Did Aaron Judge close the gap between his front teeth, and how did he chip a tooth in 2017? Those two questions drive most searches for Aaron Judge teeth. The chip has a named source: WFTV reported that a Yankees spokesman said Judge had chipped a tooth when a helmet hit him in the mouth during a walk-off celebration on 27 July 2017. About the gap, Sportskeeda wrote that fans noticed in 2021 it was gone, and there is no public statement from Judge, the Yankees or a dentist on how.
In this article from Prof Clinic we look at what happened in that celebration, what the photos show, when a gap between the front teeth is a problem, how a chipped tooth is repaired and how a gap is closed.
What Happened to Aaron Judge’s Tooth in 2017?
On the night of 27 July 2017 Brett Gardner hit a home run in the 11th inning to beat the Tampa Bay Rays 6-5, and WFTV reported that he took off his helmet and rolled it towards his teammates celebrating near home plate. Replays showed the helmet bouncing up and hitting Judge, then a rookie, in the mouth.
Aaron Judge smiling in a close-up photograph during a Yankees game.
A Yankees spokesman said Judge had chipped a tooth. Judge was unavailable for comment and was expected to start the next game, and manager Joe Girardi told ESPN, “Somehow he got hit in the celebration.” The report does not say which tooth was chipped or how it was repaired, and there is no public statement from Judge on the repair.
Did Judge Close the Gap Between His Front Teeth, and Is a Gap a Problem?
Sportskeeda wrote that when Judge debuted in 2016 his gap-toothed smile was a trademark, and that in 2021 fans noticed the gap was gone, one of them asking online whether it had disappeared. The article quotes no statement from Judge, the Yankees or a dentist, so how the change came about is not on record. Neither report links the 2017 chip to the gap. You will read online that he has veneers or bonding, but no named source says so, so don’t take it as fact. We have also left out dentists’ opinions on his photos, because a photo shows what a smile looks like, not why.
Judge in an early-career photograph, with a space between his upper front teeth.
Judge smiling in a more recent photograph.
When Is a Gap a Problem, and How Is It Closed?
Usually it isn’t. The Cleveland Clinic says most providers see a gap between the upper front teeth as a variation of normal dental development, and that unless infection is the cause it does not harm oral health. It names several causes: genetics, teeth that are small for the space, an oversized frenum (the band of tissue joining lip and gum), and habits such as clenching or pressing the tongue against the front teeth. The exception is a gap that is new or growing, which can be a sign of gum disease and is worth a call to your dentist.
If you want a gap closed, the Cleveland Clinic lists these options for healthy teeth and gums:
- Bonding: tooth-coloured resin applied to hide the gap.
- Porcelain veneers: custom ceramic shells bonded to the front of the teeth.
- Braces or clear aligners: they move the teeth together, which suits larger gaps.
- Frenectomy: releasing a thick frenum that pushes the teeth apart, often done alongside bonding or veneers.
The choice between bonding and veneers matters because of what each leaves behind. The American Dental Association says veneer treatment is not reversible, because enamel is removed to place the veneer. Porcelain is strong and long-lasting, while composite is easier to repair if damaged but resists stains and wear less well. The ADA also warns that clenching, grinding or a deep overbite can make veneers a poor choice, so ask about your bite before you choose.
Read as well: Michael Strahan Teeth: Did He Ever Close His Gap?
How Is a Chipped Front Tooth Repaired, and Can a Mouthguard Prevent It?
The repair depends on how much is missing. The Cleveland Clinic describes polishing for a small chip, bonding to fill it, a veneer when bonding doesn’t give enough coverage, and a crown after losing a large fragment. If the chip exposes the nerve, a root canal may be needed, often followed by a crown. It advises seeing a dentist as soon as you notice a chip, because a chip left untreated can cause other problems if the damage goes beyond the enamel. Until your appointment:
- Save any large fragment in milk.
- Avoid biting with the damaged tooth.
- Cover the rough edge with dental wax, or wear a mouthguard.
Prevention is simpler than most people expect. The ADA says your top teeth take the brunt of trauma because they stick out, and that mouthguards cushion blows to the face and reduce the risk of broken teeth. Collision sports like boxing carry a higher risk, but the ADA notes that non-contact activities can also cause dental injuries. It puts a custom-made mouthguard from your dentist above other types, and recommends a boil-and-bite or stock one if cost is a barrier.
Judge smiling in a dugout close-up.
Read as well: Roman Reigns Teeth: Ring Damage, Repairs and Smile Today
Prof Clinic: Smile Design in Istanbul, Turkey
Our Hollywood smile treatments in Turkey are planned from digital smile design and 3D imaging, and E-max or zirconia work, crowns and whitening are done at the same clinic, so your case isn’t passed between providers. Our coordination team answers your questions on WhatsApp and handles follow-up once you’re home. Before recommending anything, we check:
| Factor | What we assess | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Gap width and tooth size | The space measured against the size of the front teeth | Decides whether bonding or veneers can close it or the teeth need moving first |
| Frenum | Whether a thick band of tissue is pushing the teeth apart | A frenectomy is often combined with bonding or veneers |
| Gum health | Signs of inflammation or gum disease | A new or growing gap can signal gum disease, which is treated first |
| Bite and grinding | Clenching, grinding and overbite | They can make veneers a poor choice |
| Existing chips and repairs | Enamel and any earlier bonding or fillings | Shows how much sound tooth is left to work with |
Every case is different, so we plan each one separately. If you’d like our opinion on your own mouth, send an X-ray or photos through our contact page, or see real cases in the Before & After gallery.
Aaron Judge’s Teeth: Your Questions Answered
1. Did Aaron Judge chip his tooth?
Yes. A Yankees spokesman said he chipped a tooth when a helmet hit him in the mouth during a walk-off celebration on 27 July 2017, as WFTV reported.
2. Did Aaron Judge close the gap between his teeth?
Sportskeeda wrote that fans noticed in 2021 the gap was gone. Judge, the Yankees and dentists have given no public statement on how.
3. Is a gap between the front teeth a problem?
Usually not. The Cleveland Clinic calls it a variation of normal dental development. See a dentist if the gap is new or growing.
4. Can veneers be reversed?
No. The ADA says enamel is removed to place a veneer, so the treatment is not reversible. Porcelain veneers are long-lasting, and composite ones are easier to repair.
Medical note: Press reports don’t say what treatment followed the 2017 chip, and photos can’t show whether any treatment lies behind a smile. Aaron Judge has no known connection to Prof Clinic, and his dental appearance should not be read as a Prof Clinic case.
References / Sources
- Cleveland Clinic — Diastema
- Cleveland Clinic — Chipped Tooth: Causes, Symptoms & Repair
- American Dental Association (MouthHealthy) — Veneers
- American Dental Association (MouthHealthy) — Mouthguards
- Sportskeeda — All smiles: Aaron Judge’s teeth before and after
- WFTV — Yankees rookie Aaron Judge cracks tooth during celebration
