Michael van Gerwen’s teeth have become a major talking point because the Dutch darts champion underwent extensive jaw correction after years of living with a severe underbite. Reports in 2024 and 2025 show that the issue was not cosmetic alone: it also affected pain, breathing, and daily comfort, which is why the transformation has drawn so much public attention.
The “before and after” change is tied to oral surgery and ongoing braces, not a simple dental makeover. Van Gerwen has said the process was planned around his playing calendar, and the treatment has continued well beyond the first operation.
What Happened to Michael van Gerwen’s Teeth? The Underbite Struggle
Van Gerwen was dealing with a severe underbite, also described as a class 3 malocclusion, in which the lower jaw sits too far forward compared with the upper jaw. That kind of bite problem can lead to uneven tooth wear, jaw strain, and functional issues rather than just a different smile.
He publicly linked the condition to pain and practical problems, saying the misalignment bothered him and that the teeth were wearing down more because of it. Reports also indicated that the condition affected his eating and breathing, which is one reason the medical team pursued surgery rather than braces alone.
Michael van Gerwen Jaw Surgery: Breaking Both Jaws to Fix Severe Underbite
The corrective procedure was significant. Van Gerwen said surgeons would break and reposition both jaws, moving the upper jaw forward and the lower jaw back to correct the bite. Later reporting described this as a major operation that involved both upper and lower jaw realignment.
That type of surgery is usually reserved for serious structural bite problems, which helps explain why recovery has been long and why the visual change is noticeable. It was not a single quick dental fix; it was a staged medical process with braces and follow-up care built in.
Michael van Gerwen Braces Journey: Why He Still Wears Them in 2026
Van Gerwen has continued wearing braces as part of the long correction process, with reporting in late 2025 saying he expected at least two more years of orthodontic treatment. That means the transformation is still ongoing, even though the major surgery has already happened.
Braces after jaw surgery are common because the bite must be stabilized and refined after the bones are repositioned. In van Gerwen’s case, the braces are part of the final alignment phase, not a sign that the procedure failed.
Why Michael van Gerwen Had the Surgery: Bite, Breathing, and Pain Issues
The main reason for surgery was functional, not just aesthetic. Van Gerwen said the underbite caused pain and discomfort, and reports added that the condition made eating and breathing more difficult.
This matters because it explains why the story became bigger than a celebrity dental update. The surgery was about fixing a long-term medical issue that could worsen over time, rather than simply improving appearance. It also explains why the recovery period was so demanding and why he initially underestimated the physical toll.
How the Surgery Affected Michael van Gerwen’s Darts Career
The treatment affected his schedule because it required time away from competition and recovery time between events. Van Gerwen said the surgery had to be fitted around a crowded darts calendar, which is one reason he missed some events during the process.
Even with the disruption, he has continued competing at a high level, showing that the recovery has not ended his career momentum. Still, the story remains relevant in 2026 because the braces, healing, and adjustment period are ongoing.
Key facts
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Van Gerwen had a severe underbite, not a routine dental issue.
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Surgeons reportedly broke and repositioned both jaws to correct it.
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He has said the condition caused pain and bothered him physically.
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He still wears braces as part of the correction process in 2026.
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The surgery was planned around his darts schedule and caused him to miss events.
FAQ
Why did Michael van Gerwen need jaw surgery?
He needed surgery to correct a severe underbite that affected his bite, comfort, and likely his breathing and eating.
Did Michael van Gerwen break both jaws?
Yes. Reports say the procedure involved breaking and repositioning both the upper and lower jaws to fix the bite.
Why does he still wear braces in 2026?
He is still in the orthodontic phase of treatment, which is used to fine-tune and stabilize the new jaw alignment.
Did the surgery affect his darts?
Yes. The timing of the operation forced him to adjust his schedule and miss some events during recovery.
Is the transformation finished?
Not fully. The major surgery has been done, but the braces and follow-up treatment indicate the process is still ongoing.
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