Have you ever thought about tattoos for your teeth? It might sound unusual, but Tooth Tattoos are a real and increasingly popular way to personalize your smile. This innovative form of dental artistry allows you to add a unique and expressive touch to your dental crowns, turning ordinary dental work into a form of personal expression.
The concept of a tooth tattoo came to my attention a few years ago during a local arts and crafts show. My wife, always keen to meet new people, struck up a conversation with an artisan who described himself as a “tooth artist.” Intrigued, we discovered Larry Nummerdor of D&S Dental Lab, a Certified Dental Technician and true innovator in the field. Larry and his lab offer a fascinating service: custom painted images on dental crowns, or as we like to call them, tooth tattoos.
These aren’t your typical tattoos that penetrate the skin. Tooth tattoos are meticulously crafted images applied to dental crowns before they are placed in your mouth. Imagine adding a tiny sunflower, a favorite sports team logo, or even a miniature portrait to your crown. The possibilities are as limitless as your imagination.
Sunflower Tooth Tattoo
A vibrant sunflower tooth tattoo design on a dental crown, showcasing detailed artistry.
What Can You Get on a Tooth Tattoo?
The beauty of tooth tattoos lies in their customizability. If you can imagine it, it can likely be created on a dental crown. Here are just a few ideas to spark your imagination:
- Hobbies and Interests: Showcase your passions with miniature depictions of your hobbies. Love motorcycles? A Harley Davidson logo could be your tooth tattoo. Avid skier? A tiny skier carving down a slope would be a unique choice.
- Animals: From beloved pets like bulldogs to symbolic creatures like butterflies, animal-themed tooth tattoos can add a touch of personality.
- Sports Teams: Declare your allegiance with your favorite team’s logo. Whether you’re a Chicago Cubs fan or root for the New England Patriots, let your smile show your team spirit.
- Symbols and Art: Meaningful symbols like a breast cancer ribbon or artistic designs like Snoopy and Woodstock can transform your crown into a tiny piece of art.
Sunflower Tooth Tattoo
A playful tooth tattoo featuring Snoopy and Woodstock, demonstrating cartoon-inspired dental art.
Harley Davidson 4 Me Tooth Tattoo
A Harley Davidson themed tooth tattoo, ideal for motorcycle enthusiasts seeking unique dental customization.
Man Skiing Tooth Tattoo
An action-packed tooth tattoo depicting a skier, perfect for winter sports lovers.
Butterfly Tooth Tattoo
A delicate butterfly tooth tattoo, offering an elegant and nature-inspired dental design.
Chicago Cubs Tooth Tattoo
A Chicago Cubs logo tooth tattoo, showing support for a favorite sports team through dental art.
Breast Cancer Ribbon Tooth Tattoo
A breast cancer awareness ribbon tooth tattoo, combining personal expression with support for important causes.
Bull Dog – Tooth Tattoo
A charming bulldog tooth tattoo, illustrating pet-themed personalization in dental aesthetics.
The Process of Getting a Tooth Tattoo
Tooth tattoos are applied to new dental crowns in a lab setting by skilled dental technicians like Larry. The process involves:
- Crown Creation: First, you’ll need a dental crown as part of your dental treatment. This could be for various reasons, such as covering a damaged tooth or completing a root canal.
- Custom Design: Work with your dentist and the dental lab to choose your design. Discuss your ideas and see what’s possible. The lab can often provide guidance and ensure the design is suitable for a tooth crown.
- Artistic Application: The talented technicians at the dental lab, like Larry, will meticulously paint your chosen design onto the crown using specialized, biocompatible materials.
- Crown Placement: Once the artwork is complete and the crown is ready, your dentist will place the crown in your mouth just like any other dental crown.
Why Choose a Tooth Tattoo?
- Unique Self-Expression: Tooth tattoos offer an incredibly unique way to express your personality and interests. It’s a subtle yet noticeable detail that can spark conversations and show off your individuality.
- Discreet and Personal: Unlike visible body tattoos, tooth tattoos are only seen when you smile or open your mouth, making them a more discreet form of personal art.
- Conversation Starter: Imagine the intrigue and compliments you’ll receive when someone notices your unique tooth tattoo. It’s a fantastic way to make a memorable impression.
- High-Quality Artistry: These are not temporary stickers. Tooth tattoos are created by skilled dental artists using durable materials designed to last as long as your crown.
Finding a Tooth Tattoo Artist
If you’re interested in getting a tooth tattoo, start by talking to your dentist. Inquire if they work with a dental lab that offers this service. Mention D&S Dental Lab and Larry Nummerdor as a potential resource, as they are pioneers in this artistic dental field.
Tooth tattoos are a fascinating intersection of dental technology and personal expression. They offer a fun, unique, and lasting way to make your smile truly your own. Consider a tooth tattoo if you’re looking to add a touch of personality to your dental work and express yourself in a truly unforgettable way.
