Men's Grillz: Styles, Materials & How to Choose the Right Set
Grillz have been part of men's fashion for decades — from heavyweight hip-hop to high fashion. But the range of styles available today is wider than ever, and what suits one person won't suit another. This guide breaks down the most popular men's grillz styles, the key choices you'll face, and how to decide what's right for you.
The Main Styles for Men's Grillz
Solid Grillz
The classic. A solid grill covers the full surface of each tooth with metal — no gaps, no stones, just clean metal from edge to edge. Solid grillz in yellow gold remain one of the most requested styles for men, and for good reason: the look is instantly recognisable, high-impact, and works across tooth counts from a single tooth to a full double set.
Solid also means lower maintenance — there are no stones to check or settings to worry about. A solid gold grill can be cleaned simply with warm water and a soft brush.
Best for: Bold classic looks, full sets, performances and events, those new to grillz who want a clean starting point.
Bustdown / Fully Iced
The maximum-impact option. A bustdown grill floods every visible surface with hand-set stones — lab diamonds or moissanite packed so closely that the metal underneath is barely visible. If you want something that reads as loud jewellery rather than a metal appliance, bustdown is the direction.
Bustdown sets take longer to make and cost more than other styles due to the labour involved in hand-setting hundreds of stones. For a full breakdown, see our bustdown grillz guide.
Best for: Maximum statement, events, performances, those who want their grillz to be the centrepiece of their look.
Open Face
A metal frame around the edges of each tooth, leaving the natural tooth visible through the centre. Open face is increasingly popular for men who want a refined, contemporary look that works for daily wear — not just for events. The framing effect is cleaner and more wearable than a full solid coverage, and works particularly well for partial rows and single teeth.
Best for: Everyday wear, modern/editorial looks, first grillz, partial rows, single-tooth pieces.
Diamond Cut
A solid metal surface that's mechanically textured to maximise light reflection — no stones involved. Diamond cut grillz give a sparkle effect from the textured surface itself, which catches and bounces light differently to a plain polished surface. A cost-effective way to get more visual interest without the price of a stone-set piece.
Best for: Those who want more visual interest than plain solid but don't want the cost of a bustdown.
Stone Trim (Partial Ice)
A middle ground between solid and bustdown — stones set along a specific part of the piece, typically the top edge or border, with the rest of the surface remaining plain metal. Stone trim gives you the flash of stones without the full coverage (or cost) of a bustdown.
Best for: Those who want some ice without going all-in on a fully flooded set.
Top vs Bottom: Which Do Men Usually Choose?
Both are popular — it genuinely depends on personal preference and how you plan to wear the grillz.
Top grillz are more visible when you speak, smile, or are photographed head-on. They tend to read more prominently in social/fashion contexts.
Bottom grillz flash when you speak — often described as the "understated" option. Many people who wear grillz regularly favour bottom sets for everyday use because they're visible when it matters (conversation, photos from certain angles) but not constantly on display.
Full double sets (top and bottom) are the most impactful and the most associated with the classic grillz look. They're also the highest investment, both in cost and commitment.
Our top vs bottom grillz guide covers this in more detail if you're deciding between the two.
How Many Teeth?
The number of teeth covered is as much a style choice as the design itself.
| Tooth Count | Look | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tooth | Subtle, modern, jewellery-like | Daily wear, first piece |
| 4–6 teeth | Covers the primary smile zone | Versatile, most popular range |
| 8 teeth | Full smile coverage, strong statement | Events, music, content |
| Full top (10) + full bottom (10) | Maximum coverage | Performances, full grillz look |
For help deciding, see our grillz sizing guide.
Choosing a Metal
Yellow Gold (10K/14K) is the classic for men's grillz — warm, high-contrast, and the metal most associated with the grillz aesthetic. 10K gold is harder and more scratch-resistant than 14K; 14K has a slightly richer colour and higher gold content.
White Gold gives a cooler, brighter finish — closer to silver in tone but with the durability and prestige of gold. Works well for stone-set pieces where you want an icy, clean look.
Rose Gold is less traditional for men's grillz but has grown significantly in popularity — it pairs well with the current mixed-metal trend and creates a distinctive look when worn alongside standard yellow gold chains or rings.
925 Silver is the most affordable option and a popular choice for a first set. Solid silver grillz look sharp and can be polished back to brightness when needed. The main difference from gold is maintenance — silver tarnishes over time with wear and exposure to air, whereas gold doesn't. See our silver vs gold guide for the full comparison.
Popular Men's Grillz Combinations
Based on what men order most frequently, here are the most common combinations:
The Classic Statement — Full top + full bottom, solid yellow gold. The most recognisable grillz look. High impact, simple maintenance.
The Modern Single — One front tooth (top), open face in yellow or white gold. Clean, wearable, increasingly fashionable as a daily jewellery piece.
The Iced Double — Full top + bottom, moissanite bustdown in silver or gold. Maximum visual impact, the showpiece choice.
The Everyday Set — 6-tooth top, solid or open face, silver or white gold. Enough presence to be noticeable, light enough to work day-to-day.
The Bottom Only — Full bottom row, solid gold. Understated when closed, visible when talking — a favourite for those who want grillz that don't demand constant attention.
What to Consider Before Ordering
How often will you wear them? Daily-wear grillz should be comfortable, well-fitted, and in a style that suits your everyday setting. Event-only pieces can be bolder.
Gold or silver? If low maintenance is important to you, gold is the better material — it doesn't tarnish and requires minimal upkeep. Silver is fine with a regular cleaning routine but needs more attention.
One piece or a set? Starting with a single tooth or a partial row is a common approach — it's lower cost, lower commitment, and lets you wear and get used to your piece before committing to a full double set.
The impression kit is step one. All custom grillz start with a dental impression. Ice Jeweller sends a free kit to your door — you take impressions at home and return them, then your grillz are CAD-designed to your exact teeth. See our grillz sizing guide for how this works.
Men's Grillz Price Guide
| Style | Silver | 10K Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Single tooth, solid | from £65 | from £140 |
| Single tooth, bustdown | from £186 | from £280 |
| 6-tooth top, solid | from £186 | from £280 |
| 6-tooth top, bustdown | from £350+ | from £500+ |
| Full top + bottom, solid | from £239 | from £420+ |
| Full top + bottom, bustdown | from £600+ | POA |
For a full price breakdown, see our grillz cost guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are grillz suitable for everyday wear? Custom grillz made from your dental impression can be worn regularly. The most important thing for daily wear is comfort — a properly fitted piece from your own impression sits exactly on your teeth. Style-wise, open face and single-tooth pieces tend to be the most practical for everyday use.
Can I wear grillz to work? That depends on your workplace. A single-tooth piece or small open face set is far less conspicuous than a full double bustdown. Many people wear subtle grillz in professional settings without issue — it comes down to how visible the piece is and your environment.
How do I clean men's grillz? A soft brush, warm water, and a small amount of mild soap after each wear is the standard routine. Rinse thoroughly and let them dry completely before storing. See our full cleaning guide for detail on specific materials and stone-set pieces.
Do grillz damage teeth? Custom-fitted grillz from your own impression, worn and cleaned correctly, don't damage teeth. Issues arise from poor fit, poor hygiene, or wearing grillz for extended periods without cleaning. See our grillz and teeth guide for the full breakdown.
What's the most popular men's grillz style in 2025? Full solid sets in yellow gold remain the all-time classic, but open face designs and single-tooth pieces are growing fast — driven by the shift toward grillz as everyday jewellery rather than purely a statement piece. Bustdown sets are the most requested premium style. See our grillz trends guide for what's current.
Order Your Custom Set
Every Ice Jeweller piece is custom-designed from your dental impression — free impression kit, free UK delivery, CAD preview before production.
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- Bustdown Grillz Guide →
- Types of Grillz Style Guide →
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