A tooth tattoo is a relatively recent invention in cosmetic dentistry that is considered "dental bling." Much like a skin tattoo, a tooth tattoo is a permanent image that is added to the tooth. The difference with a tooth tattoo is that it is created on a crown that is then attached to the tooth by a dentist. Also, if a person decides to have a tooth tattoo removed, the process is much easier and less painful than the process of having a skin tattoo removed or covered up. There are a number of companies that specialize in creating tooth tattoos, a process that requires great skill as the space on the front of a tooth is so limited.
In most cases, people who decide to get a tooth tattoo have the tattoo installed on the front side of the tooth so that it is visible. Sometimes people have these kinds of tattoos installed on the teeth towards the back of the mouth. In these cases, it is most common to have the tooth tattoo installed on the side of the tooth that faces the outer mouth. In some rare cases, a tooth tattoo is installed on the lingual side of the tooth, which is the side that faces the tongue and the inside of the mouth. Just as with skin tattoos, the visibility of a tooth tattoo has everything to do with placement choice.
The limited amount of space on a tooth restricts the kinds of designs that can be incorporated into the tattoo. In most cases, this kind of tattoo is rather simple, including just one symbol such as a sun, a heart, or an initial. Skilled tooth artists, however, can create tattoos of more intricate symbols such as butterflies. There are also cases in which a person's face can be rendered into a tooth tattoo. This kind of work takes the greatest skill and the most precision.
Those who are interested in having a tattoo added to one of their teeth must consult with a dentist before ordering the artwork. In order to have the tattoo created on a crown, the dentist will have to make an impression of the tooth that will then be used by the person creating the tattoo. Dentists usually install crowns on teeth to treat damage or decay. When installed a tooth tattoo, however, the crown may be placed over a tooth that is perfectly healthy.