Introduction: In modern dentistry, aesthetic and cosmetic solutions are becoming an
increasingly important part of patient care, and dental jewelry represents one of the options
for personalizing a smile. Throughout history, various civilizations have sought to alter the
appearance of teeth in different ways, indicating that the desire for aesthetic dental
transformation is not a new phenomenon. Today, dental jewelry can be made from various
materials, with the choice depending on aesthetic requirements, material properties, and the
selected fabrication process. Although it is a product designed solely to enhance appearance,
its fabrication requires a professional approach, as improper execution can negatively impact
overall oral health. The development of traditional and digital techniques now enables
various methods of manufacturing dental jewelry, which differ from one another in terms of
the process, required expertise, and design possibilities. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis
is to present the fabrication of metal dental jewelry known as grillz, using various
technologies. The focus is on comparing computer-aided design and manual wax modeling.
The advantages and disadvantages of wearing dental jewelry for individuals are also
discussed from the perspectives of aesthetics, comfort, and impact on oral health. Methods:
A descriptive method was used in writing the theoretical section. Professional and scientific
sources addressing the fields of dental jewelry, materials, and manufacturing processes were
collected. The literature search was conducted using the online databases Google Scholar,
PubMed, and Web of Science. Results: In our case, we created dental jewelry by handsculpting
wax onto a precisely duplicated model made of investment material, which we
later cast using precision casting. We finished, polished, and subsequently electroplated the
dental jewelry using appropriate electroplating equipment, which allowed a controlled
process monitoring. We produced another piece of dental jewelry using computer-aided
design on a virtual model obtained by a laboratory optical scanner. Using stereolithography,
we successfully produced a prototype of the dental jewelry made of synthetic resin. All
details of the dental jewelry were precisely replicated in metal via the precision casting
process. We finished and polished the dental jewelry in the dental laboratory. We assessed
that the product fits well in accordance with the recommended practice. Discussion and
conclusion: Given the aesthetic demands of modern times and the diversity of patient
preferences, dental jewelry represents a field in which manual and computer-aided design
held significant potential. A well-trained professional is essential for the creation of a highquality,
safe, and aesthetically appropriate product; with their knowledge and expertise in
traditional and digital procedures, they ensure successful execution.
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