Mike Tyson teeth: Mike Tyson new teeth before and after

Mike Tyson underwent a dramatic dental transformation, turning his once flawed, gap-toothed grin into a near-perfect smile through modern dentistry.
In his early career, Tyson’s teeth were far from ideal – he had missing and crooked teeth, plus a noticeable gap between his front incisors. Over time, he invested in comprehensive dental work to improve both function and appearance. Before, Tyson’s smile featured gold-capped front teeth and visible gaps or missing teeth, reflecting years of boxing wear and lack of early dental care. After multiple treatments, including dental implants to replace lost teeth and porcelain veneers/crowns to enhance shape and color, he now displays straight, intact, and bright white teeth. The before-and-after contrast is striking – his once infamous “gap-toothed, gold-capped grin” has become a confident, symmetrical smile. Today, Tyson’s teeth look healthy and aligned, while still retaining a bit of his personality (he even restored a slight gap to honor his signature look). This transformation shows how a high-quality smile makeover can turn even severely damaged teeth into a “Hollywood smile.”
Mike Tyson teeth: historical dental transformation and evolution
Mike Tyson’s dental appearance has evolved dramatically over the decades. In the 1980s, as a young boxer, his natural teeth showed significant imperfections – they were crooked, with some possibly missing or damaged from training and fights. He had a wide gap between his front teeth and no cosmetic dental work at that stage. By the late 1990s, Tyson made a bold style choice by sporting gold dental caps on his front teeth, which became part of his persona. This “gold teeth era” coincided with his boxing fame and added to his intimidating image. However, those gold-capped teeth were not ideal for dental health and were more of a fashion statement.
Moving into the 2000s, Tyson began restorative dental work. He retired from boxing and sought to fix the damage accrued over years of neglect and trauma. He had the gold caps removed and replaced with natural-looking prosthetics (crowns or veneers), and his iconic gap was initially closed as part of a smile makeover. By 2006, Tyson achieved symmetry in his smile through porcelain veneers, which corrected the shape and alignment of his front teeth. In the 2010s, he further improved the aesthetics by whitening his teeth, giving them a brighter, healthier look. Finally, in the 2020s, Tyson chose to re-open the gap between his front teeth, embracing it as a signature feature of his identity. Today, his dental profile – sometimes dubbed a “Hollywood smile” – includes implants, veneers, and well-proportioned teeth that look both natural and refined. The evolution from a rough, gap-toothed youth to a polished smile underscores advances in cosmetic dentistry and Tyson’s personal journey of self-image.
Mike Tyson smile
Mike Tyson’s smile has long been a part of his public identity, characterized by a distinctive gap and, at one point, flashy gold teeth. His signature gap-toothed smile was recognizable early in his career and became an iconic feature. Even when his teeth were not perfect, Tyson’s wide grin was often visible in interviews and photographs, contributing to an approachable aspect of his otherwise fearsome persona. In the 1990s, his smile drew extra attention due to two gold-capped front teeth on the left side, which gave an asymmetrical, glinting look whenever he grinned.
Over time, as Tyson fixed his dental issues, the nature of his smile changed. He closed the gap between his front teeth during a dental makeover around 2010, aiming for a more conventional look. However, he soon regretted removing the gap, since it had been a trademark of his image. In a later procedure, Tyson actually had the gap restored (by adjusting or reshaping his front teeth) to bring back his familiar look. This unusual decision – intentionally reopening a space most people try to eliminate – highlights how important that small feature was to him. Today, Tyson’s smile is a blend of dental perfection and personal style: his teeth are evenly repaired and bright, but he maintains a slight gap front-and-center as a nod to the “old Tyson.” Overall, his smile has gone from ferocious (gap and gold accentuating a wild image) to friendly yet unique (a healthy, white smile that still contains a hint of the gap). It demonstrates that cosmetic dentistry can balance aesthetic ideals with individual identity.
(In summary, Mike Tyson’s smile transformation shows that even a heavyweight champion’s grin can be remade – yet Tyson chose to keep one distinguishing feature, proving that the best smile is one that reflects your personality.)
How did Mike Tyson fix his teeth?
Mike Tyson fixed his teeth through extensive professional dental treatments – including replacing lost teeth with implants, covering imperfections with veneers/crowns, and whitening – resulting in a significantly improved smile.
In practical terms, Tyson’s dental overhaul began after he retired from intense boxing. Years of blows had left him with missing and damaged teeth, so the first step was to replace those missing teeth. He opted for dental implants, which involved surgical placement of titanium roots into the jawbone, over which realistic prosthetic teeth were attached. Implants gave Tyson sturdy, permanent new teeth where he previously had gaps. Next, for teeth that were still present but worn, discolored, or oddly spaced (like his front teeth), Tyson used porcelain veneers and crowns. Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to change their outward appearance – Tyson’s veneers corrected the shape and size of his front incisors, closing the gap and covering any chips or stains. Crowns were used especially to replace the gold caps; tooth-colored crowns covered those teeth fully, restoring a natural look. Additionally, Tyson underwent professional teeth whitening procedures to brighten his smile, ensuring that all his teeth – both natural and restored – had a consistent, white coloration. The combination of these treatments constituted a full smile makeover. In essence, Tyson fixed his teeth by leveraging modern dentistry’s entire arsenal: implants for missing teeth, orthodontic or cosmetic adjustments for alignment (instead of traditional braces, he chose quick cosmetic fixes), veneers/crowns for aesthetics, and whitening for color. Each procedure addressed a specific issue, and together they transformed his dental health and appearance. By working with experienced dental professionals and likely undergoing multiple sessions, Tyson was able to go from a fractured smile to one that is functional, strong, and camera-ready.
What are the differences between Mike Tyson’s old and new teeth?
Mike Tyson’s old teeth vs. new teeth differ in several key ways, reflecting his dental work over the years:
- Presence of Gap: Old: Tyson’s upper front teeth had a prominent gap (diastema) in his youth and early career. New: That gap was closed during a cosmetic makeover and later partially reintroduced (now a subtle gap) as a deliberate style choice.
- Missing Teeth: Old: As a boxer, Tyson had a few teeth knocked out and was even “still missing some in his smile” during his early retirement. Visible gaps where teeth were lost contributed to an uneven dental arch. New: Missing teeth have been fully replaced by dental implants, so he now has a complete set of teeth with no empty spaces.
- Front Teeth Appearance: Old: Two of Tyson’s front left teeth were capped with gold in the 1990s, giving a gold-tooth grin. His natural front teeth were also somewhat crooked and of varying sizes. New: The gold caps are gone – those teeth are now covered with tooth-colored crowns or veneers, matching the rest of his teeth. His front teeth are aligned and symmetrical in shape, aside from the intentional central gap.
- Color and Surface: Old: Earlier in life, Tyson’s teeth were reportedly stained, dull, or had a “brownish” tint from age and lack of whitening (common for many people). The gold caps also stood out against his natural tooth color. New: Tyson’s teeth are now a bright white shade, achieved through professional whitening and the use of porcelain restorations. The overall look is a clean, healthy white smile with shine.
- Overall Alignment & Bite: Old: Tyson’s bite was less refined; crooked teeth and missing molars could have affected how his upper and lower teeth met. New: After restorations, his dental arch is properly filled out and teeth are straightened, which likely improved his bite alignment. Porcelain veneers helped in “reshaping and resizing” his front teeth for a more even smile line.
In summary, Mike Tyson’s new teeth are complete, straight, and white, whereas his old teeth had gaps, gold caps, and some misalignment/discoloration. The transformation addressed both functional issues (missing teeth) and cosmetic issues (color, shape, symmetry).
Mike Tyson decaying teeth
Despite the extensive damage and changes Mike Tyson’s teeth underwent, there is little evidence that he suffered severe tooth decay (cavities) in public view – his dental issues were more related to trauma (breakage, loss) and cosmetic appearance than rampant decay. In his younger days, Tyson’s teeth did appear somewhat neglected: photographs show they were not perfectly clean or uniform, which could imply some enamel wear or minor decay. He also had receding gums in spots (possibly from periodontal issues or rough boxing life), a condition that can increase the risk of root decay if untreated. However, Tyson addressed his dental problems before any “rotting teeth” became an issue that fans would notice.
If any of Mike Tyson’s teeth were decayed or developing cavities, those were likely resolved during his dental makeovers. For example, when he got crowns and veneers, the dentist would have removed any decayed material and restored the tooth structure. Furthermore, once Tyson replaced several teeth with dental implants, those artificial teeth cannot develop cavities at all. Implants are made of titanium and porcelain, so they are immune to the bacteria that cause tooth decay (though the surrounding gums still need care). Tyson’s remaining natural teeth (if any) are now likely well-maintained under the care of dentists, given his access to top dental care. In short, while Tyson’s original teeth might have had some decay or poor condition due to neglect, today none of Mike Tyson’s teeth are “decaying.” His current smile is largely built on restorations that are cavity-proof or on natural teeth that have been expertly treated.
Are Mike Tyson’s teeth showing signs of decay?
No – Mike Tyson’s teeth today do not show any signs of tooth decay. When he smiles now, all you see are clean, intact teeth with a healthy shine. This is because most of his visible teeth have been restored with materials like porcelain veneers, crowns, or implants, which do not develop cavities. For instance, his dental implants (used to replace missing teeth) are cavity-proof and will never get “rotten” in the way natural teeth can. His veneers and crowns cover the natural tooth structure, if any, creating a barrier against decay as long as they are properly maintained.
Photographs of Tyson in recent years show no discoloration or dark spots that typically indicate decay. Additionally, Tyson likely follows a good oral hygiene routine and sees a dentist regularly, which helps prevent any new decay. It’s worth noting that in the past, his teeth had a stained appearance and irregular shape, but those issues were cosmetic rather than infectious decay. Now that he’s had professional cosmetic dentistry, his teeth are uniformly white with no visible pits or lesions. Dentists who have discussed Tyson’s smile transformation emphasize that his restorations have improved his oral health and aesthetics tremendously. Therefore, Mike Tyson’s current teeth are free of decay, and there are no signs of cavities. Any prior decay was handled during his dental treatment process. As with anyone who has invested in dental work, Tyson must maintain good gum health and hygiene, but as of now his smile is in excellent shape, with nothing “rotting” or deteriorating.
Mike Tyson dental arch
Mike Tyson’s dental arch refers to the shape and alignment of the rows of teeth in his jaws. Over the course of his life, Tyson’s dental arch has been altered by tooth loss and subsequent restorations. In his early career, having some teeth knocked out meant his dental arch had gaps – for example, a missing tooth in the upper arch can cause neighboring teeth to drift or the arch to narrow slightly. Tyson’s upper arch was notable for the gap between his central incisors, which is a spacing in the front portion of the arch.
After Tyson underwent dental reconstruction, his dental arch was effectively restored to a full complement of teeth. Dental implants were placed to fill in gaps from lost teeth, preserving the natural shape of his arches. These implants prevented the collapse of any spaces and kept his bite functional. His upper arch, post-makeover, has all the teeth aligned in a smooth curve from molar to molar. The once prominent gap in the front is now a intentional small gap, so the symmetry of the arch is maintained – the gap is exactly in the center, between the two front teeth, which is actually symmetrical and does not compromise the arch form.
Tyson’s upper dental arch now supports a balanced smile line (the curvature that follows the lower lip), thanks to veneers and crowns adjusting the tooth sizes. His lower dental arch was less publicized, but any missing lower teeth would also have been replaced to ensure he could chew properly. Given Tyson’s investment in dental health, we can infer that his bite (how the upper and lower arches meet) was carefully adjusted by his dentists for even contact. In summary, Tyson’s dental arch went from having irregular gaps and possibly misalignment (due to missing teeth and wear) to being fully restored and properly aligned. This results in improved function (better chewing and speaking) and a more aesthetically pleasing U-shaped arch when he smiles.
(A well-formed dental arch is essential for a good bite. Tyson’s case shows that even if a champion loses teeth, modern dentistry can rebuild the arches to normal.)
Mike Tyson front teeth
Mike Tyson’s front teeth have been the center of attention in his dental saga. His upper front teeth (the incisors) originally included a noticeable gap and at least two teeth that were capped with gold. Specifically, in the 1990s Tyson had two gold-capped front teeth on the left side of his smile. These gold front teeth became an iconic part of his look, especially since one of them was famously involved when he bit Evander Holyfield’s ear during a 1997 match (people could see the glint of gold in that moment).
However, those front teeth went through major changes. In a bizarre accident outside the ring, Tyson actually lost one of his front teeth – it was knocked out when his pet tiger, Kenya, headbutted him during play. The tooth that got knocked out was one of the gold-capped ones, which left him with a gap. Instead of simply replacing it with another gold tooth, Tyson eventually decided to remove the remaining gold cap as well. He had both of those front teeth restored with tooth-colored prosthetics, returning them to a natural white look. Essentially, the gold fronts were swapped for porcelain crowns or implants.
Tyson’s central gap between the two top front teeth is another aspect: it was a wide space in his younger years, giving him a signature gap-toothed smile. Around 2010, he closed this gap with cosmetic dentistry, so for a time his front teeth were together like a typical grin. But Tyson later reversed that change – he missed the look of the gap and had it reopened slightly. Today, his front teeth are aligned and matching in color, and they feature a modest gap between the two central incisors as a stylistic choice. They are no longer gold, and they appear to be healthy and strong, likely supported by veneers or implants. In summary, Mike Tyson’s front teeth went from gapped and gold to properly filled in and porcelain, with the current appearance being natural-looking white teeth (with a small gap) that maintain the character of his old smile without the flashy gold.
Mike Tyson teeth in his youth

In his youth, before any cosmetic dentistry, Mike Tyson’s teeth reflected the tough circumstances of his upbringing and early career. Growing up in a low-income environment, Tyson did not have orthodontic braces or cosmetic dental care as a child. As a result, young Tyson’s teeth were somewhat crooked and uneven. Photos from the early 1980s (when Tyson was a teenager and just turning pro) show imperfections: some teeth were misaligned, and there was the famous gap between his top front teeth. Additionally, Tyson had reportedly lost or broken a tooth even at a young age due to physical scuffles or training – by the time he was a rising star in boxing, he already had one of his front teeth missing or in poor condition, which later led to the decision to cap it in gold.
Tyson’s dental health in youth might also have suffered from lack of routine dental visits. It’s possible he had untreated cavities or chips that went unaddressed until they got worse. By the age of 20 (when he became the youngest heavyweight champion in 1986), Tyson’s smile was known to be gap-toothed and somewhat “rugged.” Observers at the time sometimes commented on his fierce appearance, augmented by that dental gap and some not-so-straight teeth, which gave him a bit of a snarling look even at rest. Importantly, in his youth Tyson did not have any gold teeth – the gold caps came later in the 90s. Back then it was just his natural teeth, which were far from Hollywood-perfect.
To summarize, before fame and fortune, Mike Tyson’s teeth were in a relatively neglected and natural state: a noticeable gap, likely some staining or discoloration (common in teens who might not get regular cleanings), slight crowding or crookedness, and possibly one or two teeth already missing or damaged by boxing. This youthful dental profile changed dramatically once he had the means and motivation to fix his smile in later years.
Mike Tyson’s teeth before he became famous
Before Mike Tyson became famous – essentially in his late teens and very early twenties – his teeth had not yet undergone any professional enhancement. Tyson’s teeth before fame were characterized by their natural flaws: he had a diastema (gap) between his front upper teeth, a few crooked teeth, and a generally unpolished look. Coming from a difficult childhood, Tyson didn’t wear braces or have elective dental work as a kid. Therefore, by the time he started gaining attention (circa 1984-1985), his smile still had all the imperfections nature (and life) gave it.
Notably, before fame Tyson was missing at least one tooth. It’s been noted that as a young boxer he had some teeth knocked out during fights or training. Those missing teeth were not immediately replaced back then, leaving obvious gaps in his smile. When you look at early career photos, you might spot that his lateral incisor or a premolar was gone on one side. Also, his gum line and teeth showed signs of wear – possibly grinding or just lack of dental care leading to chips. There was no gold tooth yet (that came later, after he had money and an idea to emulate his idol with gold caps).
In summary, pre-fame Mike Tyson had a rough, unrefined dental appearance. He had the trademark gap, which he actually considered just normal at the time, and a less-than-complete set of teeth due to boxing-related losses. His teeth were also not pearly white; they looked like an average young man’s teeth who hadn’t had orthodontic straightening or whitening – slightly off-white and some misalignment. This all changed once Tyson became a world-famous boxer with resources; he then embarked on fixing many of these issues. But the before picture is essentially a tough kid from Brooklyn with a fierce grin, missing tooth here or there, and no cosmetic fixes – very far from the bright, full smile he would showcase years later.
Does Mike Tyson have veneers on his teeth?
Yes, Mike Tyson has veneers (porcelain veneers) on some of his teeth, particularly his front teeth. Veneers were a key part of his dental makeover in the mid-2000s, used to improve the appearance of teeth that were chipped, uneven, or discolored. Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin, custom-made shells that dentists bond to the front surface of the teeth. In Tyson’s case, after removing his gold caps and addressing any missing teeth, dentists placed veneers to give him a uniform front row of teeth. These veneers helped close gaps (initially eliminating his front-tooth gap), correct minor misalignments, and create a consistent shape for his teeth.
According to dental reports, Tyson’s transformation around 2005-2006 involved applying veneers to achieve symmetry and a “million-dollar smile” look. By covering his natural enamel with carefully crafted porcelain, he was able to mask any imperfections like intrinsic stains or small fractures. The upper front six teeth (incisors and canines) are typically where veneers would be placed for a smile makeover, and those are likely veneered in Tyson’s mouth. The color of the veneers was chosen to match a bright but natural white shade, significantly lighter than his original teeth. Additionally, Tyson’s later decision to reopen his gap was done by adjusting or replacing the veneers on his two front teeth with ones that had a slight space between them, which indicates how veneers can be used creatively to shape a smile’s look.
In conclusion, Mike Tyson does have veneers as part of his dental restorations. These veneers contribute to his even, camera-ready teeth. They are part of why his teeth now appear straight and proportionate. Veneers are a permanent cosmetic solution, and Tyson’s decision to get them aligns with many celebrities who opt for veneers to quickly attain a flawless smile.
Did Mike Tyson get his teeth done?
Absolutely – Mike Tyson got his teeth “done” in the sense that he underwent significant dental work to fix and enhance his smile. In non-slang terms, he had professional dental treatments that revamped his teeth’s condition and appearance. Over the years, Tyson has openly sported the results of this work, going from a naturally imperfect set of teeth to a rebuilt, cosmetically improved smile.
The phrase “got his teeth done” usually implies cosmetic dentistry, and Tyson’s case is a textbook example. He had a comprehensive smile makeover, which included: dental implants (to replace missing teeth lost in fights), porcelain crowns and veneers (to cover damaged teeth and to replace the gold caps with normal white teeth), and teeth whitening (to brighten his overall smile). He also had that notable gap in his front teeth closed as part of getting his teeth done – and later reversed that specific change. The timeline of Tyson’s dental work spans many years. For instance, by 2012 it was reported that he had gotten a full dental makeover closing his gap and removing gold teeth. If one is asking, “did he get veneers/implants/etc?”, the answer is yes to all of the above.
From an expert perspective, Mike Tyson’s investment in his oral health and appearance was extensive. This not only improved his looks but also his dental function (being able to chew properly with implants, for example). So, in summary, Mike Tyson did get his teeth done – in fact, he underwent multiple procedures under the umbrella of cosmetic and restorative dentistry. The result is a markedly different smile compared to his early days, demonstrating the effectiveness of modern dental treatments.
Does Mike Tyson have gold teeth?
Mike Tyson used to have gold teeth, but he no longer does. In the late 1990s, Tyson famously had two of his front teeth capped with gold – these were on the upper left side of his mouth. Those gold caps were very visible whenever he smiled or talked, becoming part of his public image (many fans recall the “gold-toothed grin” he had during that era). Tyson got the gold teeth as a sort of personal style choice (reportedly, he was emulating Jack Johnson, a boxing legend who also sported gold teeth).
However, Tyson does not have gold teeth anymore. The gold caps were removed in the 2000s. One reason is that he lost one gold tooth in an accident (his pet tiger knocked it out), and afterward he decided to replace both gold caps with normal tooth-colored restorations. By around 2010, he had a full set of natural-looking teeth with no gold. His current smile shows white enamel-like surfaces on all teeth. In other words, whatever gold was in his mouth has been swapped out for porcelain or composite materials that match regular teeth.
So, if the question is present-tense, no, Mike Tyson does not have gold teeth now. If someone saw him in the 90s or early 2000s, they might remember the gold, but any recent pictures will reveal only white teeth. Gold crowns are relatively rare these days in front teeth, as most people (including Tyson) prefer a more natural look. Tyson’s gold teeth were a passing chapter in his dental history – a bold statement at the time, but ultimately replaced as he moved on to a more standard smile.
Does Mike Tyson have silver teeth?
No, Mike Tyson has never been known to have silver teeth. Throughout his career, the only metallic dental work he displayed was gold, not silver. Silver teeth usually refer to silver-colored caps or fillings. Tyson did not sport silver caps on his front teeth at any point; he chose gold for a period, as it was flashier and a sign of wealth/style. There’s no photographic or anecdotal evidence of Tyson having a silver tooth or a “grill” made of silver.
It’s possible some fans might wonder if he had silver fillings (amalgam) in his molars, but that’s not something visible or notable publicly. Most likely, the question arises because Tyson had gold caps, and people sometimes ask similarly about silver. The answer is that Tyson’s public dental ornamentation was gold, not silver. After removing the gold caps, he went to porcelain. He did not replace them with any silver-colored material.
In short, Tyson did not have silver crowns or a silver dental grill. Any restorative work in his mouth after the gold era was done with tooth-colored ceramic materials. Thus, the legend of Tyson’s teeth involves gold but not silver. If one is curious whether any “silver tooth” stories exist for Tyson, the answer from the dental records and media is no – that never happened.
Mike Tyson white teeth
Mike Tyson’s teeth are now bright white, especially in comparison to how they looked in the past. Achieving those pearly whites was a significant part of his smile makeover. After years of having dull or stained natural teeth (and even gold caps), Tyson underwent professional teeth whitening procedures as well as getting porcelain restorations, both of which contributed to a whiter smile. Porcelain veneers and crowns are typically crafted in a desired shade of white that doesn’t discolor easily, and Tyson’s new teeth were made to be a brilliant white (though likely within a natural-looking range, not chalky or unnaturally bright).
The timeline is important: when Tyson appeared in the 2009 film The Hangover, viewers noticed his teeth were much whiter and nicer than before – indicating he had them whitened and fixed by that point. Indeed, reports mention that for his cameo in that movie, he had some cosmetic work done to “whiten and fill in his smile”. Whitening can be done via in-office bleaching treatments or custom trays with bleaching gel. Additionally, once he replaced his gold and damaged teeth with implants/crowns, those new teeth were made in a pristine white shade.
Now Tyson’s smile can easily be described as a Hollywood-white smile. Photographs from recent years show that uniform white color across all his teeth. He no longer has the nicotine stains or age-related yellowing that one might have seen in the 1980s or 90s. It’s likely he maintains the white shade with good hygiene and possibly occasional touch-up whitening. For an athlete known more for power than for glamour, Tyson’s gleaming white teeth today are a testament to the power of cosmetic dentistry. They not only look attractive but also signal health and vitality – something he takes pride in as part of his image now.
Mike Tyson central incisors
Mike Tyson’s central incisors – the two most prominent upper front teeth – have been a focus of his dental story, primarily because of the gap between them and the changes those teeth underwent. Tyson’s central incisors originally had a large gap (diastema) between them, which was one of his signature features. These teeth also might not have been perfectly even in length or alignment during his youth. Importantly, one of Tyson’s central incisors was involved in a well-known incident: it was broken out by his pet tiger. Specifically, Tyson lost one of his upper front teeth (reports suggest it was a central incisor) when his tiger playfully headbutted him, knocking the tooth (with its gold cap) out. This left a gap and required a replacement tooth.
To fix this, Tyson got a prosthetic tooth – likely an implant and crown – to restore that incisor. At the same time, he removed the gold cap from the other central incisor, so that both front teeth would match in normal color. During his smile makeover, the dentists closed the gap between the central incisors by slightly enlarging the teeth with veneers or crowns so that they meet in the middle. For a period, Tyson’s central incisors were flush against each other with no gap, changing the look of his smile dramatically. However, Tyson eventually decided he missed the gap and had it re-created between those incisors. This could have been done by adjusting the crowns or filing a tiny bit of the sides to reopen a small space.
Now, Tyson’s central incisors are capped with porcelain (they are not his original exposed enamel) and they are a matching pair in terms of size and shape. They have a small intentional gap between them. They appear bright white and healthy. One could say they are “false” only in the sense that they have crowns/veneers, but structurally they function as normal teeth. The central incisors are aligned properly in his dental midline, giving symmetry to his smile. In summary, Tyson’s central incisors went from natural (but gapped and one capped in gold) -> to repaired and gap-closed -> to finally repaired but gap-open. They illustrate how even the most prominent teeth can be modified and how Tyson personalized his dental outcome to keep a bit of his original character.
What happened to Mike Tyson’s teeth?
Mike Tyson’s teeth went through quite an ordeal – in short, years of boxing and an unusual accident damaged his teeth, and he later fixed them with significant dental work. First, what happened during his career: Tyson lost several teeth due to the trauma of boxing (taking punches) and even outside incidents. For example, one front tooth was knocked out when his pet tiger headbutted him. Additionally, some of his other teeth were cracked or chipped from fights and general wear. By the time he was nearing the end of his boxing career, his smile showed missing teeth and a lot of wear and tear. He had compensated by getting gold caps on a couple of teeth, but that was more cosmetic flair than functional fix.
After retiring, Tyson addressed the state of his mouth. He underwent a comprehensive dental reconstruction. The missing teeth? He had those replaced with implants (artificial tooth roots with crowns) so that there were no gaps anymore. The misaligned or ugly teeth? He covered them with veneers/crowns, giving an even appearance. The gold teeth? He removed them and went back to tooth-colored restorations. Also, any discolored teeth were whitened. Essentially, what happened is he moved from having a “fighter’s mouth” – a bit broken and jumbled – to having a restored set of teeth like you’d expect on a celebrity.
So, to answer plainly: Mike Tyson’s teeth were damaged (several knocked out or broken) over the years, and later he got them fixed. He now has a combination of dental implants, crowns, and veneers making up his smile. The trademark gap in his front teeth was closed and then partly re-opened as a personal choice. No notable natural teeth remain unaltered. What we see now is the result of modern dentistry repairing the consequences of Tyson’s rough-and-tumble life. It’s a transformation story – from missing and gold teeth to a full, bright smile.
Did Mike Tyson wear braces?
No, Mike Tyson did not wear braces (traditional orthodontic braces) at any point that has been reported. Unlike many people who correct tooth alignment in their teenage years with braces, Tyson did not have that opportunity or interest in his youth. His teeth remained naturally spaced and a bit crooked into adulthood without orthodontic intervention. When he eventually decided to improve his smile, Tyson chose cosmetic and restorative dentistry solutions rather than braces. For example, to close the gap between his front teeth and correct their shape, he got veneers and crowns in the mid-2000s instead of wearing braces or clear aligners for years. Veneers can instantly change the appearance of teeth, whereas braces would have taken time and might have been complicated by the fact he was missing some teeth.
Also, by the time Tyson was considering fixing his teeth (post-boxing career), he was already in his 40s. At that stage, comprehensive braces could have been done, but he opted for faster cosmetic fixes. We have no images of Tyson with braces, and he never mentioned having them in interviews. In contrast, he did mention getting a “dental makeover” which implies the use of crowns/veneers instead of braces.
In summary, Mike Tyson never wore braces to straighten his teeth. Any alignment corrections were achieved through dental restorations and prosthetics. This approach gave him immediate results and suited his needs better than orthodontics. So if one is wondering if those straight teeth of his came from braces – they did not; they came from a dentist’s artistic work, not from an orthodontist gradually moving the teeth.
Are Mike Tyson’s teeth asymmetrical?
Today, Mike Tyson’s teeth are generally symmetrical in appearance, especially after all the dental work he has done. The term “asymmetrical” might apply to how his teeth looked in the past. For instance, when Tyson had a gold cap on one side in the 90s, his smile was visually asymmetrical (one side had shiny gold, the other side was normal white tooth). Also, any missing tooth on one side would create asymmetry. In his early years, his teeth were not perfectly even – one front tooth might have been a slightly different shape or length than the other, and the gap could make the two halves of his smile look uneven. But these issues have been corrected with cosmetic dentistry.
Now, Tyson’s dentists have ensured that his teeth match in size and shape from left to right. His central incisors (the front center pair) are equal in width and height (with the small gap evenly between them). The lateral incisors next to them are also matching each other, and so on. If you split his face in the middle, the tooth display on either side is a mirror image, which is what we consider symmetrical. His bite is aligned such that the midline of his teeth matches his facial midline – after the gap closure and reopening, the gap is exactly centered, which actually preserves symmetry.
There may be very minor natural differences (no one’s teeth are 100.0% identical on both sides), but to the casual observer, Mike Tyson’s teeth are not noticeably asymmetrical now. They line up evenly. Even the color is uniform across all teeth. So, whatever asymmetry existed before (due to missing or gold teeth) is gone. Tyson’s current smile exhibits bilateral symmetry, which is part of what makes it look aesthetically pleasing. In layman’s terms, his smile is balanced.
In conclusion, Tyson’s teeth are not asymmetrical anymore. He ensured through his dental treatments that his smile is even on both sides. Any quirks like the gap are centered, which actually maintains an overall symmetry in the smile.
Did Mike Tyson have dental surgery?
Yes, Mike Tyson did undergo dental surgery as part of his efforts to fix his teeth. The most prominent example is the placement of dental implants, which require a surgical procedure. Dental implant surgery involves inserting metal posts into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots, and Tyson had this done to replace multiple teeth he had lost. Each implant placement is a minor oral surgery (done under anesthesia) and Tyson reportedly replaced teeth “many times” with implants, indicating he had several such surgeries over the years.
Another form of dental surgery Tyson likely had is tooth extraction. Removing hopelessly broken or damaged teeth (or removing his gold-capped tooth remnants) would have been a surgical extraction procedure. For instance, when his tiger knocked out one tooth and damaged others, the oral surgeons would have cleaned up the area surgically before later placing an implant.
It’s also possible Tyson had gum surgery or other minor surgical interventions if he had gum disease or needed a bone graft for implants, though there’s no public detail on that. When we consider “dental surgery” we include implant surgery, any necessary bone grafts, and possibly the surgical aspect of placing certain types of veneers (some aggressive preps might border on surgical gum contouring, etc.). Tyson’s journey included significant dental reconstruction, so surgeries would have been part of it.
To summarize, Mike Tyson did have dental surgeries – primarily the surgeries to install dental implants and to remove problematic teeth. These were all done to improve the function and look of his mouth. The end result, after healing from these procedures, was a fully functional set of teeth. Tyson’s experience underscores that sometimes oral surgery is needed to achieve a permanent solution for missing or damaged teeth (and indeed, he seems to have handled it well, as he was back to smiling with new teeth not long after each procedure).
What dental procedures has Mike Tyson undergone?
Mike Tyson has undergone a wide range of dental procedures as part of his smile transformation. The key dental procedures include:
- Dental Implants: Tyson received multiple dental implants to replace teeth that were knocked out or extracted. These implants gave him permanent new teeth anchored in his jawbone. He likely had implants in areas where molars or incisors were missing (for example, one implant for the front tooth lost to the tiger incident, and others for back teeth lost in boxing).
- Porcelain Veneers: To enhance the appearance of his front teeth, Tyson got porcelain veneers. Veneers are thin ceramic shells bonded to the front of teeth to correct shape, size, and color. Tyson’s veneers helped close his gap (initially) and gave him a straight, uniform look on teeth that were once chipped or uneven.
- Dental Crowns (Caps): Tyson has had crowns placed on several teeth. Notably, he at one time had gold crowns on two front teeth (in the 1990s). Later, those were replaced with porcelain crowns that blend in with his other teeth. He may also have crowns on some molars or other teeth that had large fillings or fractures. Crowns provide strength and coverage to a tooth that is damaged.
- Teeth Whitening: Tyson’s smile was brightened through professional teeth whitening treatments. This involved bleaching his natural tooth enamel to a lighter shade. Whitening was likely done prior to matching the color for his veneers/crowns, ensuring all teeth (natural and artificial) ended up the same white color. This procedure removed years of staining.
- Orthodontic Adjustment (Diastema closure): Rather than traditional braces, Tyson addressed his alignment issues cosmetically. However, one could count the diastema closure as a procedure – dentists closed the gap between his front teeth using bonding or by designing his veneers/crowns a bit wider. No braces were used, but the gap closure (and subsequent slight reopening) was a deliberate dental procedure in itself.
- Tooth Extractions: Over the years, Tyson had severely broken teeth removed. For example, if a tooth was damaged beyond repair (like the one his tiger broke), it would have been extracted as a procedure. Extractions are often the first step before an implant can be placed.
- Root Canal Therapy: While not publicly detailed, it’s common in such reconstructions that some teeth needed root canals (for instance, if a tooth was cracked or had deep decay but was kept and crowned). Tyson very likely had one or more root canal treatments as part of preparing teeth for crowns. This would count as a procedure he underwent to save teeth that could be saved.
Each of these procedures contributed to the overall outcome: Implants gave Tyson back missing teeth with full chewing ability; veneers and crowns gave him an even, gap-free (for a time) and aesthetically pleasing front smile; whitening gave brilliance to his teeth; and extractions/root canals took care of any teeth that were causing pain or could not be restored otherwise.
In summary, Mike Tyson’s dental procedures spanned the spectrum of modern dentistry – from surgical implantology to cosmetic veneer application. His case is a prime example of a full-mouth rehabilitation, combining restorative and cosmetic techniques to achieve both functionality and a movie-star smile.