🦷 David Letterman’s Tooth Gap Has Closed Over the Years

Some smiles are iconic, and David Letterman’s tooth gap was definitely one of them. But somewhere between Netflix specials and retirement beards, something changed. That famous front-tooth gap is now history, and fans everywhere are doing a double-take. But let’s check the quirks of this transformation. But here’s the twist: David Letterman didn’t go the Hollywood route with veneers or fancy surgeries. Instead, he used a retainer, and his gap closed gradually over time — a change even he wasn’t expecting. The main point is that if David Letterman can go for this transformation without the Hollywood issues of veneers and surgeries, then so can you. Just follow this idea, and you too can have a smile to die for. It was not an instant change because it took its time and occurred agonizingly slowly, but Mr. Letterman did it with a lot of patience and lots of incredible faith.

So if you have been dreaming of improving your smile, there are options available to you. But, perhaps, not everyone wants to wait years for a subtle change. Some shrewd people, on the other hand, would quantify this as a wait-and-watch plan, but some others, like David Letterman, will say, “Why to take chances and wait for so long?” Tell me what you want now; well, these are cosmetic treatments like veneers, implants, or even the famous Hollywood Smile. There is a blemish; just like the kiss of a fairy godmother, these methods will take you out to the ball with a dazzling smile. Everything can be learned in the field of dentistry, so let’s now break it all down.

Why Did David Letterman Get His Teeth Fixed?

David Letterman did not wake up one day and say, “Let’s close this gap.” Actually, if we can speak in his own words, “I was more on the fence about it.” The reasoning behind this decision was on the advice of the dentist in question, who bestowed Letterman with a retainer — a simple orthodontic appliance that fits over the teeth to improve the alignment of the jaw.

A little surprise was that, however, over time, that gap slowly closed, and presently his smile looks absolutely different! It’s history in the making, as it clearly shows that proper non-invasive correcting methods may be used, but self-discipline is one there is. As meditation or gym workouts require time and patience, improvements may not be visible immediately on the first day. For a segment of the society that desires a more immediate, instantaneous glimmer of magic in the form of a dazzling smile and impressive pearly whites, there is no chance of going anywhere except for veneers and implants.

David Letterman’s Tooth Gap Transformation in Years

David Letterman has undergone quite the transformation over the years when it comes to his smile, specifically the infamous tooth gap that became a signature

David Letterman’s Tooth Gap in 1970

When David Letterman first appeared on our television screens in the 1970s, he was a young man starting his career in broadcasting with an inspiring, wide-tooth gap embracing his personality. He brought to the table a certain goofy, down-to-earth, and relatable charm; a charisma that people could not resist and that easily endeared him to them. Unbeknownst to him, this endearing tooth gap was the first step towards establishing himself as a popular figure in the entertainment industry and the American public’s heart. He surely had no idea that his smile with the gap would stay with him long into the years and grow into a trademark property that earned him a specific place in the history of entertainment.

David Letterman’s Tooth Gap in 2009

Fast forward to 2009, and David Letterman had established himself as a name in late-night television entertainment. There was a lot that had transpired during this span, a lot of development and upskilling had taken place, yet the one thing that remained so consistent throughout was his smile which featured the notorious gap. The gapped-tooth grin that the comedian had become so famous for had not disappeared; nevertheless, like the man it had grown old with, it had shown some signs of aging. Letterman’s teeth were starting to show some wear, with a few yellow spots arising here and there, but naturally, what one would expect in an honest mirror of nature.

David Letterman’s Tooth Gap in 2016

By 2016, a more sophisticated version of Letterman was emerging. Surely, there was some attention paid to them, but the impeccable swiftness of today’s methods cannot be actually denied since David Letterman’s teeth looked somewhat of a different color and to some extent appeared in a more glaringly-white way. Well-defined smile lines are a meaningful way of signalling to those around that the person behind them is confident and trustworthy. And yet, after all these years, the gap was apparent and conspicuous as it had always and ever been.

His grin is the one part of him that had withstood the test of time and change, defying conventions and expectations. However, he would soon undergo an unexpected transformation that would leave people in awe.

David Letterman’s Tooth Gap in 2025 (Now)

As of now, in 2025, David Letterman can be said to have a very different smile. It is all mainly attributed to the fact that his once-mentioned gap became fundamentally removed. While he cribbed and cranny the smile is very attractive, and perfect or to put it better, symmetrical, it transformed increasingly by the introduction of a retainer. No orthodontic Dentistry magic like Invisalign. Just the power of time and the continuous application of a small but determined force on the front teeth — a simple retainer that quietly reshaped an iconic smile without stealing its charm.

In fact, even in 2025, David Letterman remains one of the few celebrities who hasn’t opted for veneers. But for most people seeking fast, aesthetic, and highly controlled results, veneers are still the go-to solution

What Did He Actually Use? Retainer vs. Veneers

Let’s go over the facts:

• Thierry Henry put on a retainer, not cosmetic veneers.
• Minute and gradual rather than instant, the transformation on David Letterman’s teeth was simply unnoticeable for years.
• From the time he was in school, the actor didn’t have any of the following cosmetic treatments: No shaving, no bonding, no surgery. He only used dental devices as a means of correction that were purely of the old school.

If you don’t have the patience to wait many years, or your smile requires more than just adjusting the position of teeth, then veneers, implants, and smile design are the best choices for you. Lema Dental Clinic in Istanbul is where you will find them in the best quality.

Teeth Fixed at Lema Dental Clinic

Not everyone wants to wait years like David Letterman did. While his transformation was slow and subtle — powered by a retainer and patience — today’s dental technology offers instant, stunning results.

At Lema Dental Clinic in Istanbul, you don’t need to wait for time to work its magic. Whether you’re dealing with:

• a tooth gap
• discoloration
• misalignment
• worn or chipped teeth

Lema Clinic’s dedicated team of cosmetic dentists, who are experts in their field and are known for their state-of-the-art procedures, can provide you with Hollywood Smiles that suit your needs and porcelain veneers, and dental implants that are both natural and can last a very long time.

If your perfect smile, that is in proportion, symmetrical, and radiant – the one that illuminates every corner – is a dream come true for you, then your trip begins at Lema Clinic.

FAQ: David Letterman’s Tooth Gap – How It Was Fixed