Diamonds in Your Teeth: Shiny Waste of Money?

Diamonds in Your Teeth: A Shiny Waste of Money?

Imagine spending $5,000 to put diamonds in your teeth. It might look flashy, but is it really worth it?

Let’s break it down and explore how that same money could work for you instead of just sitting in your mouth.

The Real Cost of Diamond Tooth Gems

When you pay $5,000 for diamond tooth gems, the dentist’s cost is likely $500–$1,500 for materials. The remaining $3,500–$4,500 goes straight into their pocket as profit. Sure, they’re skilled professionals, but the markup is massive, often between 70% and 90%.

Here’s the thing: those diamonds aren’t adding real value to your life. They’re not making you money, improving your skills, or helping you build wealth. In fact, their only function is to make you look "rich" while draining your bank account.

The Opportunity Cost

Now, let’s look at what could happen if you invested that same $5,000 instead of spending it on diamonds for your teeth:

1. Invest in the Stock Market:

If you put $5,000 into an index fund with a 10% annual return (the historical average for the S&P 500), in 30 years, it would grow to $87,000.

Over 40 years, it would grow to a staggering $226,000.

2. Start a Business:

With $5,000, you could launch a side hustle or invest in a small business idea. Even modest profits could turn into something life-changing over time.

3. Education and Skills:

Use the money to take courses, learn a new skill, or gain certifications. This could lead to better job opportunities and significantly higher lifetime earnings.

4. Real Estate:

You could use $5,000 as a down payment on an investment property. Over time, rental income and property appreciation could bring you tens of thousands of dollars or more.

5. Therapy or Personal Development:

Invest in therapy to improve your mental health, self-esteem, and decision-making. A therapist can help you uncover why material appearances matter so much and help you build lasting confidence.

Why is Our Self-Esteem So Low?

It’s sad but true: the same people spending $5,000 on diamond tooth gems often don’t even have:

A savings account with over $5,000.

Reliable transportation (some don’t even own a car).

A steady career path.

Enough financial responsibility to pay child support or take care of their children.

Instead, they’re spending money to "one-up" others in front of strangers, chasing fleeting validation. This behavior begs the question: Why is our self-esteem so low?

It’s not just about the money—it’s about what the money represents. For some, flashy appearances seem to compensate for internal insecurities, but the truth is, no diamond in your teeth will fix what’s broken inside.

Invest in Yourself Instead

If you’re tempted to spend $5,000 on something purely superficial, ask yourself:

Could this money help me build wealth?

Could it fund therapy or personal growth?

Could it create a better life for me and my family?

Diamonds in your teeth won’t:

Generate income.

Build your future.

Help you grow emotionally or financially.

But an investment in yourself, whether it’s in therapy, education, or financial assets, will.

Final Thought:

Let’s stop the cycle of wasting money to "look rich" when we’re not even financially stable. Instead, use that money to become rich mentally, emotionally, and financially. True wealth isn’t in your teeth; it’s in your choices. Choose wisely.