Anthony Davis is one of the most talked about players in the NBA right now. And while his skills on the court are impressive, many people have been talking about his teeth. What happened to them? Why did they change so much? In this article, we will discuss Anthony Davis’ teeth from a dental perspective. We will look at what may have caused his teeth to change and what could be done to fix them.
Who is Anthony Davis?
Anthony Davis is a professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers. He was drafted first overall in the 2012 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Pelicans. He is a six-time All-Star and has won an Olympic gold medal.
A Deep Look Into Anthony Davis’ Teeth: Before
Crowding
One of the main problems with Anthony Davis’ teeth is that they have severe crowding. This means that there were too many teeth in his mouth for the jaw space that is available. When this happens, the teeth can become crooked. In severe cases, the teeth may even start to push each other out of alignment. Crowding can be separated into three main types:
- Mild Crowding: Approximately up to 3mm of additional space is needed.
- Moderate Crowding: Approximately between 3mm-6mm of additional space is needed.
- Severe Crowding: Approximately more than 6mm of additional space is needed.
Severe crowding was certainly the case with Anthony Davis’ teeth, specifically his lower set of teeth. In the before photos, you can see that his teeth are very close together. This is most clearly seen in his four mandibular incisors which have been pushed backwards and away from his lips. As a result, his bottom lip appears to be protruding.
Crowding can severely affect one’s appearance and self-esteem, but it can also be bad for overall oral health. When the teeth are crowded, they can be difficult to clean properly. This can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
It is recommended that those with crowded teeth seek treatment from an orthodontist. Treatment options may include braces, expanders, or even extractions as will be discussed below.
Grinding
Another noticeable thing about Anthony Davis’ teeth is that they appear to be worn down. This is most likely due to bruxism, which is a condition where people grind their teeth. While it is not known for sure if Anthony Davis has bruxism, it is definitely a possibility. This is most noticeable when looking at his incisal embrasure, which is the small space between your front teeth. In healthy teeth, this space is curved in shape. However, in Anthony Davis’ teeth, the embrasure appears to be flat, which is a sign of teeth grinding. Additionally, Anthony Davis has some blunting of his cusp tips, which is another common symptom of bruxism.
Teeth grinding can cause a number of dental problems including worn down teeth, cracked teeth, and even tooth loss. If you think you might be grinding your teeth, it is important to see a dentist so they can help you find a solution. Wearing a mouth guard at night is often recommended for people who suffer from bruxism.
Anthony Davis’ Teeth: After Procedures
Orthodontic Treatment and Extraction
Although we did not personally work on Anthony Davis’ teeth, we can see from the after photos that he has had some dental work done and can give our best guess as to what was done.
When facing severe crowding, the only way to fix the problem is through orthodontic treatment. This can be done with traditional braces or with Invisalign. Before undergoing orthodontic treatment, the crowding may have required several teeth to be removed in order to make room for the rest of the teeth, most likely the premolars (bicuspid teeth).
Regardless of what type of orthodontic treatment was done, it is clear that Anthony Davis’ teeth have been significantly straightened. This has dramatically improved his smile and overall appearance.
Some Overcrowding Still Visible
Although Anthony Davis’ teeth look much better now, there is still some crowding visible. This is most noticeable in his bottom left incisor which is slightly rotated and pushed back from his lips.
It is possible that this tooth was not able to be moved into its correct position due to the surrounding teeth and that despite an extraction there still wasn’t enough space in the mouth. Alternatively, his teeth may have relapsed after his orthodontic treatment was finished and this is the position the tooth naturally wanted to move to.
Regardless, given that his teeth have improved so much overall, this one small imperfection is hardly noticeable.
A Note on Analyzing Anthony Davis’ Teeth
It is important to note that teeth are not immune to the effects of aging and nobody’s teeth are perfect. Just like the rest of your body, your teeth will slowly start to wear down as you get older. Additionally, various lifestyle factors both inside and outside of a person’s control can have an effect on one’s teeth. This is no different from the teeth of someone such as Anthony Davis.
This article is designed to give patients a perspective on analyzing Anthony Davis’ teeth from a dental standpoint. This can help inform them about different oral health conditions and how they can affect their own teeth. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any dental condition nor is it meant to criticize people for the way that their teeth look.
Disclaimer
The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing on this website constitutes the practice of medicine, law or any other regulated profession.
No two mouths are the same, and each oral situation is unique. As such, it isn’t possible to give comprehensive advice or diagnose oral conditions based on articles alone. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best dental care possible is to visit a dentist in person for an examination and consultation.
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