Gold grillz: why choose a custom-made grillz?
Gold grillz are removable decorative caps made from real 18K gold. At ISIS n GOLD, a custom single tooth (made in France from your dental impressions) starts at €290, while our catalog range starts at €89 for a 1-tooth gold grillz.
Every piece is handcrafted in France from personalized dental impressions.
Unlike bonded tooth jewelry (crystals, opals), grillz are removable: you can put them on and take them off freely without affecting the enamel. Made famous by Nelly, Lil Wayne, and Beyoncé, grillz have become an essential accessory bridging luxury jewelry and hip-hop culture.
What exactly is a grillz?
A grillz (also spelled grill or grills) is a precious metal cap that fits the shape of one or more teeth. According to Wikipedia, grillz appeared in American hip-hop culture in the 1980s, worn by rappers like Slick Rick and Big Daddy Kane. Since then, they have conquered high jewelry and fashion worldwide.
The gold used for grillz must meet the requirements of ISO 22674:2016 on metallic materials for dental restorations, which defines criteria for biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and hardness for any alloy worn in the mouth.
What are the different types of grillz?
There are several grillz categories, each with its own aesthetic and budget. Here's a full overview:
| Grillz type | Description | Custom France price (ISIS n GOLD) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single tooth (1 tooth) | Individual cap, plain or decorated | From €290 | First experience, subtle look |
| Two-tooth (2 teeth) | Pair of caps, often on canines | From €580 | Balanced style, symmetrical effect |
| Six-tooth (6 teeth) | Bar covering 6 front teeth | From €1,500+ | Statement piece, strong visual impact |
| Open face | Cap with a window revealing the tooth | Quote on request | Unique style, gold/tooth contrast |
| Iced out | Set with stones (CZ, diamonds) | Quote on request | Luxury look, maximum sparkle |
| Fangs | Pointed, elongated canines | Quote on request | Bold style, events |
| Diamond dust | Sanded diamond-effect finish | Quote on request | Subtle shine, unique texture |
| Full custom | Fully personalized design (initials, logos, shapes) | Quote on request | One-of-a-kind piece, personal identity |
Our expertise: at ISIS n GOLD, our craftsmen handmake every grillz in our workshop in France. From design to finish, each piece is unique and shaped to fit your teeth perfectly thanks to a personalized dental mold.
Our recommendation: for regular wear, we recommend 18K. 18-karat gold is naturally biocompatible and meets the requirements of REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 for items in contact with the human body.
How is a custom-made grillz made?
At ISIS n GOLD, creation follows a 5-step artisanal process:
- Impression: you get an impression taken by a professional, ideally a 3D scan, and send it to us by mail
- Modeling: creation of a wax model for a perfect fit
- Fabrication: casting in gold (18K), hand finishing, quality control
Lead time: 3 to 8 weeks between receiving your impression and shipping. Each piece is unique — bespoke, not series.
Are gold grillz safe for your health?
Yes, with real gold. According to Dental Materials (PMID: 17403766), high-purity gold alloys show extremely low ion release, making them among the safest materials for prolonged oral contact.
By contrast, gold-plated grillz or uncertified alloys can contain nickel (the leading contact allergen according to JEADV, PMID: 21801153) or lead. Directive 2001/95/EC requires every item sold in the EU to be safe.
At ISIS n GOLD, every grillz is made of real gold (18K minimum), nickel-free and lead-free, compliant with the REACH regulation and the ISO 22674 standard.
How do you care for your gold grillz?
A well-maintained grillz lasts years. Our advice:
- Daily cleaning: lukewarm water, soft brush, and mild soap
- Weekly soaking: jewelry solution or baking soda (5 min)
- Remove for meals: avoid food deposits and impacts
- Storage: use the case provided, away from moisture
- Oral hygiene: brush your teeth before putting your grillz back on
Read our article Tooth gem care and safety for a complete guide.
What's the difference between a grillz and a tooth gem?
Both are tooth jewelry, but they work differently: a grillz is a removable custom-made gold cap that you put on and take off freely without touching the enamel. A tooth gem is a Swarovski crystal or gold piece bonded with dental composite (semi-permanent, 4 months to 2 years, removed by a dentist). At ISIS n GOLD, we offer both — a unique advantage in the European market. Read our materials guide to choose.