The sparkling part of my dental gem fell off, but the base stayed in place

When the sparkling part of a dental gem falls off while the base remains in place, this is not caused by the quality of the gem.

Our products are checked before dispatch, and this type of issue should not be interpreted as a quality defect in the product itself.

It is a known issue in the sector, linked to the application, to the mechanical stress placed on the gem, and to the stress it may undergo after the application.

This issue does not come from the quality of the gem

It is important to be clear on this point:

this issue is not caused by the quality of the gem.

The fact that the sparkling part separates while the base remains in place does not mean that the product was defective.

This is a known technical risk in the field of dental jewellery application, and all professionals in the sector encounter it at some point.

In other words, this type of breakage should not be attributed to the intrinsic quality of the gem.

Why can the sparkling part fall off?

Several factors can explain this situation.

1. Brushing too vigorously

Brushing too forcefully can create repeated friction on the gem.

Over time, this may weaken the whole structure and encourage separation of the sparkling part.

2. Foods or drinks that are too hot or too cold

Significant temperature variations can place stress on the application, especially if the aftercare recommendations were not followed.

3. Hard foods

Some foods, such as biting directly into an apple, hard bread, or other firm foods, can create pressure or impact on the gem.

These mechanical stresses may encourage this type of issue.

4. An imperfect application technique

The application technique plays a central role.

If the composite does not surround the gem properly, or if the hold around the edges is not sufficiently well done, the risk increases.

5. The size of the gem

The larger the gem, the higher the risk.

A larger gem is naturally more exposed to friction, impacts, and daily stresses.

Why can the base remain in place?

This is exactly what characterises this type of issue.

The base can remain fixed on the tooth while the sparkling part separates.

This corresponds to a separation between the two parts of the gem, not to a full detachment of the entire application.

Again, this does not call the quality of the gem into question.

Zero risk does not exist

This is an important point.

With this type of issue, zero risk can never be completely achieved.

Even with very good products, a careful application, and good recommendations given to the client, this issue can still exist.

However, when everything is done properly:

• the application is clean;
• the composite is applied correctly;
• the gem is well chosen and well positioned;
• the instructions are clearly explained to the client;

then this risk is reduced drastically.

That is exactly the right way to present it: a zero-risk outcome cannot be promised, but the risk can be reduced as much as possible.

Is this a known issue in the sector?

Yes, absolutely.

This is a known issue among professionals who apply dental jewellery.

It is not an isolated case, nor something that would allow anyone to conclude that the product is poor quality.

That is precisely why it is important, as a professional, to know how to explain this issue calmly, accurately, and clearly.

How can this risk be reduced as much as possible?

The most important thing is to act on two levels.

1. The quality of the application

A precise application remains essential.

In particular, it is important to:

• position the gem properly;
• apply the composite correctly;
• create a clean connection along the edges;
• avoid using too much or too little composite.

2. The recommendations given to the client

The client must also be properly informed after the application.

It is important to remind them:

• not to brush too vigorously;
• to avoid foods that are too hard or too sticky;
• to be careful with stress placed on the area;
• and to follow the aftercare recommendations given at the end of the appointment.

Why is this topic covered in the training?

Because it is a real technical topic encountered in practice.

A full chapter of our application training is dedicated to this issue, precisely to help professionals:

• understand why it happens;
• improve their technique;
• reduce this risk as much as possible;
• and pass on the right recommendations to the client.

This clearly shows that the issue is linked to application technique, prevention, and the mechanical stress placed on the gem, not to a product quality problem.

How should you respond to a client when this happens?

The most accurate response is to be clear and professional:

• explain that this issue can happen;
• specify that it is not linked to the quality of the gem;
• recall the possible causes;
• and explain that zero risk does not exist, even though a good application can reduce this risk significantly.

That is the most serious and credible way to handle this situation.

Key takeaways

If the sparkling part of a gem falls off while the base remains in place, this is not caused by the quality of the gem.

This issue can be explained by several factors, including:

• brushing too vigorously;
• foods or drinks that are too hot or too cold;
• hard foods;
• an imperfect application technique;
• or the size of the gem.

The larger the gem, the higher this risk may be.

The zero-risk level for this issue can never be fully reached.

However, if the application is done properly and the right recommendations are given to the client, this risk is reduced drastically.

This is a known issue in the sector, and that is exactly why it is covered in our application training.

Updated on: 21/03/2026