European
tooth jewelry starting to bite in Canadian markets
Who ever thought soldering fake gems to your
teeth would become the next fad to ravage the world of body
art. Tooth jewelry is the trend of choice among young and
hip Europeans, and in the last month it's been slowly making
its way into Canadian markets.
Last week, strolling past Sweet Seduction
Lingerie on Bank St., which harbours the former Classic
Body Piercing-now known as Classic Creations-I noticed a
poster slapped on the window bearing a picture of a sparkling
gem-studded smile. Apparently sticking a fake diamond on
a tooth will grant the bearer the twinkling grin seen only
in cartoons. Forget toothpaste. Diamonds are yellow teeth's
best friend.
Ian Wright, Classic Creations body artist, says tooth jewelry
is still relatively unknown in Canada. He started offering
the service two months ago and is one of only a handful
of artists doing it in Canada. As awareness of tooth jewelry
grows, so does the demand. Classic Creations has customers
driving in from all over Ontario to have their teeth done.
The clientele is extremely diverse, ranging in ages from
preteens to senior citizens. "People love it. It's temporary,
non-invasive and painless," says Wright. Both fake and real
stones are available and come in three sizes-small, medium
and large-accommodating everything from the baby to buck
teeth.
Oddly enough, tooth jewelry isn't a new idea.
According to a US-based manufacturer, it was patented back
in 1986 by a European dentist in response to a Swedish singer's
demand to put a diamond in her tooth. In the last year,
it's been developing into mainstream body art. After five
years of braces, I have a phobia with dentists and objects
being glued to my teeth. But if having a gold star, clover
or flower stuck on your teeth is your bag, then tooth jewelry
is a step in the right direction. With celebrities like
rappers Ol' Dirty Bastard and Ludacris heading up the tooth
jewelry bandwagon, it's only a matter of time before everyone's
got the telltale twinkle in their smile. Well, I suppose
a diamond flashing in your teeth is better than supper's
leftovers.
