Kanye West: One of the Most Iconic. and Controversial. Artists of All Time
Kanye West's Titanium Teeth
Cost: ~$850,000
Material: Titanium, palladium, platinum
Type: Fixed prosthetic (permanently attached, not removable)
Dentist: Dr. Thomas Connelly, Beverly Hills
Have you ever imagined placing a full set of titanium teeth with a smooth surface all over your mouth? Well, Kanye West's teeth have gone viral more than his art for a reason.
For more than 10 years, Kanye West teeth were trending from time to time, and they came back in the news in 2024, after he posted a photo where his full teeth were soft surfaced titanium teeth, and if we go back in time 10 years ago, Kanye’s teeth were dazzling diamonds.
The audience responded with a variety of reactions, relating this teeth makeover to the accident he suffered back in 2002, which shattered his jaw. Many wondered if he had replaced his natural teeth with diamond ones.
Let’s dive into the whole story behind “Kanye West's teeth” and determine if it's possible to place permanent diamond or titanium ones.
A Look Back: Kanye West’s 2002 Car Accident and Jaw Surgery
In 2002, Kanye West had a car accident, which caused six weeks of healing. Jaw shattering is a serious problem, as the lower jawbone is the largest and strongest in the face, and it causes severe pain, difficulty in chewing, swallowing, speaking, and damaged teeth.
Since Kanye West teeth are related to his jaw injury, Jaw reconstruction is a different procedure from teeth replacement; the jaw reconstruction is also known as Orthognathic Surgery, which involves rebuilding or reshaping the jawbone itself, but teeth replacement is a procedure where damaged tooth are replaced in dental implants, Dentures, and dental bridges.
“Through the Wire”: Turning Pain into Art
Kanye West is known for transforming personal pain into powerful music, and nothing reflects that better than his breakout single, “Through the Wire” Song
Written and recorded just weeks after his near-fatal car accident in 2002, the song was literally rapped with his jaw still wired shut. a result of reconstructive surgery after the crash shattered it in multiple places. The track samples Chaka Khan’s “Through the Fire” and symbolises Kanye’s resilience, ambition, and unique creative vision.
The lyrics reflect both his physical recovery and mental grit:
“But I'm a champion, so I turned tragedy to triumph / Make music that's fire, spit my soul through the wire.”
“Through the Wire” wasn’t just a song.it was Kanye’s personal and artistic rebirth. It introduced him to the world not only as a producer but as a rapper with a raw, authentic story. The experience of rapping while healing from jaw surgery also created a lasting public curiosity about his dental reconstruction and teeth, which would later resurface in stories about his grills and titanium transformations.
The 2010 Shock Reveal: Diamond Grillz on the Ellen Show
This situation caused a stir after Kanye West revealed his Diamond Grillz on The Ellen Show in 2010.
“I just thought the diamond was cooler” he said, referring to the fact that he replaced his bottom teeth with permanent Diamond Grillz.
Which caused a shock to many fans, because usually people are doing normal dental treatment, but celebrities are taking it to another level, and they wondered if it was even possible. And some followers justified this action by saying that he already had artificial teeth after the accident that damaged his jaw, so it’s not a big deal.
Titanium in 2024: The Beverly Hills Grillz Story
In January 2024, Kanye was back with another look of his teeth, but that time was even more shocking.
After he posted a photo of his titanium grillz, titanium is usually used for dental treatment due to its durability, but the titanium grillz that looked like matte, soft-surfaced titanium are a new level of dental cosmetics, and they cost $850,000.
Kanye West teeth go hand in hand with Dr. Thomas Connelly, who is titled “The father of diamond dentistry”, as he marked a breakthrough in the world of dentistry, where diamond teeth are actually a well-known procedure in dentistry since the 1990s. Dr. Thomas is a famous dentist in New York City.
Dr. Thomas stated that the inspiration for titanium teeth is Kanye’s mind and vision, where they wanted to create something attractive.
But, the real question is, have those diamonds and titanium replaced the natural teeth? Is that what “Diamond Dentistry” is about?
The answer is simply no, diamonds and titanium are placed as grillz, not implants, and replacing the natural teeth with diamonds is a myth.
Are Kanye’s Natural Teeth Still There?
Yes, they are. He didn’t replace his teeth with artificial ones and never removed them, but placed diamond grillz and titanium ones.
Dental grillz are a cosmetic procedure for enhancing the teeth, made of precious materials, such as diamonds, gold, and gemstones, usually done by celebrities.
Dental implants are considered a medical procedure used to replace damaged or missing teeth, surgically placing artificial roots into the jawbone, and then attaching a crown or bridge to mimic the shape and function of a natural tooth.
What Are Titanium Grillz and How Do They Work?
Titanium grillz are known to be the best metal used for cosmetic grillz, as it’s durable and strong, rust-resistant, hypoallergenic, lightweight, and malleable.
Which is safe for the teeth, it is also easy to place without causing damage to the teeth or the gum, but it might cause side effects due to other factors.
Titanium grillz are intended for cosmetic purposes without previous issues in the teeth, as mentioned, but other traditional dental treatments, such as veneers and crowns, are for medical and cosmetic purposes. veneers are typically used to cover the front of discoloured or broken teeth, and crowns provide full coverage to the whole tooth due to its damage.
Kanye’s Teeth as a Cultural Symbol
What’s behind all of this teeth transformation? As Dr.Thomas Connelly mentioned, Kanye had his vision for the way he wanted his teeth to look, as a part of his identity as a hip-hop singer and a rapper.
Many other celebrities had their teeth over the top, like Lil Wayne, Post Malone, etc.
When it comes to celebrity dental fashion, you will find many luxury procedures that reflect their culture, just like Kanye West's titanium teeth.
What Dental Experts Say About Grillz
Dental grillz are considered cosmetic procedures, and here are the side effects dentists recommend paying attention to.
“There may be some risk factors and hygiene issues depending on the type of grill that is made.” Said Dr. Shawn.
What’s behind all of this teeth transformation? As Dr.Thomas Connelly mentioned, Kanye had his vision for the way he wanted his teeth to look, as a part of his identity as a hip-hop singer and a rapper.
Many other celebrities had their teeth over the top, like Lil Wayne, Post Malone, etc.
When it comes to celebrity dental fashion, you will find many luxury procedures that reflect their culture, just like Kanye West's titanium teeth.
Grillz can lead to the accumulation of bacteria around the teeth and gums.
The metal used in grillz might irritate if not suitable for the patient, or worn for extended periods.
It is necessary to remove and clean the grillz to maintain good oral hygiene, especially during sleep or eating.
Grillz vs Veneers vs Implants, What’s Right For You?
If dental cosmetic procedures aren’t necessary for medical purposes, they still require consultation.
So what do your teeth need?
- Used for cosmetics only.
- Laces easily over natural teeth.
- Temporary and removable.
- Made of metals like gold, titanium, and diamonds.
- Used for cosmetics to cover tooth imperfections.
- Bonded to the tooth surface after preparation.
- Made of porcelain or composite materials.
- Requires removal of some enamel.
- Used for therapeutic purposes, to replace missing teeth.
- Surgically implanted into the jawbone.
- Permanent and long-lasting.
- Made of titanium for the root, ceramic or porcelain for the crown.
Considering a Smile Makeover? Here’s What to Know
Want to refine your smile? Start with a consultation, not a celebrity photo.
Dr Cem Baysal’s clinic will guide you, till your smile shines. We help you choose the right procedure that works best for your teeth, health, and appearance.
We offer a variety of dental treatments, including whitening, Veneers, Invisible aligners, dental implants, and even more.
Get ready for a whole new smile, and book a consultation now.
FAQs about Kanye West’s Teeth
No, His natural teeth remain healthy; he installed diamond and titanium grillz over his teeth.
No, Grillz and removable, as they are placed over the teeth and not implanted.
Titanium grillz are considered relatively safe because titanium is a biocompatible metal. Tailored to the human body, but it depends on the quality of the grillz’ manufacturing and how well they fit the teeth and mouth, and the level of personal and oral hygiene maintained.
It costs $850,000, its high cost is due to many factors, including the material.
Grillz aren’t permanent; they’re removable and made for cosmetic purposes only and don’t require surgery, but dental implants are permanent, require surgery, and are made for medical purposes.
Yes, if they are new or uncomfortable, or if the grillz are ill-fitting or poorly made.
Yes, anyone can get grillz after a consultation to determine the best, safest option, as some people might get allergic to metals.
Final Thoughts: The Truth about Kanye’s Iconic Smile
- Kanye West's natural teeth are intact.
- There is a difference between grillz as a cosmetic procedure for decoration only, and veneers, which are also cosmetic, but it is necessary to improve the appearance.
Your teeth aren’t a risk, for cosmetic dental trends.
And for that smile to shine, you need to get a consultation for the safest, most satisfying results.