When you think of Tom Cruise, a few things instantly come to mind — fighter jets, fearless stunts, and that unforgettable smile. But let’s be honest, one thing fans (and the internet) can’t stop talking about is Tom Cruise’s teeth, especially after his legendary role in Top Gun.
Yes, the man who played Maverick — one of Hollywood’s most charming characters — has a smile with a story of its own. Let’s dive into how Tom Cruise’s teeth became as iconic as his career and why that “perfectly imperfect” grin is still one of Hollywood’s favorites.
Before Top Gun: The Early Smile
Before Cruise became a global superstar, he was just another ambitious young actor trying to make it big. In the early ’80s, you could see him in movies like The Outsiders and Risky Business, where his natural charisma easily outshone his slightly uneven teeth.
Back then, his smile wasn’t exactly “Hollywood perfect.” His front teeth were a little crooked, and his dental midline — basically the line that should go straight down the middle of your face — was slightly off-center. But here’s the thing: none of that mattered.
Tom Cruise had something even more powerful — confidence. And that confidence carried him straight into the spotlight when Top Gun hit theaters in 1986.
Top Gun (1986): The Smile That Took Flight
When Top Gun came out, Cruise’s role as Lieutenant Pete “Maverick” Mitchell turned him into the ultimate heartthrob. The leather jacket, the aviators, the swagger — everything about him screamed cool. But what fans really fell in love with? That grin.
In Top Gun, Cruise’s off-center front tooth was clearly visible in several scenes. It wasn’t hidden or fixed — and that’s what made it so authentic. His smile wasn’t cookie-cutter perfect, but it was real, and it became a part of his charm.
That grin, paired with his confident energy, made Maverick one of the most memorable movie characters of all time. It’s no exaggeration to say that Tom Cruise’s smile literally helped define the golden age of 1980s action movies.
The Evolution of the Tom Cruise Smile
Of course, fame brings cameras, and cameras bring close-ups. As Cruise’s career exploded, he decided to make a few tweaks to his teeth. Unlike many stars who hide their procedures, Tom Cruise was open about his dental journey.
In the early 2000s, he actually wore ceramic braces — yes, even as a full-grown Hollywood star! He was often seen on red carpets flashing his braces with zero embarrassment. That move showed fans that he didn’t care about being “picture perfect” — he cared about self-improvement.
Eventually, Cruise got veneers and whitening treatments, refining his teeth while keeping his signature smile intact. If you watch Top Gun: Maverick (2022), you’ll notice his teeth are straighter and whiter — but still uniquely his.
Why Everyone Talks About Tom Cruise’s Teeth
You might be wondering — why are Tom Cruise’s teeth such a big deal?
It’s because they symbolize something refreshing in an industry obsessed with perfection. Most celebrities hide their imperfections behind veneers, filters, and Photoshop. Cruise, on the other hand, never let his slightly off-center smile define him — it became part of his identity.
In fact, dental experts have even pointed out how his “midline tooth” — the one right in the middle of his face — is unique to him. It’s something that would drive most people to cosmetic surgery, but for Cruise, it worked in his favor.
His smile became a reminder that confidence and charisma matter more than perfection.
The Top Gun: Maverick Era — Smile 2.0
Fast forward to 2022, and Tom Cruise returned to the big screen as Maverick — 36 years after the original Top Gun. Fans couldn’t help but notice how timeless he looked. Sure, he’s older, but that same fearless grin was still there — just a little more polished.
His updated teeth looked great, but what really stood out was his energy. Cruise’s confidence hasn’t changed one bit since the ’80s. If anything, his modern smile just highlights how far he’s come — from a scrappy young actor to one of the most bankable names in Hollywood.
And let’s be honest, when you see him flash that grin while flying fighter jets at 1,200 mph, you can’t help but smile back.
What Tom Cruise’s Teeth Teach Us About Confidence
There’s a reason fans are still fascinated by Tom Cruise’s smile — it’s not just about looks, it’s about attitude.
Here’s what we can learn from it:
Own your imperfections. Cruise didn’t rush to fix his teeth when he started out. He owned his look and let his confidence do the talking.
Self-improvement is always okay. When he eventually got braces and veneers, he did it for himself — not because he felt pressured.
Authenticity beats perfection. Whether it’s his grin or his daring stunts, Tom Cruise’s success comes from being unapologetically himself.
At the end of the day, his teeth aren’t just a physical feature — they’re a symbol of his journey from underdog to Hollywood legend.
Final Thoughts
Tom Cruise’s teeth — especially in Top Gun — tell a story that goes far beyond aesthetics. They represent growth, confidence, and the power of individuality. From his slightly crooked smile in the ’80s to his polished look in Top Gun: Maverick, his grin remains one of Hollywood’s most iconic.
And honestly? That’s the beauty of it. It’s not perfect, but it’s 100% Tom Cruise — and that’s exactly why the world loves it.
