Permanent Grillz UK – Cost, Process & What to Expect
"Permanent grillz" come up a lot in searches — but the term covers something quite different from the custom grillz most people picture. Before deciding, it's worth understanding exactly what permanent grillz involve, what they cost, and what the alternatives look like.
What Are Permanent Grillz?
Permanent (or "fixed") grillz are metal covers that a dentist bonds or cements directly onto your natural teeth — similar in principle to a dental crown or veneer. Unlike custom removable grillz, which slot on and off your teeth, permanent grillz stay in place continuously and are not designed to be taken out.
To fit permanent grillz, the teeth underneath typically need to be prepared first — meaning the natural tooth surface is filed down or roughened so the metal covering can bond securely. This step is irreversible: once enamel is removed, it does not grow back.
How the Process Works
Getting permanent grillz is a dental procedure, not a jewellery purchase. It generally involves:
1. Consultation. A dentist or dental technician assesses your oral health and whether your teeth are suitable for the procedure.
2. Tooth preparation. The teeth that will be covered are shaped or filed to create a surface the grill can bond to.
3. Fabrication. The permanent grill is custom-made to fit the prepared teeth — often via an impression or digital scan, similar to a crown.
4. Bonding/cementing. The grill is permanently cemented or bonded onto the prepared teeth.
Because this involves altering the structure of your natural teeth, it should only ever be carried out by a qualified dental professional — not a jeweller.
Cost of Permanent Grillz in the UK
Permanent grillz are significantly more expensive than custom removable grillz, because you're paying for a dental procedure on top of the materials. Costs vary widely depending on:
- The number of teeth covered
- The metal used (gold purity, etc.)
- Whether stones are set
- The dental practice's fees
As a guide, a single permanent gold tooth can run from several hundred pounds upwards, with full sets reaching well into four figures — substantially more than custom removable grillz, which start from around £65 for a single tooth.
Permanent vs Custom Removable Grillz
| Permanent Grillz | Custom Removable Grillz | |
|---|---|---|
| Reversibility | Irreversible — teeth are permanently altered | Fully reversible — take on/off anytime |
| Procedure required | Yes — dental appointment(s) | No — postal impression kit |
| Effect on natural teeth | Teeth are filed/prepared, enamel loss | None — fits over your natural teeth |
| Cost | High (dental procedure + materials) | From £65 |
| Flexibility | Fixed design, hard to change | Can order new designs/styles anytime |
| Turnaround | Multiple dental visits | 4–6 weeks by post |
Risks to Be Aware Of
Because permanent grillz involve altering your natural teeth, dental professionals highlight some important considerations:
- Enamel wear — preparing teeth for permanent grillz typically removes some enamel, which doesn't regenerate.
- Increased decay risk — like any fixed dental appliance, permanent grillz require diligent oral hygiene, as bacteria can build up underneath if not cleaned properly.
- Difficult to reverse — if your style preferences change, removing or replacing permanent grillz usually means further dental work.
- Regular dental check-ups required — ongoing monitoring is recommended to catch any issues early.
Why Most People Choose Custom Removable Grillz Instead
For the vast majority of people who want the grillz look, custom removable grillz offer the same visual impact — solid gold, silver, diamonds, moissanite, fully iced-out designs — without touching your natural teeth at all.
Made from a dental impression of your own teeth, custom removable grillz:
- Fit precisely, just like a permanent piece
- Can be taken off for eating, sleeping, and cleaning
- Don't require any dental procedure or tooth preparation
- Cost a fraction of permanent grillz
- Can be swapped for new designs whenever you like
Frequently Asked Questions
Are permanent grillz reversible? No. Permanent grillz involve preparing (filing) the natural teeth so the grill can bond to them. This alteration to the tooth structure is not reversible.
Can a jeweller fit permanent grillz? No. Permanent grillz involve altering natural teeth and must be carried out by a qualified dental professional, not a jeweller.
Are custom removable grillz a good alternative? Yes — custom removable grillz are made from an impression of your teeth, fit just as precisely, and deliver the same look without any procedure on your natural teeth.
Why are permanent grillz more expensive? The cost reflects the dental procedure involved — consultations, tooth preparation, and fitting by a dental professional — on top of the materials themselves.
Do permanent grillz need special care? Yes. Like crowns or veneers, they require careful oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups to prevent decay underneath the fixed appliance.
Get the Look Without the Procedure
Ice Jeweller's custom grillz are made from your own dental impression — solid gold, silver, lab diamonds and moissanite, fully bespoke — with zero impact on your natural teeth.
