The Jaw-Dropping Truth: 5 Facts About Dakota Johnson's Tooth Gap That Closed Due To Neck Pain

The disappearance of Dakota Johnson's signature tooth gap in 2019 became a global news event, sparking countless headlines and internet memes overnight. This iconic feature, a diastema between her two front incisors, was a beloved part of her unique charm, often distinguishing her from other Hollywood stars. The sudden change led to immediate speculation: did she get veneers? Was it a cosmetic choice? As of the most recent updates, the true story is far more surprising and related to a common orthodontic device she had worn for decades. The truth, as revealed by the actress herself, is that the closure of her famous gap was not a cosmetic decision but an unexpected side effect of a necessary medical procedure. In late 2019, Johnson explained that she had to have a permanent retainer removed to alleviate chronic neck problems, and the subsequent shifting of her teeth naturally closed the gap. This article dives deep into the full story, her reaction to the change, and the current status of her smile as she promotes her latest projects in December 2025.

Dakota Johnson: A Quick Biography and Filmography

Dakota Mayi Johnson is an American actress and model who was born into a storied Hollywood family. Her unique heritage and early career set the stage for her eventual rise to global fame.

• Full Name: Dakota Mayi Johnson
• Born: October 4, 1989 (Age 36 in 2025)
• Birthplace: Austin, Texas, U.S.
• Parents: Don Johnson (actor) and Melanie Griffith (actress)
• Grandmother: Tippi Hedren (actress, known for *The Birds*)
• Early Career: Began modeling at age 12 and made her film debut in 1999's *Crazy in Alabama* alongside her mother.
• Breakthrough Role: Anastasia "Ana" Steele in the *Fifty Shades* film trilogy (2015–2018).
• Notable Works (Selected):
  • *The Social Network* (2010)
  • *21 Jump Street* (2012)
  • *Black Mass* (2015)
  • *A Bigger Splash* (2015)
  • *Suspiria* (2018)
  • *The Peanut Butter Falcon* (2019)
  • *The Lost Daughter* (2021)
  • *Cha Cha Real Smooth* (2022)
  • *Madame Web* (2024)
  • *Daddio* (2024)
  • *Materialists* (Upcoming 2025)

The Shocking Reason Dakota Johnson's Iconic Tooth Gap Disappeared

The internet collectively gasped in August 2019 when Dakota Johnson stepped out and her signature gap—a feature she had famously used to hold small items like credit cards on camera—was noticeably gone. The reaction was so intense that Johnson addressed the change on *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon* shortly after.

1. It Was Not a Cosmetic Choice, But a Medical Necessity

The most surprising fact about the closure of the diastema is that it was entirely unintentional and not a result of a planned cosmetic procedure like dental veneers or a new course of braces. Johnson revealed that the change was a direct consequence of addressing a long-term health issue.

2. The Culprit Was a Permanent Retainer Worn Since Age 13

For over 20 years, Johnson had a permanent retainer glued to the back of her front teeth. This small, fixed wire, a common piece of orthodontic hardware, was put in place when she was 13 years old, likely to maintain the position of her teeth after a period of orthodontic treatment. The retainer was responsible for keeping her front teeth separated, thus preserving the gap.

3. The Retainer Was Removed to Alleviate Neck Problems

In 2019, Johnson began experiencing significant neck problems. Her orthodontist suggested that the permanent retainer might be contributing to her jaw alignment issues, which in turn could be causing or exacerbating the neck pain. The decision was made to remove the retainer to see if it would help her jaw "expand" and ease the tension.

4. The Gap Closed Naturally and Unexpectedly

Once the retainer was removed, the pressure holding the teeth apart was gone. Johnson's front teeth naturally shifted and moved closer together, closing the gap completely. The closure was a rapid and unexpected side effect of the medical procedure, not the primary goal. She confirmed the gap was "really closed," admitting that the sudden change was "stressing her out" due to the public and personal attachment to the feature.

5. Her Smile is Now Maintained with a More Aligned Look

Since the gap closed, Johnson's smile has a more uniform and aligned appearance. Dental experts who have analyzed her "after" smile agree that the change was due to natural tooth movement and not the installation of veneers, which would involve shaving down the original teeth. Her current look maintains her natural tooth shape and color, simply without the distinctive space. She has continued to embrace her new smile in her recent high-profile films, including the Marvel film *Madame Web* (2024) and the drama *Daddio* (2024).

The Cultural Significance of the Dakota Johnson Diastema

Dakota Johnson’s tooth gap, or diastema, was more than just a physical feature; it was a powerful symbol in a beauty landscape often dominated by "perfect" Hollywood smiles. Diastema, a term for the space or gap between two teeth, is a common trait, but on a celebrity of her stature, it carried significant cultural weight.

The Diastema as a Beauty Statement

For years, Johnson's gap was celebrated as a refreshing embrace of natural, imperfect beauty. In an industry where many stars opt for expensive dental work to achieve flawless alignment, her gap was a statement that uniqueness trumps uniformity. It became a beloved part of her brand, leading to viral moments like her demonstrating its utility on a late-night show. The loss of the gap was mourned by fans who felt a piece of her unique identity had been sacrificed.

The LSI of Orthodontic Health and Celebrity Dental Work

The story also brought necessary attention to the long-term realities of orthodontic treatment.

• Permanent Retainers: Her experience highlighted that even "permanent" devices can cause issues decades later, including potential links to neck and jaw problems. This is a crucial entity for anyone considering or currently wearing a fixed retainer.
• Diastema Treatment Options: While Johnson's closure was natural, the public discussion brought up other methods for closing a tooth gap, such as bonding, Invisalign, traditional braces, or veneers. Experts confirmed that Johnson's case was a rare, natural orthodontic shift.
• Celebrity Smile Makeovers: Unlike many celebrity dental transformations that involve significant cosmetic procedures, Johnson's story emphasized a health-first approach. It showed that sometimes, a change in appearance is a secondary effect of prioritizing physical well-being. This provided a unique counter-narrative to the typical "Hollywood veneers" story.

Johnson’s decision to remove the retainer, despite knowing it might alter her famous feature, underscores a commitment to health over a superficial aesthetic. While she admitted to missing her gap, she acknowledged the positive impact the removal had on her overall health, a message that resonates deeply with fans and health-conscious individuals alike. The current, gap-free smile she sports on red carpets for her latest projects, such as the critically acclaimed *Daddio*, is a testament to her enduring appeal, proving that her star power is rooted in talent and charisma, not just a space between her teeth.