For decades, silver jewellery has occupied a special place in Kenya’s fashion culture. From chunky chains and bracelets to rings and the once-popular single silver tooth cap, metallic accessories have long served as symbols of style, status and self-expression.
Today, that fascination with precious metals has evolved into something far bolder.
A new generation of Kenyans is embracing custom-made grillz, decorative dental covers crafted from silver, gold or brass, transforming smiles into some of the most striking fashion statements in the country.
A younger generation of artistes has helped drive the movement.
Rapper SKoko and Chief Muya, formerly of H_Art The Band, recently unveiled custom-made silver grillz crafted by Nairobi-based designer Chief Custom Grillz.
Rapper Boutross is rarely seen without his signature set, while Maandy Kabaya has showcased hers in several music videos and social media appearances, introducing the look to a broader youth audience.
Unlike traditional jewellery, grillz are highly visual and instantly noticeable on camera. A smile revealing polished silver or gold teeth creates an immediate impression, making them particularly appealing in an era where personal branding increasingly happens online.
What was once viewed as a niche trend imported from American hip-hop culture has steadily found a home within Kenya’s urban fashion scene.
Scroll through TikTok, Instagram or YouTube and it is difficult to miss them. From music videos and nightclub appearances to influencer content and street-style photography, gleaming metallic teeth have become increasingly visible among artistes, content creators and Gen Z trendsetters.
Dental grillz are decorative coverings worn over one or more teeth, typically made from precious metals such as gold or silver.
Unlike crowns or other dental procedures designed to repair damaged teeth, grillz are largely aesthetic accessories. For many wearers, they are not about hiding imperfections but about making a statement.
Moha Graffix, is best known across Nairobi’s creative and matatu culture scene as the pioneering graffiti artist who helped redefine Kenya’s public transport aesthetics.
Beyond his work on vehicles, Moha has also become a recognisable figure in Kenya’s fashion and street culture scene partly because of his distinctive personal style, including his silver teeth which he said he had to get the custom grills so as to reman unique.
“It was legacy, divinity, status and expression. That same spirit lives on today. Grillz are not about hiding your teeth,” says one Nairobi-based grillz creator.
The growing popularity of grillz in Kenya reflects a wider global story. While many people associate them with hip-hop stars, the tradition of adorning teeth stretches back thousands of years.
In Kenya, the trend has evolved in its own way. Veteran entertainer Prezzo was among the earliest local celebrities to embrace flashy dental jewellery, incorporating metallic teeth into his larger-than-life image long before the look entered the mainstream.
At the time, the style was viewed as unconventional and was largely confined to a handful of musicians influenced by American rap culture.
Today, however, grillz have become more accessible and more visible than ever before.
Behind the trend is a growing local industry of artisans and designers who specialise in creating bespoke grillz. Nairobi has emerged as the centre of this niche market, with creators producing customised pieces tailored to individual clients.
“These are 8-on-8 custom permanent-cut silver grillz done in one day. These cost Sh30,000 and shipping is done worldwide,” says Chief Custom Grillz.
The process of creating grillz is far more intricate than many people realise. Professionally made grillz begin with an impression or mould of a client’s teeth.
The mould captures the exact shape and alignment of the wearer’s dental structure, allowing the artisan to create a piece that fits snugly without causing discomfort. Some high-end makers now use digital scans instead of traditional moulds, improving precision and reducing production time.
Once the impression is taken, the design stage begins. Clients can choose the number of teeth they wish to cover, the type of metal, engraving patterns and, in some cases, gemstone embellishments. The final piece is then cast, polished and fitted before delivery.
The cost varies significantly depending on the material used and the complexity of the design.
In Kenya, premium custom-made grillz generally range from Sh6,000 to Sh30,000, although elaborate gold designs featuring gemstones can cost considerably more. Silver remains the most popular option due to its affordability and bright finish. On the lower end of the market are pre-made snap-on grillz, often made from brass with a thin silver-coloured coating, which retail for between Sh500 and Sh2,000.
The growing preference for silver is partly economic. Global gold prices have risen sharply in recent years, making gold grillz prohibitively expensive for many young consumers. Sterling silver offers a more affordable alternative while still delivering the eye-catching metallic shine associated with luxury fashion.
For many wearers, grillz represent more than an accessory. They are a form of wearable art.
Fashion analyst and youth culture observers note that younger consumers increasingly seek unique forms of self-expression rather than traditional status symbols.
In a social media-driven culture where individuality is highly valued, grillz allow people to customise one of the most visible features of their appearance: their smile.
This emphasis on individuality helps explain why no two grillz are exactly alike. Some feature clean, minimalist designs covering a single tooth, while others span an entire row of teeth with intricate patterns and lettering. The accessory becomes a personal signature as much as a fashion statement.
Social media platforms occasionally circulate claims linking silver teeth or grillz to gang affiliations, criminal activity or coded symbolism. Similar misconceptions have surfaced in different countries whenever the trend gains visibility. However, grillz creators and dental professionals consistently reject such associations, emphasising that grillz are simply fashion accessories with cultural and artistic roots rather than indicators of criminal behaviour.
Experts warn that poorly fitted grillz can create a range of dental problems. Food particles and bacteria can become trapped between the grill and the natural teeth, creating an environment where plaque accumulates. Over time, this may increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease and persistent bad breath.
Dentists also caution against wearing grillz while eating or sleeping. Continuous wear can place pressure on teeth and gums, while sleeping with grillz may prolong exposure to trapped bacteria and increase the likelihood of irritation.
Another concern is enamel wear. Cheap, poorly manufactured grillz often fail to fit properly, causing friction against the teeth. Over time, this rubbing can gradually wear down enamel — the protective outer layer of the tooth. Since enamel does not regenerate, damage can be permanent. Poorly fitted grillz may also irritate the gums, leading to inflammation or bleeding.
In some cases, low-quality metals can trigger allergic reactions or oral irritation, particularly when non-precious metals are used. Dental organisations recommend understanding exactly what materials are being placed inside the mouth before purchasing any grill.
For these reasons, oral health experts advise consumers to invest in professionally fitted pieces whenever possible.
Dental professionals in several countries have increasingly called for grillz to be produced with dental oversight, arguing that accurate impressions and proper fitting significantly reduce health risks.
Proper maintenance is equally important. Dentists recommend brushing and flossing thoroughly before and after wearing grillz, cleaning the pieces separately using warm water and mild antibacterial soap, and avoiding harsh jewellery-cleaning chemicals that are not designed for oral use. Limiting wear time and removing grillz before meals can also help minimise potential complications.
Despite these concerns, the momentum behind Kenya’s grillz movement shows little sign of slowing. As local designers continue refining their craft and celebrities embrace the trend, grillz are becoming an increasingly visible part of the country’s evolving fashion identity.
