Your first tooth gem appointment should feel exciting — not intimidating. Knowing exactly what happens during the process helps you relax and enjoy the experience. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough of what to expect when you visit The Gemist Hub.

Before Your Appointment

Preparation starts before you arrive. We recommend:

  • Brush and floss thoroughly before your appointment — clean enamel bonds better
  • Avoid whitening products for 48 hours prior — whitening can temporarily alter enamel surface chemistry
  • Eat beforehand — you will need to wait approximately 1 hour after gem placement before eating
  • Have an idea of what you want — browse our gem options and think about placement. We will help you finalise during the consultation

For the complete preparation guide, visit our tooth gem prep page.

Step 1: Consultation

Every appointment begins with a consultation. This is not just gem selection — it is a clinical assessment:

  • We assess your dental health to ensure gem application is appropriate
  • We discuss your gem preferences — material, size, colour, and placement
  • We consider your bite, lip line, and smile dynamics to recommend the most flattering position
  • We answer any questions you have about the process, longevity, and aftercare

This consultation step is unique to dental professional-led clinics. It ensures your gem looks great and is clinically appropriate for your specific dental situation.

Step 2: Tooth Preparation

Once we have agreed on the gem and placement:

  • The tooth is cleaned with a professional prophylaxis paste to remove any surface film
  • The area is isolated from moisture using cotton rolls or a retractor
  • A dental-grade etchant is applied to create micro-pores in the enamel for bonding

This entire process is painless. No drilling, no injections, no anaesthesia. You are fully comfortable throughout.

Step 3: Gem Application

The bonding process follows the same clinical protocol used for orthodontic brackets:

  • Dental adhesive (bonding agent) is applied to the prepared enamel surface
  • A small amount of dental composite resin is placed
  • Your chosen gem is carefully positioned
  • UV light cures (hardens) the bond in seconds
  • Excess material is cleaned away and the edges are polished smooth

The entire application takes approximately 15-30 minutes depending on complexity. For multi-gem designs, allow additional time.

Step 4: Aftercare Briefing

Before you leave, we walk you through your aftercare instructions in detail:

  • When you can eat and drink
  • How to brush around your gem
  • What foods and habits to avoid
  • Signs to watch for and when to contact us

How Long Does It Take?

Plan for approximately 45 minutes total for a single gem appointment — this includes consultation, preparation, application, and aftercare briefing. Multi-gem appointments may take up to 90 minutes.

Does It Hurt?

No. The process is completely painless. There is no drilling into the tooth, no injection, and no alteration to your tooth structure. The most you will feel is a slight taste from the dental etchant — similar to what you experience during a dental cleaning.

Ready to book your first tooth gem appointment?

Book Now

We see clients in Sydney (Canley Vale, NSW 2166) and Adelaide (Parafield Gardens, SA 5107), by appointment only. Call 0416 169 211 if you have questions before booking.