Grillz
Grillz (or sometimes "grills") are very much a modern treasure, both fashion statement and status symbol. Some of those worn by celebrities are also extremely valuable in their own right and as such are also a highly conspicuous and visible symbol of success and wealth.
What Are Grillz?
Grillz are removable tooth caps designed to look like permanent teeth. They're usually for sale as a set to cover all of the top teeth, bottom teeth or both. Although many designs are available the most well known styles use gold and/or diamonds, either real or artificial. They're used to bling up your mouth.
History
Grillz started to become a major trend in the 1980s, especially amongst rap, hip hop and gansta musicians and their fans. Some of the best known stars have been photographed wearing iced out sets of custom grillz that cost tens of thousands of dollars.Today grillz have moved into the mainstream and become more affordable. Genuine gold and diamond grillz worn by celebrities are usually individually made and fitted to perfectly cover the teeth of the individual customer. The rest of us have to make do with an off the shelf set, normally plastic costume jewelry with artificial stones rather than real diamonds. If you buy a set of teeth grillz online for $10 then it's unlikely to be solid gold!
The original "bling" concept of glittering gold and diamond has also been extended in a variety of ways. Some producers sell fashionable designs, others prefer to go more for irony, humour and special themes. Examples include patriotic grillz in red, white and blue colours and - fittingly - even blinged up vampire fangs to go with your Halloween costume!