Grill: Removable dental jewelry worn over teeth for fashion and status.

Grills are decorative metal covers placed over teeth, often made from gold or silver. They originated in ancient cultures and were popularized by hip hop artists in the 1980s as symbols of wealth and style.

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Grills are removable metal covers for teeth, often made of gold or silver.
The trend was popularized by hip hop artists in New York City in the early 1980s.
Ancient Maya and Etruscan people also decorated their teeth with ornaments.
Ryan Lochte wore a stone-set American flag grill at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Poorly fitted grills can cause gum disease, cavities, or allergic reactions.

What it is

A grill is a piece of dental jewelry designed to cover one or more teeth. These accessories are typically crafted from precious metals such as gold, silver, or platinum, and may be embellished with diamonds or other stones. While some versions are permanently attached, most are removable appliances that fit over the natural teeth. They serve as visible markers of personal style and economic standing, transforming the mouth into a canvas for ornamentation.

History and origin

The practice of adorning teeth dates back over four thousand years among ancient Maya and Etruscan peoples. In modern times, the trend was revitalized by hip hop artists in New York City during the early 1980s. Jewelers like Eddie Plein adapted dental crowns to create multiple caps, known initially as fronts. The style gained widespread attention through Southern rap scenes in the 2000s, fueled by hits like Nelly's song 'Grillz' and celebrity endorsements.

What it means

Grills function as potent symbols of power, social status, and wealth within urban communities. Their origins in Sub-Saharan African traditions of displaying rank through dental modification persist in their contemporary use. Wearing them signals confidence and alignment with hip hop culture, serving as a 'hard flex' of both aesthetic choice and financial capability across various global contexts.

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Styling and care

Custom grills are created using dental molds taken by professionals, ensuring a precise fit. Manufacturers cast wax models into metal using the lost-wax process before setting any gemstones. Generic versions exist but may lack comfort or durability. Proper maintenance is essential to prevent bacterial buildup, which can lead to gum disease or cavities if worn continuously without hygiene.

In culture

Celebrities have significantly amplified the visibility of grills. Swimmer Ryan Lochte wore a flag-designed set during the 2012 Olympics, while musicians like Nelly and Paul Wall integrated them into their brand identity. Pop stars including Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga have also adopted the look, cementing its place in mainstream fashion and media.

Tooth mold. Photo: d&e, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Questions people ask about Grill

What materials are grills made from?

Grills are typically crafted from metals such as gold, silver, or platinum. They may be set with precious stones like diamonds. Gold varieties can range from 10-karat to 24-karat and come in yellow, white, or rose tints.

Are grills permanent or removable?

Most grills are removable appliances designed to fit over the teeth. However, some styles can be permanently attached. Custom versions require professional dental molds for accurate fitting, whereas generic ones may use molding compounds.

Who helped popularize grills in modern culture?

Hip hop artists in New York City started the trend in the early 1980s. Jewelers like Eddie Plein and Johnny Dang expanded the market. Later, Southern rappers and pop stars like Nelly, Paul Wall, and Rihanna brought grills to global mainstream attention.

What are the health risks associated with wearing grills?

The American Dental Association warns that grills can trap bacteria, leading to gum disease, cavities, or bone loss. Base metals may cause irritation or allergies. Improper fitting or long-term wear increases these risks significantly.

Good reading and sources

BBC News | BUSINESSBBC, Article

Where this page comes from

The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Grill (jewelry)", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFaceShape rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.

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Photo credits on this page

The small pictures above come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences. Some are cropped to fit.