Chicago Tooth Gems now offered at
Logan Square Tattoo
Sparkle meets self-expression at Logan Square Tattoo's newest offering: Chicago tooth gems. Located right on Milwaukee Avenue, just steps from the Logan Square Blue Line stop, our shop is now home to resident tooth gem artist Shannon Rodriguez of Whole Lotta Rhinestones. Whether you're already part of the LST family with ink from one of our artists, or you're stopping by for the first time, our tooth gem services give you a way to make a bold statement without a lifelong commitment. Real Swarovski crystal, applied safely and precisely by Shannon, turns your smile into the next canvas for your personality.
Tooth gems are non-invasive, semi-permanent, and fully customizable — from a single solitaire crystal to a full sparkling build-out across your smile. Each application is performed with body-safe, lead-free crystals and the same trusted dental bonding adhesive used for braces, so you can feel confident your smile is in good hands. They're an easy way to test the waters of body modification, add some edge to a special occasion, or simply treat yourself to something a little extra — all without the forever, since most tooth gems last anywhere from six months to a year.
Ready to get started? Text "Tooth Gems" to (773) 830-6424 to connect directly with Shannon, or fill out our booking form to reserve your spot.
Follow along with her latest builds on Instagram @wholelottarhinestones.
Meet Shannon Rodriguez, Your Tooth Gem Artist
Shannon Rodriguez (she/they) is a Chicago native and tooth gem artist who's spent nearly a decade building her craft in New York City before bringing her talents back home. As the founder of Whole Lotta Rhinestones, Shannon has built a reputation for intricate, one-of-a-kind tooth gem build-outs that go far beyond a single sparkle — she brings a trained eye for color theory, design, and detail to every appointment, treating each smile like its own tiny canvas.
Before tooth gems, Shannon spent years working as a professional makeup artist, a background that shows in the way she approaches every build-out: with precision, an understanding of proportion and color, and a genuine eye for what makes a design pop. Whether she's doing makeup or tooth gems, Shannon works one-on-one with each client to understand who they are and the vibe they're trying to project, then translates that into a look that feels completely their own. She's also been a dedicated tattoo collector for over 20 years, which means she doesn't just understand body art — she lives it. That perspective made her a natural fit for Logan Square Tattoo, and it's part of a connection that goes back further than most: Shannon and LST owner Gifford have known each other since 2010, and she was getting tattooed by him years before Logan Square Tattoo ever opened its doors. Bringing her tooth gem residency into the shop wasn't just a business collaboration — it was a homecoming built on shared history and mutual respect for the craft.
When she's not adding sparkle to smiles, Shannon can be found DJing under the name DJ Coochie Cutter, catching live shows, watching horror movies, traveling, or playing a round of pinball. That same creative, all-in energy she brings to Chicago's nightlife and art scenes is exactly what she channels into every tooth gem session — so let's get into exactly what that means for your smile.
What Are Tooth Gems?
Tooth gems — sometimes called tooth jewelry, dental jewelry, or even confused with grillz — are a non-invasive form of dental decoration: small crystals bonded directly to the surface of your tooth to add a bit of sparkle to your smile. Unlike traditional grillz, which are removable metal caps, tooth gems are directly bonded (though still semi-permanent overall) to your natural tooth for a sleeker, more seamless look. At Logan Square Tattoo, every gem we apply is 100% real Swarovski crystal, chosen for both its brilliance and its safety: the crystals are lead-free and completely body-safe, so you never have to worry about what's touching your teeth.
The application process doesn't involve any drilling, holes, or permanent alteration to your tooth. Instead, each crystal is bonded to the enamel using the same trusted adhesive dentists use to apply braces — a process that's quick, painless, and fully reversible. Because nothing is drilled or removed from the tooth itself, your enamel stays completely intact underneath. If a gem ever falls off on its own, any leftover bonding material can be easily polished away at your next routine dental cleaning, leaving your tooth exactly as it was before.
Tooth gems are considered semi-permanent, generally lasting anywhere from six months to a year depending on your diet, oral habits, and how closely you follow aftercare instructions. That timeline makes them the perfect middle ground for anyone who wants to make a bold statement without a lifelong commitment — sparkle now, and if your style changes down the road, your smile can simply return to its natural state whenever you're ready.
Who Are Tooth Gems For?
Tooth gems are for anyone 18 and older looking for a creative, low-commitment way to express themselves — no piercing or permanent tattoo required. Located on Milwaukee Avenue, we're an easy trip from Wicker Park, Bucktown, and Humboldt Park, making us a convenient stop whether you're already local to Logan Square or coming from a neighborhood nearby. If you're already part of the Logan Square Tattoo family, a tooth gem is an easy way to add one more layer of personality to your look between sessions. And if you're tagging along with a friend who's booked for a tattoo appointment and want in on the fun without the long-term commitment, Shannon can get you sparkling in as little as thirty minutes.
This service is especially popular with groups celebrating something big. Bachelorette and wedding parties love coordinating matching or complementary gems as a keepsake from the weekend, and it's become a favorite pre-party stop for milestone birthdays, graduations, and group trips through Chicago. Even if there's no big occasion on the calendar, plenty of clients book a tooth gem simply as a personal glow-up — a small, sparkly reset to mark a new job, a breakup, a move, or just deciding it's time to treat yourself.
Tooth gems also have a major moment during Chicago's festival and event season. Heading to Lollapalooza, the Pride Parade, Riot Fest, or ringing in the New Year downtown? A tooth gem is a quick, low-hassle way to elevate your festival look without eating into your day — most appointments take 30 minutes to an hour, so you'll still have plenty of time to catch your favorite act. Since festival season books up fast for both artists and attendees, we always recommend scheduling your tooth gem appointment ahead of time to make sure you're sparkling and out the door on schedule.
Tooth Gem Designs & Pricing
Every tooth gem build-out at Logan Square Tattoo is customized to fit your vision, whether you're after a single subtle sparkle or a full, statement-making design. Shannon offers a range of options using genuine Swarovski crystals in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, so you can go as simple or as bold as you'd like. Pricing below reflects our current menu, though final cost may vary depending on crystal size, shape, and color selection — Shannon will always confirm exact pricing with you before your appointment begins.
Not sure which design is right for you? That's exactly what your consultation with Shannon is for. She'll walk you through your options, talk through the vibe you're going for, and help you land on a build-out that feels authentically you.
Swarovski Solitaire — $65+ ・ 30 min — One single Swarovski crystal, starting price varies by shape and size
2–3pc Swarovski Crystal Sets — $125+ ・ 45 min — A curated set of two to three crystals, priced by size and shape
Specialty Swarovski Shapes — $85+ ・ 30 min — Currently offering diamond, mini butterfly, moon, raindrop, star, and heart shapes
Tulip Flower — $150+ ・ 45 min — Two crystals for the leaves with a topper crystal (ss5 or ss7) in your choice of color
Swarovski Crystal Butterfly Set — $150+ ・ 45 min — A butterfly design created across two teeth
Full Flower — $150+ ・ 1 hr — A multi-petal crystal flower with a larger center crystal
Full Coverage Crystal Caps — $150+ ・ 45 min — A full tooth adorned edge-to-edge with crystals for a capped effect
Swarovski Window Panes — $160+ ・ 1 hr — A full crystal outline tracing the edges of the tooth
Braces-Style Build-Out — $140+ ・ 1 hr — A custom crystal design across the top or bottom four to six teeth
Freestyle Design — $250+ ・ 1 hr — A fully custom, freestyle crystal design — the ultimate way to make a statement
Ready to pick your sparkle? Text "Tooth Gems" to
(773) 830-6424 or fill out a tooth gem booking form to get on Shannon's schedule.
What to expect at you tooth gem appointment
Your tooth gem appointment starts with a quick consultation. Shannon will talk through your vision, help you choose the crystal shape, size, and color that fits the look you're going for, and check that you're a good candidate for the service. Most appointments take between 30 minutes and an hour depending on the design, so you can easily fit a tooth gem session into a lunch break, a pre-event glam routine, or a day out in Logan Square.
A few things can affect candidacy, so it helps to know before you book. Tooth gems can't be applied to false teeth, crowns, or capped teeth, since the bonding material won't adhere properly to those surfaces. If you wear a retainer, Invisalign, or a mouth guard, you may still be a great candidate — clear plastic aligners like Invisalign are generally not compatible with direct tooth gems, but many other retainers and mouth guards work just fine. We recommend bringing your retainer, aligner, or mouth guard with you to your appointment so Shannon can assess in person whether you're a good fit.
Once you and Shannon have settled on a design, the crystal is bonded directly to your tooth's enamel using the same safe, dentist-grade adhesive used for braces — no drilling, no numbing, and no downtime. You'll walk out with your new sparkle ready to show off immediately, whether that means heading straight to your next tattoo appointment, out to a festival, or right back to your day.
Aftercare & Our Tooth Jewel Replacement Guarantee
Taking care of your new tooth gem is simple, but a few habits go a long way toward making it last. For the first 24-48 hours, avoid sticky or chewy foods that could pull on the bonding before it's fully set. After that, continue brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and be gentle around the gem itself — avoid picking at it or biting directly on it, and keep the surrounding area extra clean to prevent plaque buildup. It's also a good idea to have your gem checked at your regular dental visits, just to make sure everything is holding up as expected.
If you're planning to whiten your teeth, skip the whitening strips. Traditional whitening strips break down the bonding material and won't whiten the enamel underneath the gem, which can leave you with an uneven result. Instead, we recommend a UV-activated teeth whitening kit if brightening your smile is on your radar.
We stand behind every tooth gem we apply. If your gem falls off within 30 days of your original appointment, simply send us a message and we'll schedule your touch-up as soon as possible. This guarantee covers one replacement per original application, giving you extra peace of mind that your investment is protected right from the start.
Faq's about tooth gems
Does getting a tooth gem hurt?
Not at all. There's no drilling, no needles, and no numbing required. The crystal is simply bonded to the surface of your tooth using a safe dental adhesive, so most clients feel little more than mild pressure during application.
How long do tooth gems last?
Tooth gems are semi-permanent and typically last anywhere from six months to a year. How long yours lasts depends on your diet, habits, and how closely you follow aftercare instructions. Once your appointment is done, you're free to eat and drink normally right away — we just recommend avoiding sticky or chewy foods for the first 24-48 hours while the bonding fully sets.
Will a tooth gem damage my enamel?
No. Tooth gems are bonded directly to the enamel of your tooth without any drilling or holes. If the gem falls off, any remaining bonding material can be easily polished away at your next dental cleaning, leaving your enamel exactly as it was before.
Can I brush my teeth with a tooth gem?
Yes — you should continue brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Just avoid scrubbing aggressively directly over the gem, and keep the surrounding area extra clean to prevent plaque buildup.
What if the tooth gem falls off and I swallow it?
Don't worry. Our tooth gems are lead-free and completely body-safe, so accidentally swallowing one poses no health risk.
Can I remove a tooth gem at home?
We don't recommend it. If you're ready to remove your tooth gem before it naturally falls off, it can be easily removed at your next professional dental cleaning. Once a gem falls off naturally, any leftover adhesive can also be removed the same way. Removal should always be performed by a dental professional.
I have false teeth, veneers, or a crown — can I still get a tooth gem?
Unfortunately, no. Tooth gem bonding won't adhere properly to false, crowned, or capped teeth, so we're unable to apply gems to those surfaces.
Can I get a tooth gem if I wear a retainer, Invisalign, or a mouth guard?
It depends. Many retainers and mouth guards are compatible with tooth gems, but clear plastic aligners like Invisalign generally are not. Bring your retainer, aligner, or mouth guard to your appointment so Shannon can assess in person whether you're a good candidate.
Who gets tooth gems? Is there an age requirement?
Tooth gems are for anyone 18 or older looking for a safe, creative, and semi-permanent way to bring out their personality and add a little sparkle to their smile — whether that's a single solitaire crystal or a full top-and-bottom build-out. You must be 18 to have any procedure done at Logan Square Tattoo, tooth gems included.
Can I get a gem on more than one tooth, or mix different designs?
Absolutely. Shannon especially loves multi-tooth custom build-outs and braces-style designs that span several teeth at once. If you've got a bigger, more elaborate vision for your smile, bring it up during your consultation — Shannon will work with you to design something completely custom.
Do tooth gems set off metal detectors or show up on X-rays?
No. Swarovski crystals aren't metal, so they won't trigger metal detectors at festivals, airports, or security checkpoints, and they won't interfere with dental X-rays or show up unexpectedly on scans.
Do I need an appointment, or can I walk in?
Both options are available. Shannon takes walk-ins for tooth gems every Sunday. Any other day of the week, appointments can be booked through our Tooth gem booking form or by texting "Tooth Gems" to (773) 830-6424.
Want to add some extra bling to your life?
tooth gems, dental bling, bejeweling your pearly whites... whatever you call them it's the perfect way to add a little sparkle and personality to your smile without a permanent commitment — and there's no better place to get one in Chicago than right here in Logan Square. Every gem is real Swarovski crystal, applied safely by a trained experienced technician using dentist-grade bonding, backed by our 30-day replacement guarantee, and fully customized to fit your vibe, whether that's a single subtle crystal or a full freestyle build-out. Whether you call it a tooth gem, tooth jewelry, or dental jewelry, Chicago's newest smile trend starts right here.Shannon Rodriguez brings over 20 years of tattoo culture, a background in professional makeup artistry, and a deep-rooted history with Logan Square Tattoo to every appointment. Whether you're already part of the LST family, tagging along with a friend getting tattooed, celebrating with your bachelorette or wedding party, or gearing up for Lollapalooza, Pride, Riot Fest, or NYE, she'll work with you one-on-one to create a look that's completely your own.Ready to add some sparkle to your smile? Text "Tooth Gems" to (773) 830-6424 to connect directly with Shannon, or fill out our booking form to reserve your spot. Prefer to walk in? Shannon takes walk-ins every Sunday — no appointment necessary. Follow her latest work on Instagram @wholelottarhinestones, and while you're exploring the shop, check out why we're Chicago's best tattoo shop and see what else Logan Square Tattoo has to offer.
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