**My teenage boy is big on hip-hop and wants to buy a “grill” for his teeth. I don’t like them, but he’ll get one regardless. What I want to know is will they cause him any harm? Do New Zealand dentists approve of them?
**
For readers who don’t know what you’re talking about, “grills” – as they’re known in hip-hop – are decorative plates, usually made of metal, that go over the front teeth.
A kind of dental bling. From what I know, I don’t think there is anything dangerous about wearing them if they’re fitted properly. I doubt that many dentists would encourage their use, but you should have no trouble finding one happy to have them made and fitted.
It’s a matter of taking moulds so they sit over the teeth perfectly. They are not cheap, ranging between a couple of hundred to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on what they’re made of. The hip-hop stars have pure gold, of course.
I suggest you make a dental appointment with a reliable practitioner and go from there. It’s important you get a quote first.
Dentists agree those who wear grills should make sure they can be easily removed, so the teeth they cover can be frequently cleaned and flossed.
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