The Art of Making Grillz: Inside Vietnam’s Custom Jewelry Labs

The art of making grillz goes far beyond simple jewelry—it’s a fusion of design, culture, and precision dentistry. What once started as a bold expression in hip-hop culture has transformed into a global movement of self-expression and craftsmanship.

From Los Angeles to London, and now to Ho Chi Minh City, grillz have become the ultimate symbol of personality and prestige. But while global demand has skyrocketed, so have the prices—until Vietnam entered the scene.

In this vibrant Southeast Asian country, traditional goldsmith mastery meets state-of-the-art dental technology, creating a new frontier for affordable luxury.

Inside Vietnam’s custom jewelry labs, expert artisans and skilled dentists collaborate to craft truly bespoke grillz—pieces of art designed to fit perfectly, shine brilliantly, and tell your unique story.

From Goldsmiths to Dental Artists: The Fusion of Two Worlds

The process of making grillz requires the precision of a dentist and the vision of a jeweler.
In Vietnam, those two worlds coexist seamlessly.

Many of the country’s best grillz come from Ho Chi Minh City, where traditional goldsmith families have passed down metal-working secrets for generations.
Now, they’re pairing that heritage with dental clinics equipped with 3D scanners, laser tools, and CAD software.

Dentists ensure the grillz fit safely and comfortably, while jewelers bring the sparkle and design to life.
It’s this collaboration between science and artistry that gives Vietnamese grillz their reputation for balance—perfect fit, flawless shine.

Step by Step: How Custom Grillz Are Made in Vietnam

Let’s step inside the lab and follow the journey from concept to completion.

1. Consultation and Design Concept

Every masterpiece begins with a conversation.

Clients discuss their ideas—metal type, number of teeth, gemstone accents, or even personal engravings.

At Saigon White Dental, designers use digital tools to sketch a 3D mock-up so customers can preview the final look before production begins.

This phase defines style: minimalist gold, bold diamond-studded, or avant-garde shapes inspired by hip-hop and fashion icons.

2. Dental Impressions and 3D Scanning

Precision is everything.

A perfect grillz set shouldn’t scratch the enamel or pinch the gums.

To achieve that, dentists take a silicone mold or perform a 3D intraoral scan of the teeth. These scans are then sent directly to the jewelry lab, ensuring an exact digital blueprint.

This blend of medical accuracy and creative design is what sets Vietnam’s process apart from generic online shops.

3. Material Selection and Preparation

Clients choose the material that fits their vision and budget:

• 10k–24k Gold Tooth – classic, warm shine; 10k for strength, 24k for prestige.
• Silver or Platinum – cool tones, ideal for subtle luxury.
• Gemstone Options ( gem tooth) – diamonds, crystals, sapphires, or Swarovski accents.

Vietnamese labs source these materials from certified suppliers. Every piece of gold or silver is tested for purity before entering the casting stage.

4. Wax Model and Casting

Using the ancient lost-wax technique, artisans first create a wax replica of the grillz. This model is checked against the client’s 3D mold for shape and symmetry.

Once approved, molten metal is poured into the wax mold, forming the initial structure. This traditional technique—used in fine jewelry making for centuries—gives Vietnamese grillz their smooth contours and durability.

5. Handcrafting and Detailing

After casting, the real artistry begins.
Each piece is hand-shaped, soldered, and refined using miniature tools under magnification.

If gemstones are requested, professional setters mount them one by one, securing each crystal or diamond with microscopic precision.
Some designs feature engraved initials, logos, or patterns, while others focus on mirror-like polish and symmetry.

It’s meticulous, time-intensive work—often taking 20–40 hours per set—but it’s what makes every grillz piece a one-of-a-kind creation.

6. Fitting and Polishing

Once the grillz are crafted, the client returns to the clinic for fitting.
Dentists check bite alignment, gum spacing, and comfort.
Then, the set is polished to perfection, sterilized, and packaged in a protective case.

The result: a brilliant custom grill that fits like a glove and gleams like fine art.

Technology and Tools Behind the Shine

Modern Vietnamese jewelry labs rival those in Los Angeles and Tokyo.
They integrate traditional handicraft with cutting-edge equipment, such as:

• 3D CAD/CAM design systems for precision modeling
• Laser engraving machines for intricate detailing
• Ultrasonic cleaners for residue-free finishing
• Micro-polishers that achieve a glass-like surface
• Sterilization units approved for dental-grade hygiene

This high-tech environment ensures each grillz piece is safe for daily wear while retaining its jewelry-quality brilliance.

Inside Vietnam’s Custom Jewelry Labs

Step inside a Vietnamese lab, and you’ll see the hum of artistry in motion:
gold dust in the air, the faint sound of polishing wheels, and artisans bent over microscopes setting stones smaller than a grain of rice.

Ho Chi Minh City has become the heart of this craft.
Boutiques and labs collaborate closely with clinics like Saigon White Dental, merging artistic creativity with medical oversight.

While one room focuses on dental impressions and digital scans, another shines with molten metal and jeweler’s torches.
It’s here—where artistry meets science—that Vietnam’s most dazzling smiles are born.

Cost Factors in the Crafting Process

The price of grillz in Vietnam varies depending on design and complexity, but even top-tier sets cost 40–70 percent less than in Western countries.

Typical prices range from USD 80 for a single gold tooth to USD 2,000 for a diamond-encrusted full set—still far below global averages.
That affordability, combined with craftsmanship, is why travelers are flying to Vietnam for their grillz.

Quality, Safety, and Certification

In Vietnam, legitimate dental-jewelry collaborations emphasize safety just as much as style.
Clinics like Saigon White Dental ensure every step—from mold creation to final fitting—follows international standards.

• Sterile equipment prevents contamination.
• Non-toxic, hypoallergenic metals protect gums and enamel.
• Professional oversight ensures grillz never interfere with dental health.
• Certificates of authenticity verify gold purity and gemstone quality.

Every client leaves with both a brilliant smile and peace of mind.

Vietnam’s Growing Reputation in Global Grillz Culture

Over the past few years, Vietnam has become a quiet powerhouse in the global grillz scene.
Artists, influencers, and even international jewelers now source from Vietnamese labs for their blend of quality, affordability, and design diversity.

Social-media videos showcase Saigon artisans engraving intricate logos or embedding gemstones with surgical precision.
For many visitors, it’s surprising to see such high-end artistry available at such approachable prices.

Ho Chi Minh City is often called “Asia’s Gold Smile Capital.”
And with the continued growth of dental tourism, Vietnam is rapidly becoming the go-to destination for both functional dentistry and fashion-forward smiles.

Grillz Tourism: Craft, Travel, and Culture

For travelers, getting grillz in Vietnam isn’t just about the final product—it’s an experience.
Visitors enjoy sightseeing, coffee culture, and street food while their custom grillz are being crafted in the lab.

Saigon White Dental caters to international clients with:

• English-speaking dentists and staff
• Airport pickup & hotel coordination
• Transparent quotes and digital updates during production
• 3- to 5-day turnaround for most orders

Many clients describe it as “a vacation that ends with a sparkle.”

Aftercare and Maintenance from the Lab

To keep grillz shining and safe:

• Remove them before eating or sleeping.
• Brush gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap.
• Avoid alcohol-based cleaners or toothpaste with abrasives.
• Store in a soft pouch or protective case.
• Schedule polishing once or twice a year.

Vietnamese labs often provide lifetime polishing services and affordable refitting options for returning clients.