What are grills for your teeth and how much do they cost?

PEOPLE love to flaunt their bling at every given opportunity - and some even want to do it while flashing a smile.

Famed by rappers but also growing in popularity with mainstream celebrities, grills are A-lister's go-to option to jazz up their jewelry collection.

What are grills?

Grills, also known as fronts, are dental jewelry that is worn directly over the front of the teeth.

The product was first seen in the 1990s, and gained traction among the hip-hop and rap community.

They are usually made up of metal and embellished in gold, silver or jewels according to the client's request.

Many modern grills can be tinted yellow, white and rose colour but typically vary in design and size.

The boujie accessory has become a statement piece for many over the years - including the likes of Kim Kardashian, Beyonce, Drake and Madonna.

Lizzo, Bebe Rexha, Dua Lipa, Rita Ora, Quavo, Rihanna, and Travis Scott have also been known to rock grills.

During the 2012 Summer Olympics, US swimmer Ryan Lochte sported a grill with stones in the design of his country's flag.

How much do grills cost?

Grills can cost anywhere in the region of hundreds of dollars to thousands.

The price of the glam accessory varies depending on metal purity, weight, design, the stones used, and labour costs.

It is also impacted by the number of teeth you want your grill to cover.

Jewelers claim they will last a lifetime if they are properly taken care of.

Do grills damage your teeth?

Despite the obvious presumption capping your teeth with a chunk of metal may damage them, modern grills do not cause any damage.

They are often removable, allowing the wearer to give their gnashers a break from the bulky accessory.

Grills are individually crafted specifically for each client - with a custom dental mold ensuring they fit perfectly.

It's important to do your research before splashing out and enquiring with a professional dentist regarding your plans.

According to the American Dental Association, no studies have determined whether the long-term wear of grills is safe or not.

But if they fit properly and are worn intermittently, wearers have a low risk of experiencing dental problems, the ADA say.

However, bacteria trapped underneath could create carnage in your mouth and the metal could irritate your gums.