How to Put On Grillz & Wear Them Properly
If you've just received your first set of custom grillz — or you're thinking about ordering a pair — knowing how to put them on, wear them safely, and look after both your grillz and your teeth makes a big difference to comfort and longevity.
This guide covers everything: fitting, wearing etiquette, oral hygiene, and common mistakes to avoid.
Before You Put Your Grillz On
1. Brush and floss first. Always brush your teeth thoroughly and floss before putting your grillz in. This removes food particles and plaque that would otherwise get trapped between your teeth and the grillz.
2. Make sure your teeth are dry. A dry surface helps a custom-fitted grill seat properly and grip securely. Wet teeth can make the grillz feel slippery or loose when you first put them in.
3. Have your grillz clean and dry too. Give your grillz a quick rinse and dry them before placing them in your mouth, especially if it's been a while since you last wore them.
How to Put On Grillz Step by Step
Step 1 — Identify the correct orientation. Custom grillz are made specifically for your teeth, so they only fit one way round. Check which side is which before attempting to fit them.
Step 2 — Place gently over your teeth. Position the grill over your front teeth (or whichever teeth it covers) and ease it into place. With a custom, impression-based fit, it should slot on with light, even pressure.
Step 3 — Press down evenly. Gently press down so the grill seats fully around each tooth. You should feel even contact across all the teeth it covers — no single tooth should feel like it's bearing all the pressure.
Step 4 — Check the fit. A properly fitted custom grill should sit snugly without falling out when you talk, smile, or move your mouth normally. It shouldn't pinch, dig in, or feel like it's pushing your teeth out of position.
Step 5 — Give yourself time to adjust. Grillz feel unusual at first, simply because there's something new in your mouth. Most people adjust within a short time. If discomfort continues or gets worse, that's a sign the fit needs checking.
Wearing Grillz Safely: What to Avoid
A few simple rules go a long way in keeping both your grillz and your teeth in good condition:
Don't eat or drink with grillz in. Food particles and sugary or acidic drinks can get trapped underneath the grillz, against your teeth — this is one of the most common causes of decay and bad odour for grillz wearers. Always remove your grillz before eating or drinking anything other than water.
Don't sleep in your grillz. Wearing grillz overnight traps saliva and bacteria against your teeth for hours, increases the risk of gum irritation, and adds unnecessary wear to the grillz themselves.
Don't wear grillz constantly. Grillz are designed for special occasions, events, performances, and shoots — not all-day, every-day wear. Treating them as occasional jewellery rather than a permanent fixture protects both your teeth and your investment.
Avoid smoking with grillz in. Smoke residue can build up on and underneath grillz, affecting both hygiene and the finish of the metal.
Oral Hygiene While Wearing Grillz
Because grillz sit directly against your teeth, oral hygiene becomes even more important:
- Brush more often — ideally before and after wearing your grillz, not just morning and night.
- Floss daily to remove anything trapped between teeth before putting grillz in.
- Brush your grillz too — a soft-bristled toothbrush removes plaque buildup from the inside surface of the grillz, which sits against your teeth.
- Don't ignore irritation. Sore gums, white patches, or persistent bad breath around the grillz area are signs to take a break and check in with a dentist.
The American Dental Association has noted that grillz can trap bacteria and moisture against the teeth and gums, which is why hygiene routines matter more — not less — once you start wearing them.
How to Clean Your Grillz Before and After Wearing
A quick clean before and after each wear keeps your grillz looking sharp and hygienic:
- Rinse under lukewarm water to remove surface debris.
- Use a small amount of mild soap on a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Gently scrub all surfaces, including the inner side that sits against your teeth.
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry before storing.
For a full breakdown by material (gold, silver, and diamond/moissanite), see our complete grillz cleaning guide.
Storing Your Grillz
Always store your grillz in a clean, dry, airtight container when not in use — the small box or pouch they arrive in works well. This protects them from:
- Tarnishing (especially for silver)
- Scratches from contact with other jewellery or hard surfaces
- Bacteria buildup from being left out
Never leave your grillz loose in a pocket or bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get used to wearing grillz? Most people adjust within the first few wears. The sensation of having something fitted over your teeth is new at first, but a well-made custom grill shouldn't cause ongoing discomfort.
Can I talk normally with grillz in? Yes, with a properly fitted custom grill. There may be a very slight adjustment period for speech, similar to wearing a retainer, but it should not significantly affect how you talk.
Should grillz feel tight? A custom grill should feel snug and secure, not painfully tight. If your grillz feel like they're pressing too hard on specific teeth or causing pain, they may need adjusting.
How often can I wear my grillz? Grillz are best worn for occasions rather than daily — events, nights out, performances, and photoshoots. Giving your teeth and gums a break between wears supports better oral hygiene.
Do grillz damage your teeth? Custom, well-fitted grillz made from solid metals are generally safe for occasional wear when paired with good oral hygiene. Problems tend to arise from cheap, ill-fitting grillz, prolonged daily wear, or eating/sleeping in them — all of which trap bacteria against the teeth.
Get a Perfect Custom Fit
Every set of Ice Jeweller grillz is made from your own dental impression, so the fit is precise from day one — no filing, no forcing, no guesswork.
