putty evenly in the tray, forming a continuous roll. Avoid empty areas on the sides; these are what lead to incomplete impressions on the canines.
Place the tray well-centered, then bite firmly but without force, keeping the jaw still for the entire set time indicated.
Then remove with a clean, sharp motion, downward for the upper jaw. The impression must clearly show the relief of each tooth, down to the gum line.
The impression kit: the first step to any truly fitted grillz.
The most common is biting too hard: the putty is pushed out the sides and the teeth imprint right down to the gum, which distorts the useful relief.
The second is moving during setting. The slightest lateral movement creates a shift that is impossible to fix at the workshop.
The third is removing too soon. Putty that is still soft deforms upon removal and results in jewelry that is too loose.
Not all grillz are constructed in the same way. The choice of construction changes the look, comfort, and price.
This is the most common format: a continuous strip covering several adjacent teeth, often four, six, or eight. It offers the best hold and the largest decorative surface.
Its constraint is rigidity: the more teeth it covers, the more precise the impression must be, or else it may bear on only one tooth.
Here, each tooth receives its own independent shell. You can wear just one, two, or vary the arrangement.
This is the most flexible and discreet option. However, it requires impeccable individual fit, as each element is not supported by its neighbors.
The bar only covers a portion of the tooth face, often as a horizontal strip. It allows the enamel to be seen and creates a marked contrast.
There are also open versions, known as "open face," where the shell is hollowed out to reveal the tooth in the center. The look is more graphic and provides less coverage.
The metal determines the appearance, weight, and behavior over time. The available colors follow classic jewelry codes: yellow, white, rose, or two-tone.
A mirror polish finish reflects light sharply and is immediately noticeable. However, it shows micro-scratches more easily.
A satin or brushed finish diffuses light and appears more understated. It hides daily wear better.
Pavé versions use classic techniques: bead setting for a dense and continuous surface, channel setting for a regular line. To understand the trade-offs regarding metal, read which metal to choose for custom jewelry making.
The gold karat influences the color and resistance: our 14K vs 18K gold comparison details these differences.
| Type of grillz | Coverage | Fit/Hold | For whom |
|---|---|---|---|
| One piece, 6 to 8 teeth | Maximum | Very good | Stage, photo, bold effect |
| One piece, 2 to 4 teeth | Average | Good | First grillz, occasional wear |
| Per tooth | Modular | Variable | Discreet and customizable look |
| Bar | Partial | Good | Graphic look, contrast with enamel |
| Open face | Contour only | Good | Framing effect, assertive style |
This is the most often neglected point, and yet the most important. A piece of jewelry that stays in the mouth accumulates plaque and food residue.
After each use, rinse the grillz with lukewarm water, then brush it delicately with a soft-bristled brush reserved for this purpose. Dry it completely before storing.
Brush your teeth before and after wearing. A grillz placed on uncleaned teeth traps residue against the enamel.
Store it dry, in a closed case. Residual humidity encourages deposits and tarnishes the finishes.
Avoid abrasive products, bleach, and unsuitable ultrasonic baths. Our general tips can be found in cleaning gold jewelry.
| Moment | Action | To avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Before wearing | Brush teeth, jewelry dry and clean | Placing on uncleaned teeth |
| During wear | Remove to eat and drink hot liquids | Chewing with jewelry in place |
| After wearing | Lukewarm rinse, soft brush, drying | Storing while damp |
| Every week | Thorough gentle cleaning, visual check | Abrasive or chlorinated products |
| Storage | Closed case, dry, away from friction | Pocket, bag, contact with other jewelry |
A grillz should be worn occasionally, not continuously. A few simple rules avoid most issues.
Do not eat with it. Chewing exerts forces far greater than what decorative jewelry is intended to withstand and traps residue between the metal and the enamel.
Do not sleep with it. Nighttime wear should be avoided, if only because of the risk of displacement.
Never force it. A grillz that does not fit into place without effort is not the right size. Forcing it damages the jewelry and puts unnecessary strain on the tooth.
Remove it in case of discomfort. Pain, gum irritation, a lingering taste, or sensitivity to hot and cold should lead you to remove the jewelry and consult a dental surgeon.
Finally, never modify a grillz yourself and do not glue it under any circumstances. Dental jewelry must remain removable.
The first few minutes are always strange: unusual presence, increased salivation, slightly altered articulation. This is normal and transient.
Expect several short sessions before wearing the jewelry comfortably. Start with ten to fifteen minutes, then gradually increase.
Diction requires a little practice, especially on sibilant consonants. Reading aloud for a few minutes is the fastest way to get used to it.
If, after several tries, the discomfort persists or if the jewelry marks your gums, do not persist: have the fit checked and speak to a dental health professional.
Match the tone of the grillz to that of other pieces worn: coherence is more important than quantity.
A grillz is by nature a very visible piece: it is located in the center of the face, in the line of sight. It therefore captures attention before anything else.
The rule is simple: if the grillz is the dominant piece, everything else should be secondary. A thin chain, a sober bracelet, no statement ring.
Keep one dominant metal tone. A yellow grillz with a white chain and a rose bracelet makes the whole look cluttered.
On the face, only one piece should dominate: grillz or glasses, rarely both at full intensity.
For the stage or a photo shoot, a large, stone-set piece is fully justified: it reads well from a distance and under spotlights.
For a night out, two to four teeth are often enough. The effect remains sharp without becoming invasive.
For a first grillz, start small. A piece covering two to four teeth allows you to test the comfort before investing in a more ambitious model.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Grillz | Removable jewelry placed on the visible surface of the teeth, with no medical function. |
| Impression | Molding of the dental relief serving as a base for manufacturing the jewelry. |
| Tray | Rigid arch-shaped support that holds the impression putty. |
| Open face | Grillz hollowed out in the center, allowing the tooth enamel to show through. |
| Bar | Narrow strip covering only a portion of the tooth surface. |
| Pave setting | Stones held by tiny beads of pushed metal. |
| Mirror polish | Shiny finish that reflects light directly. |
| Satin | Matte and diffused finish, more tolerant of micro-scratches. |
It is a removable piece of jewelry that is placed on the visible surface of the teeth, without modifying them or sticking to them. It stays in place by simple friction and can be removed in seconds.
For a custom-made model, yes. The impression is the only way to obtain a piece of jewelry that conforms to the relief of your teeth and stays in place without forcing.
No in both cases. Chewing puts stress on the jewelry far beyond what it is designed for, and nighttime wear presents a risk of displacement.
Rinse it with lukewarm water after each use, brush it with a dedicated soft-bristled brush, and dry it completely before storing it in a closed case.
Expect several short sessions, starting with ten to fifteen minutes. Diction is corrected quickly by reading aloud for a few minutes.
Immediately remove the jewelry and do not put it back in as long as the discomfort persists. For any oral health questions, consult a dental surgeon.
Discover the pieces available in the diamond grillz, custom diamond jewelry, and diamond jewelry collections.
Frequent searches: custom grillz, grillz dental impression kit, how to take an impression for grillz, removable or fixed grillz, grillz per tooth, grillz bar, open face grillz, grillz maintenance, can you eat with a grillz, how many teeth for a grillz, yellow gold or white gold grillz, first time grillz, grillz diction, cleaning a grillz, grillz oral hygiene.
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