Top vs Bottom Grillz – Which Should You Get First?
If you're ordering your first set of custom grillz, one of the first decisions is whether to start with the top row, the bottom row, or both. Each option creates a different look — and there's no single "correct" answer. This guide breaks down the differences to help you decide.
Top Grillz
Top grillz sit on your upper teeth and are the classic, statement-making choice. Because the upper teeth are usually more visible when smiling, talking, and laughing, top grillz tend to be the focal point of the whole look.
Top grillz tend to suit you especially well if:
- Your upper lip lifts more than your lower lip when you smile, showing more of your top teeth
- You want maximum visibility and impact
- You're after a classic, recognisable grillz look
Bottom Grillz
Bottom grillz sit on your lower teeth and create a more subtle, low-profile style. They show less during a relaxed smile but become visible when talking, laughing, or smiling widely — giving a "flash" effect rather than a constant display.
Despite the more understated look, bottom grillz are actually the more popular choice overall, with sales of bottom-row grillz typically running well ahead of top-row sales.
Bottom grillz tend to suit you especially well if:
- You want a look that's noticeable without being the first thing people see
- You prefer a style that "flashes" when you talk or smile rather than being on permanent display
- You're after something a little more understated for everyday environments
Which Should You Get First?
There's no universally "correct" starting point — it comes down to personal preference, but here's how most first-time buyers approach it:
Start with bottom grillz if you want a more subtle introduction to wearing grillz, or you're easing into the style before committing to a bigger piece.
Start with top grillz if you want maximum visual impact straight away and don't mind a bolder first piece.
Start with a single tooth if you want the most affordable, minimal way to try grillz before committing to a full row — top or bottom.
Go for both (a double set) if you've already decided grillz are part of your style and want a complete, balanced look from the start.
Single Tooth vs Full Row vs Double Set
| Option | Best For | Approx. Price (Silver) |
|---|---|---|
| Single tooth | First-timers, minimal style, lower budget | from £65 |
| Full row (top or bottom) | Noticeable statement piece | from £186 |
| Double set (top + bottom) | Complete, balanced look | from £280 |
For a full price breakdown across silver, gold, and stone-set options, see our grillz price guide.
Comfort and Fit Matter More Than Top or Bottom
Whichever you choose, the single biggest factor in comfort is getting a properly custom-fitted piece. Custom grillz — made from your own dental impression — are shaped to sit gently against your teeth without pressing on your gums.
A well-fitted grill, top or bottom, should:
- Sit snugly without falling out when talking
- Apply even pressure across the teeth it covers
- Not dig into or irritate your gums
Poorly fitted, generic-sized grillz are far more likely to cause gum irritation or discomfort — regardless of whether they're on the top or bottom row.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bottom grillz really more popular than top? Yes — bottom-row grillz consistently outsell top-row grillz, often by a significant margin, despite top grillz being the more "classic" image associated with the style.
Can I order top and bottom at the same time? Yes. Many people order a double set (top and bottom) for a complete, balanced look from the start — and it can work out more cost-effective than buying each separately later.
Will bottom grillz show when I smile? A normal, relaxed smile typically shows more of the top teeth, so bottom grillz are less visible at rest — but they become visible when talking, laughing, or smiling widely.
Should beginners start with a single tooth? A single tooth grill — top or bottom — is a popular, affordable way to try grillz before committing to a full row.
Does the fit differ between top and bottom grillz? The fitting process is the same: both are custom-made from a dental impression of your teeth, ensuring a precise fit either way.
Ready to Choose Your First Set?
Whether you go top, bottom, single tooth, or a full double set, every Ice Jeweller piece is custom-fitted from your own impression — for free.
