Celebrities That Have Unique Teeth Features
Whether we like to or not, assessing the physical appearances of the celebrities we see on TV goes with the territory of enjoying a film or series. Apart from their performance prowess, some of the stars who stand out also do so for their unique physical features. Take Joaquin Phoenix, for example. The "Joker" actor's microform cleft between his lip and nose has become a characteristic many remember him for.
Something else we notice? Celebrity teeth. For example, "Pirates of the Caribbean" star Johnny Depp's infamous teeth look the way they do because of years-long wear, per celebrity dentist Dr. Michael Apa (via Page Six). "He has wear, which has been a cumulative effect over a lifetime. Wear like that, sometimes we see it in 30-year-olds in really aggressive cases and sometimes we see it in cases like Depp," explained the expert. Fixing it might require veneers, added Dr. Apa. Meanwhile, Julia Roberts reportedly brushes her teeth with baking soda, a tip she attributes to her grandfather. Experts claim this is an unusual celeb health habit that is actually harmful to your teeth. "Baking soda is incredibly damaging to your teeth. It has a gritty substance which is abrasive to your teeth and will wear away the outer layer of enamel, which is irreversible and will never come back," warned dentist, Dr. Lisa Creaven (via The Irish Sun).
Harmful habits aside, here's a list of some other notable celebrity tooth features and the medical reasons behind them.
Dakota Johnson's once-famous tooth gap
Dakota Johnson of "Fifty Shades" and "Madame Web" fame had an endearing smile, tooth gap and all. Come 2019, however, the gap in the middle of her upper teeth closed, because she had her retainer taken out in an effort to combat neck pain. "I was so upset because I've had the gap my whole life. But when I had a retainer on the back of my teeth taken off, it closed by itself," shared Johnson with InStyle magazine.
A tooth gap, medically referred to as diastema, typically happens between your two front teeth. An overgrowth of tissues in the middle of the inner lips, overgrown gum tissue, having too-small teeth for your jawbone, extra or missing teeth, and even genetics could play a role in why tooth gaps happen. Diastema can also occur because of abnormal swallowing reflexes, thumb sucking, and gum disease.
In Johnson's case, while it's unclear why she developed the tooth gap to begin with, the removal of her retainer seems to have naturally closed the space, which is not normal but possible, according to celebrity cosmetic dentist Dr. Victoria Veytsman (via Page Six). What may have happened is that a permanent retainer was put in "to help keep the teeth in place after her braces got taken off. There was likely a small gap and when the retainer came off, the teeth could [have] drifted together." Johnson is allegedly on a retainer again, hoping her tooth gap will return. Other celebrities with tooth gaps include Madonna, Michael Strahan, and Anna Paquin.
Ricky Gervais' fang-like teeth
English comedian, actor, and producer Ricky Gervais is apparently known for something other than his somewhat controversial and dark humor: his fang-like teeth. Appearing on Friday Night With Jonathan Ross, "The Invention of Lying" star, when questioned about why he never fixed his choppers upon entering Hollywood fame, joked that he could play the roles of vampires with his Dracula teeth.
Fang-like teeth, also referred to as protruding canine teeth, happen naturally because of reasons like teeth crowding or having a narrow palate on both the lower and upper set of teeth. Humans have different types of teeth, and canine teeth are just one kind. They're named that way for a reason. These particularly pointy-ended teeth resemble those of dogs and help us tear into, hold onto, and chew food. Because of their location right under your eyes, they're also called "eye teeth". Apart from being a source of self-consciousness when you smile, protruding canine teeth can cause other problems with biting and chewing. Tooth re-contouring, cosmetic bonding, dental veneers, and even braces can be used to fix fang-like teeth. Other celebrities known for their pointy teeth include Katy Perry, Kirsten Dunst, Avril Lavigne, and Luke Evans.
Keira Knightley's crooked teeth haven't been a problem for her
It is hard to miss "Atonement" star Keira Knightley's crooked teeth when she smiles. Turns out, the celebrity has never felt like she needed to fix her appearance since she got into Hollywood (via CBS News). "Which is quite amazing, because I've got wonky teeth. And I keep hearing about everybody going to Hollywood and, you know, their agents going, 'Straighten your teeth,' or, 'Whiten your teeth,' but nobody's ever said anything about my teeth. They're not straight, apparently," shared the actress.
Knightley even showcased her talent for playing music on her "wonky" teeth by flicking her fingers against them while on The Graham Norton Show.
Misaligned teeth are actually quite common and can happen for a number of reasons. Genetics, having a small or misaligned jaw, your baby and permanent teeth coming in crooked, thumb sucking, pacifier use, and mouth breathing can all lead to crooked teeth. Although you don't have to really straighten them (unless they make you self-conscious), having misaligned teeth can lead to issues like undue stress on the teeth, gums, and jaw muscles, and tooth decay because of food particles getting stuck between jagged edges. Braces and teeth-straightening surgery are some ways in which you can fix crooked teeth. It is also possible to treat the issue cosmetically, per Senova Dental Studios dentist Dr. Jay Padayachy. "For example, mild to moderate cases of tooth crowding, spacing, or misalignment can be fixed cosmetically with porcelain veneers or crowns."
Cardi B has veneers to thank for her smile
Veneer work is not a novelty in the celebrity world, with stars like Julia Roberts, Tom Cruise, Chris Rock, Morgan Freeman, Tori Spelling, and Hilary Duff allegedly getting them done. Dental veneers are a cosmetic dentistry tool used to hide things like cracks, chips, and stains. For Cardi B, veneers were something she sought out because she grew tired of people's comments about her appearance. "If you don't feel comfortable, if you are tired of people talking about you, then go and fix it," shared the rapper of "Bodak Yellow" and "Money" fame (via The Smilist Dental Manhattan).
Dental veneers are usually recommended for broken or chipped teeth, diastema, stains that won't go away, unusually small teeth, or teeth that are crooked. Made from porcelain or resin composite, they are bonded to the front of your teeth to hide imperfections. Your dentist will first assess the need for veneers and take X-rays of your teeth. They will then proceed to create impressions of your mouth and teeth. Finally, after checking for fit and color, the veneer is cemented to your tooth. Although they are meant to last for up to 20 years, veneers can come off. Wearing away of the adhesive, tooth decay, and excessive tooth-grinding can all cause dental veneers to come undone. In fact, Cardi B shared on her broadcast channel (BG Secret Society on Instagram) that one of her veneers came off because she chewed on a really hard bagel, per People.
Jim Carrey chipped his tooth at detention
Jim Carrey is known for a lot of things: His unparalleled ability to morph into his characters, his exceptional skills to contort his facial expressions, and his apparent knack for re-chipping his tooth when a role calls for it. In order to play Lloyd Christmas in the 1994 movie "Dumb and Dumber," Carrey allegedly "took a beer bottle ... hooked the cap over the cap on his tooth, and pulled the cap off his tooth. Because he thought his character should have the split tooth," shared first assistant director, J.B. Rogers (via The Ringer).
The celebrity's tooth first chipped when his best friend, Clark La Prairie, did a cannonball on his skull, Carrey shared on Kevin McCarthy TV. "I can see it now, still in slow motion, the chip flying across the room. It was handed to me in an envelope by Sister Mary John," added the "Bruce Almighty" actor.
Even though tooth enamel is one of the strongest parts of your body, it can come off when it's impacted by a strong force (think sports injuries or biting down on something very hard). Dental veneers can be a useful cosmetic tool at times like this, as they were for Carrey. However, cracking or chipping your veneers can result in discomfort. Your teeth can become very sensitive to hot or cold foods, and you can experience pain as a result of it. It might be a good idea to refrain from purposely chipping your veneer, much like it's a good idea to avoid questionable personal hygiene habits celebrities follow.