Gaten Matarazzo is a well-known actor, famous for his role as Dustin Henderson in the popular Netflix series, Stranger Things. However, many people are curious about why he doesn’t have teeth. The answer lies in his medical condition, cleidocranial dysplasia, which affects the development of his bones and teeth.
Cleidocranial dysplasia is a rare genetic disorder that affects the growth and development of bones and teeth. People with this condition may have smaller collarbones or no collarbones at all, as well as delayed or incomplete development of their teeth. For Gaten Matarazzo, this means that he was born without collarbones and has more teeth than the average person, although they don’t grow in properly.
Despite the challenges posed by his medical condition, Gaten Matarazzo has become a successful actor and an advocate for cleidocranial dysplasia awareness. He has undergone multiple surgeries to remove his extra teeth and expose those that have developed normally. His story has inspired many people and shed light on a little-known condition.
Key Takeaways
- Gaten Matarazzo’s medical condition, cleidocranial dysplasia, affects the development of his bones and teeth.
- He was born without collarbones and has more teeth than the average person, although they don’t grow in properly.
- Despite the challenges he has faced, Gaten Matarazzo has become a successful actor and an advocate for cleidocranial dysplasia awareness.
Gaten Matarazzo’s Early Life
Gaten Matarazzo was born on September 8, 2002, in Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. He is the son of Heather and Gaten Matarazzo Sr. and has two siblings, Sabrina and Carmen.
From a young age, Gaten showed an interest in performing. He began acting in community theater productions when he was just six years old. He also sang in a choir and played the guitar.
In addition to performing, Gaten was an active child who enjoyed playing sports, including soccer and basketball. However, he was born with a rare genetic condition called cleidocranial dysplasia, which affects the development of bones and teeth.
Because of his condition, Gaten had to undergo several surgeries and dental procedures throughout his childhood. He also wore dental appliances and braces to help correct his teeth. Despite these challenges, Gaten remained positive and continued to pursue his passion for acting.
At the age of 11, Gaten auditioned for the role of Dustin Henderson in the Netflix series, Stranger Things. His performance impressed the show’s creators, and he was cast in the role, which would go on to become one of the show’s most beloved characters.
Gaten Matarazzo’s Medical Condition
Cleidocranial Dysplasia
Gaten Matarazzo is an American actor best known for his role as Dustin Henderson in the Netflix series “Stranger Things.” He was born with a rare genetic disorder called cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), which affects the development of bones and teeth.
CCD is a condition that affects approximately 1 in 1 million people. It is caused by a mutation in the RUNX2 gene, which is responsible for the formation of bones and teeth. People with CCD have delayed closure of the skull bones, resulting in a soft spot that is slow to close. They also have underdeveloped or absent collarbones, which can cause their shoulders to slope inward.
In addition to these physical characteristics, CCD can also affect the development of teeth. People with CCD may have delayed eruption of teeth, extra teeth, or teeth that are misshapen or smaller than normal.
Gaten Matarazzo’s CCD affects the growth of all his bones, but it is most noticeable in his teeth. He was born without collarbones, which gives him a unique appearance on screen. He has also undergone several surgeries to remove extra teeth and expose those that are still developing.
Despite his medical condition, Gaten Matarazzo has become a successful actor and advocate for CCD awareness. He has used his platform to raise awareness about CCD and to encourage others with the condition to embrace their differences.
Impact on His Acting Career
Role in Stranger Things
Gaten Matarazzo’s condition, cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), has affected his teeth development. As a result, he had to undergo several surgeries to remove extra teeth and expose the ones that were still developing. His unique appearance due to CCD has made him stand out in the entertainment industry, and he has become an inspiration for many people with disabilities.
Despite his condition, Gaten has successfully landed the role of Dustin Henderson in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things. He has portrayed the character since the show’s debut in 2016 and has become a fan favorite. His character’s lisp and unique appearance have made him even more endearing to viewers.
Gaten’s acting career has not been negatively impacted by his condition. In fact, it has become a defining feature of his career and has helped him stand out in a highly competitive industry. His success in Stranger Things has also opened up new opportunities for him, and he has landed roles in other TV shows and movies.
Overall, Gaten Matarazzo’s condition has not hindered his acting career. Instead, it has made him a unique and inspiring presence in the entertainment industry.
Public Awareness and Advocacy
Gaten Matarazzo has been using his platform to raise awareness about cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) and advocate for those who have the rare genetic condition. CCD affects the development of bones and teeth and is caused by mutations in the RUNX2 gene.
Matarazzo has been very open about his own experiences with CCD and has talked about the challenges he has faced because of the condition. He has also been vocal about the need for more research into CCD and for better support for those who have it.
In 2019, Matarazzo met with Cecile A. Feldman, a dental public health expert, to discuss advocacy for CCD. Feldman praised Matarazzo for using his fame to bring attention to the condition and for being a positive role model for those who have it.
Matarazzo has also worked with the nonprofit organization CCD Smiles to raise money for research and support for those with CCD. The organization provides financial assistance for dental care and other expenses related to the condition.
Through his advocacy work, Matarazzo has helped to raise public awareness about CCD and has inspired others to speak out about their own experiences with the condition. By sharing his story and working to make a difference, Matarazzo has become a powerful voice for those with CCD and a true advocate for change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Dustin have no teeth in season 3?
In the third season of the hit Netflix series, Stranger Things, Dustin, played by Gaten Matarazzo, returns from summer camp with no front teeth. This was just a plot point in the show and was not related to Matarazzo’s real-life condition.
Does Gaten Matarazzo have Down syndrome?
No, Gaten Matarazzo does not have Down syndrome. He has a rare genetic condition called cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), which affects bone development, especially in the collarbones and teeth.
Gaten Matarazzo teeth xray?
There are several x-rays of Gaten Matarazzo’s teeth available online, which show the impact of CCD on his dental development.
Gaten Matarazzo teeth surgery?
Gaten Matarazzo has undergone several surgeries to remove supernumerary teeth, which are extra teeth that grow in the gums due to CCD. He has spoken openly about his surgeries and the impact of his condition on his life.
Gaten Matarazzo height?
Gaten Matarazzo is around 5 feet 5 inches tall.
What is cleidocranial dysplasia?
Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is a rare genetic condition that affects bone development, especially in the collarbones and teeth. People with CCD may have delayed or incomplete development of their adult teeth, and may also have other skeletal abnormalities.
