Introduction: Dental jewellery is a form of aesthetic expression with origins dating back to ancient civilizations. In recent years, its popularity has increased considerably, largely driven by popular culture, social media, and contemporary beauty trends. Beyond its decorative function, dental jewellery raises important questions regarding social acceptance, cultural significance, ethical considerations, and its impact on oral health. Purpose: The purpose of this bachelor's thesis was to investigate the influence of contemporary culture on trends in wearing dental jewellery. Particular attention was paid to the historical development of dental jewellery, the influence of popular culture, social media, and marketing on its popularity, as well as its social acceptance and the ethical aspects associated with its use. Methods: The thesis was based on a theoretical research approach using the descriptive method. A review of English-language scientific and professional literature published between 2016 and 2026 was conducted, focusing on dental medicine, dental technology, and the social sciences. The practical component involved the fabrication of grillz using conventional wax modelling and metal casting techniques. Results: The literature review demonstrated that contemporary culture plays a significant role in the increasing popularity of dental jewellery, with popular culture, social media, and aesthetic dentistry serving as key drivers of this trend. The practical part of the thesis confirmed that the fabrication of grillz requires a high level of technical expertise, precision, and careful consideration of both functional and aesthetic principles in dental technology. Discussion and conclusion: The findings indicate that dental jewellery is more than a decorative accessory, reflecting the complex interaction of cultural, social, and fashion influences. Despite its growing popularity, professional fabrication and adherence to ethical principles remain essential, as improperly designed or fitted dental jewellery may compromise oral health. Future research should investigate the long-term effects of dental jewellery on oral health, as well as users' perceptions, motivations, and attitudes towards contemporary trends in aesthetic dentistry.
Keywords: ornamental dentistry, grillz, cosmetic dentistry, dental jewellry, tooth jewellry, tooth aesthetics, social trends
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