Celebrity
Kanye West Teeth: The Truth Behind His New Look
Kanye West, the artist now known as Ye, is famous worldwide. He is known for his music, his fashion ideas, and sometimes, his surprising choices. Ye often does things that make people talk, and his style is always changing. Recently, one change got everyone talking: Kanye West Teeth. He showed off a brand-new, very shiny, metallic smile.
This wasn’t just a small change. It looked like something out of a movie. People wondered what exactly happened to Kanye West Teeth. Did he get new teeth? Did he remove his old ones? What are they made of? And why did he do it? This new look is bold, expensive, and has raised many questions.
Kanye West’s Bio
Name | Kanye West |
Date of Birth | June 8, 1977 |
Place of Birth | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
Gender | Male |
Age | 47 (as of April 2025) |
Education | Attended Chicago State University (dropped out to pursue music) |
Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
Religion | Christianity (identifies as a born-again Christian; released gospel album Jesus Is King in 2019) |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | African-American |
Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
Weight | Approximately 160 lbs (73 kg) |
Marital Status | Divorced from Kim Kardashian (2014–2022); previously in a relationship with Bianca Censori (2022–2025) |
Spouse | Kim Kardashian (m. 2014; div. 2022) |
Children | 4 – North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm West |
Father | Ray West |
Mother | Donda West |
Legacy | Influential figure in hip-hop and fashion; known for innovative music production and controversial public statements; founder of Yeezy brand and DONDA creative content company |
Famous For | Albums like The College Dropout, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy; fashion collaborations; outspoken personality |
Profession | Rapper, record producer, singer, songwriter, fashion designer |
Net Worth | Estimated at $400 million (as of 2024) |
A History of Changes: Kanye West and His Teeth Before 2024
This isn’t the first time Kanye West Teeth have made news. Ye has a history of changing his smile, sometimes for fashion, sometimes due to necessity.
Back in 2002, Kanye West was involved in a serious car accident. This accident badly injured his jaw. While some reports suggest this affected his teeth significantly, leading to implants later, the exact impact on his original teeth isn’t fully confirmed by all sources. However, this event perhaps started his journey into more complex dental work beyond basic care.
Years later, in 2010, Kanye West surprised everyone on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” He showed off a smile with sparkling diamonds and gold additions on his bottom row of teeth. He told Ellen that he had actually removed his real bottom teeth and replaced them with these permanent diamond and gold implants.
He said, “I just thought that diamonds were cooler.” He added, “It’s certain stuff that rock stars are supposed to do.”
He later explained to Vanity Fair magazine that he chose permanent replacements over removable ‘grillz’ because he “didn’t feel like having to take them out all the time.” This bold claim was met with some skepticism back then, but it showed his willingness to make extreme changes to his teeth for style.
Throughout his career, Ye has often worn ‘grillz’ – removable decorative covers for teeth, often made of gold, silver, or covered in jewels.
For many artists, especially in hip-hop, grillz are a form of expression and status. For Kanye West, they were part of his evolving fashion sense. But his latest change goes far beyond typical grillz.
The Big Reveal: What Are Kanye West’s New Titanium Teeth?
In January 2024, Kanye West shared pictures on his Instagram that showed a dramatic transformation. His teeth were covered by a solid, smooth, shiny metallic structure. It looked very different from traditional teeth or even flashy grillz.
He even posted a picture comparing his new look to the famous James Bond villain, Jaws. Jaws appeared in the movies “The Spy Who Loved Me” (1977) and “Moonraker” (1979) and was known for his terrifying metal teeth.
Reports quickly came out about this new look for Kanye West Teeth. The material used was said to be mainly titanium, a strong, light, and body-safe metal often used in medical implants. Some reports also mentioned other precious metals like palladium and platinum being part of the mix.
And the price tag? A stunning $850,000, according to multiple sources. This huge cost instantly made headlines, adding to the mystery and discussion around Kanye West Teeth. The work was done by a team including Dr.
Thomas Connelly, a Beverly Hills dentist who calls himself the ‘Father of Diamond Dentistry’ and has worked with other celebrities like Post Malone and Chris Brown, along with master dental technician Naoki Hayashi. Ye himself was reportedly involved in designing this unique dental piece.
Did Kanye West Remove His Teeth? The Real Story
The most talked-about question was: Did Kanye West actually remove all his natural teeth for this $850,000 titanium look? Early reports, including some major news outlets, claimed that he did. They suggested his teeth were taken out and replaced entirely by this metal structure. This idea shocked many people.
However, this turned out to be incorrect. The dentist who performed the procedure, Dr. Thomas Connelly, spoke out to clarify. He told several news outlets, including the Daily Mail and Complex, very clearly: “He did not have his teeth removed. He still has a full dentition. Healthy and happy.”
So, if his teeth weren’t removed, what exactly is this titanium structure? Dr. Connelly and other sources described it using terms like “fixed prosthodontics” and “experimental dentistry.” In simpler terms, it’s not dentures replacing missing teeth, nor is it a simple removable grill.
Think of it like this: it’s a highly customized, permanent or semi-permanent, metal covering that fits over Kanye West’s natural teeth.
To make space for this bulky titanium piece and ensure it fit correctly, Kanye’s natural teeth likely had to be significantly altered. Dentists looking at the situation suggest that his teeth were probably shaved down, similar to how teeth are prepared for crowns or veneers.
This means that while his natural teeth are still there underneath the metal, they are no longer in their original shape or size. One dental expert on TikTok explained that if Ye ever wanted to remove the titanium structure, he would need full crowns placed on every single shaved-down tooth to get a natural look back.
This procedure is described as “fixed,” meaning it’s not something Ye can just pop in and out like regular grillz. It’s bonded or attached in a way that requires a dentist to remove it. It’s a permanent change to his smile and the structure of his existing teeth.
Design, Materials, and Inspiration
The $850,000 Kanye West Teeth structure is more than just a dental procedure; it’s presented as a piece of unique art. Ye reportedly co-designed the piece, bringing his artistic vision to the project.
Dr. Connelly praised the collaboration, saying, “His vision for designing unique art transcends the dental progression. The marriage of his Vision with dental science has created a new look that is epic!” 1
The choice of titanium is interesting. Titanium is known for its strength, light weight, and biocompatibility (meaning the body usually accepts it well without allergic reactions). It doesn’t rust or corrode easily.
Using titanium, possibly mixed with valuable metals like platinum and palladium, gives the structure durability and a unique, modern, metallic look, fitting the Jaws-inspired theme. The smooth, reflective surface is unlike traditional teeth or even most grillz designs.
The direct inspiration from the James Bond villain Jaws is a key part of the story. Jaws was a memorable character because of his metal teeth, which he used as weapons. By referencing Jaws, Ye seems to be making a statement – perhaps about strength, danger, or simply creating a striking and unforgettable image.
Why Did Kanye West Change His Teeth Like This?
Knowing Kanye West’s history, this dramatic dental change likely has several motivations behind it:
Artistic Expression: Ye sees himself primarily as an artist, and his body is often part of his canvas. Like his music and fashion, his physical appearance is a way to express ideas and challenge norms. This unique dental work fits his pattern of using his image to make artistic statements.
Pushing Boundaries: Kanye West rarely follows trends; he often tries to set them or break them entirely. This “experimental dentistry” is unlike anything most people have seen. It pushes the limits of what’s considered possible or acceptable in cosmetic dentistry and personal style.
Uniqueness and Standing Out: In a world full of celebrities trying to look perfect, Ye often chooses to look different. This metallic smile ensures he stands out and cannot be ignored.
Generating Conversation: Kanye West is a master at creating buzz. This $850,000 titanium smile certainly got people talking, keeping him in the headlines and discussions worldwide.
Luxury and Status: The reported high cost aligns with Ye’s affinity for luxury and extravagant purchases. It’s a display of wealth and the ability to afford unique, custom creations.
The Jaws Inspiration: The direct reference to Jaws adds a layer of cultural commentary or personal meaning that Ye might be exploring.
Reactions: Fascination, Shock, and Concern
The reveal of Kanye West Teeth caused a wide range of reactions.
Public: Fans and the general public were divided. Some were fascinated by the boldness and artistry, seeing it as another iconic Kanye moment. Others were shocked or critical, finding the look strange or excessive. Social media buzzed with memes, jokes (like comparing it to gum wrappers), and debates.
Media: News outlets globally covered the story extensively, focusing on the cost, the Jaws comparison, and the initial confusion about whether his teeth were removed.
Dental Professionals: Dentists and dental technicians expressed both intrigue and significant concerns. While some admired the technical skill involved, many raised questions about the potential long-term health effects.
What Do Dentists Worry About? Potential Problems with Titanium Teeth
While the look is striking, dental experts have pointed out several potential risks and challenges associated with Kanye West Teeth:
Cleaning Difficulties: A major concern is oral hygiene. A bulky, fixed structure covering all teeth makes it very hard to clean properly underneath and between the teeth. Dr. Sam Koh, a cosmetic dentist, explained that food particles, bacteria, and debris can easily get trapped.
Health Risks: Poor cleaning can lead to serious problems like severe bad breath (halitosis), tooth sensitivity, cavities (tooth decay) developing on the natural teeth underneath, gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis), and infections. If decay or gum disease becomes severe, it could lead to needing root canals or even losing the underlying natural teeth entirely.
Bite and Jaw Issues: Dental technician Kash Qureshi noted that the structure appears to increase the height of Kanye’s bite (the way his upper and lower teeth meet). This change in occlusion could potentially lead to jaw joint pain (TMJ disorders) and difficulties with biting and chewing over time.
Functional Problems: The flat, bulky surfaces might make it hard to tear and chew food effectively. Some dentists and observers also noted potential impacts on speech and singing/rapping clarity due to the altered shape and size of the teeth area. Some people on Reddit commented that they noticed a lisp in his speech after the change.
Irreversible Damage to Natural Teeth: The process of shaving down healthy tooth structure is permanent. Many dentists consider this highly invasive, especially if done purely for cosmetic reasons on teeth that were otherwise healthy. Reversing the look would require extensive and costly dental work.
Questionable Cost: Some dental professionals expressed skepticism about the $850,000 price tag, suggesting the actual cost of materials and labor might be significantly lower, and the high figure could be partly for publicity.
Kanye West Teeth: Another Chapter in Self-Expression
Kanye West has built a career on challenging expectations in music, fashion, and his public life. His decision to transform his smile with permanent titanium fixtures is another example of this. It blends art, technology, fashion, and personal expression in a way that is uniquely his.
Whether you find the new look fascinating, strange, or concerning, it undeniably makes a statement. It highlights how far celebrities might go to alter their appearance and how dental technology can be used for more than just health – it can be a form of radical self-expression.
The Bottom Line
The story of Kanye West Teeth in 2024 is a complex mix of cutting-edge dental work, bold artistic choice, celebrity culture, and potential health concerns. The key takeaway is that despite initial reports, Kanye West did not have his natural teeth removed. Instead, he opted for an $850,000 fixed titanium structure, inspired by the James Bond villain Jaws, fitted over his significantly shaved-down natural teeth.
This unique dental modification, described as “fixed prosthodontics,” was created by Dr. Thomas Connelly and his team, with input from Ye himself. While it represents a bold artistic statement and pushes boundaries, dental professionals have raised valid concerns about long-term oral hygiene, potential health risks, and functional issues.
Ultimately, Kanye West Teeth are another reminder of his ability to capture public attention and provoke discussion through his unconventional choices. It’s a testament to his ongoing effort to merge art, fashion, and his own body into a continuous performance of self-expression, ensuring that people keep talking about whatever he does next.