When Simone Biles stepped onto the floor at the Paris 2024 Olympics, everyone expected her to defy physics. She did. But after she secured that all-around gold and flashed a massive smile, the internet noticed something besides her legendary "GOAT" necklace. It was a tiny, brilliant spark right on her tooth.
Naturally, the speculation went wild. Was it a permanent implant? A diamond drilled into the bone? A sticker?
Honestly, the Simone Biles diamond tooth—or "tooth gem" as it's technically called—is one of those small details that says a lot about how she navigates the world. She’s the most decorated gymnast ever, yet she still catches heat for things like her hair or how much she smiles. Adding a literal diamond to her grin felt like a quiet, sparkly way of saying she’s doing things on her own terms.
What is the Simone Biles Diamond Tooth exactly?
It isn't a "diamond tooth" in the way a rapper might have a permanent gold crown with an inset stone. It's actually a tooth gem.
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If you look closely at her photos from the Paris Games, you’ll see two tiny, light-catching studs. They sit on her upper canine teeth. These aren't drilled in. Think of it more like a semi-permanent piercing for your smile, but without the needle.
A lot of people assume she went under the knife or some intense dental procedure for this. In reality, it’s a much simpler process. Professionals use a dental-grade adhesive—basically the same stuff your orthodontist uses to stick brackets to your teeth—to bond a small crystal or real diamond to the enamel.
- Placement: Usually on the canines or lateral incisors.
- Material: Biles' stones appeared to be high-quality crystals or small diamonds.
- Longevity: These can stay on for a few months or up to a couple of years depending on how you eat.
How the procedure actually works
You don’t just glue these on at home with Super Glue. Well, you could, but you'd probably ruin your enamel.
The way Biles likely got hers done—and how most "tooth gem" artists in places like Houston (her hometown) operate—is a three-step dance. First, they lightly etch the tooth surface with a mild acid. This sounds scary, but it’s just to create a microscopic texture so the glue holds. Then comes the primer. Finally, they apply the composite and the gem, curing it with a UV light.
It takes about 15 minutes. No pain. No numbing. No drills.
When Biles showed hers off, it signaled a massive comeback for a trend that peaked in the early 2000s. It’s "Y2K core" at its finest. For an athlete who has to be clinical and precise in her movements, this is where she gets to be a person with a style.
Why the "GOAT" needed a little extra shine
Simone is famously unapologetic about her status. After Paris, she wore a 3D goat necklace encrusted with 546 diamonds.
"The haters hate it, but I like that even more," she told reporters.
The Simone Biles diamond tooth serves the same purpose. Gymnastics has historically been a very "stiff" sport—tight buns, no visible tattoos, perfectly manicured smiles. By rocking tooth gems, Biles is poking at those old-school standards. She’s saying you can be the most serious athlete on the planet and still have fun with your look.
Is it safe for your teeth?
Dentists are usually split on this, but the consensus is pretty clear: if a professional does it, you’re fine.
The big risk is if you try a DIY kit from a random website. If the bond isn't "dental grade," you can trap bacteria under the gem. That leads to decay. Also, if you try to pop it off yourself, you might take a layer of enamel with it.
Simone’s gems are temporary. When she’s tired of them, she can just go to a dentist and have them polished off. No harm, no foul.
The connection to her other "Bling"
It’s worth noting that Biles doesn't just do jewelry for the sake of it. Everything she wears usually has a story. Her engagement ring from Jonathan Owens? A massive 3-carat oval diamond. Her Olympic leotards? Often covered in over 6,000 Swarovski crystals.
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The tooth gem is just the smallest piece of a very expensive, very deliberate wardrobe.
While people were arguing on Twitter (or X, whatever we're calling it now) about whether her hair was too messy or if she should have bowed to Rebeca Andrade, Biles was just living her life. The diamond in her tooth was like a little "wink" every time she spoke to the cameras. It’s subtle, but it’s there.
Why people get it wrong
The biggest misconception is the cost. While a full "iced-out" grill can cost $50,000, a single tooth gem application usually starts around $50 to $150. Of course, if you’re using a VVS diamond like a world-class athlete might, that price goes up.
But it’s accessible.
People also think it’s a distraction. "How can she tumble with that?"
Basically, it weighs nothing. It’s no different than having a filling. It doesn't affect her speech, and it certainly doesn't affect her landing a Yurchenko double pike.
What you can learn from Simone's style
If you’re thinking about following the trend, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Go to a pro. Don't let your friend do it in a dorm room. Find a licensed tooth gem technician or a dentist who offers "cosmetic enhancements."
- Check the materials. Ensure they are using lead-free crystals or real gold/diamonds.
- Think about maintenance. You have to be a bit more careful with electric toothbrushes and crunchy food.
- Enamel health matters. If you have thin enamel or a lot of veneers, the gem might not stick, or it might cause sensitivity.
The Simone Biles diamond tooth isn't just a fashion choice; it’s a vibe. It’s about owning your smile. In a world that constantly tells women—and especially Black women in sports—how to look and behave, Biles chooses to sparkle.
If you want to emulate the look, start by looking for local cosmetic dental studios that specialize in "tooth jewelry." Make sure they use dental-grade bonding agents (like phosphoric acid etchant and light-cure resin) to ensure your natural teeth stay protected underneath the shine.
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Practical Next Steps for Your Own Smile:
- Search for local pros: Look for "Tooth Gem Technicians" in your area with high ratings.
- Consult your dentist: Ask if your enamel is healthy enough for a temporary bond.
- Pick your gem: Decide between a temporary Swarovski crystal (cheaper) or a real 18k gold or diamond stud (investment).