Were Dustin's Teeth Fake In Season 2
The Controversy
One of the most talked about aspects of the second season of Stranger Things was the teeth of one of the show's most beloved characters, Dustin Henderson. Fans of the show couldn't help but notice that his teeth looked significantly different than they did in the first season. Many viewers were left wondering if Dustin's teeth were fake in season 2.
The Truth
So, were Dustin's teeth really fake in season 2? The answer is yes and no.
Actor Gaten Matarazzo, who plays Dustin on the show, has a condition called cleidocranial dysplasia. This condition affects the development of bones and teeth, and often results in delayed or incomplete growth of adult teeth. In the first season of Stranger Things, Matarazzo's real teeth were used to portray Dustin's character.
However, by the time filming began for the second season, Matarazzo had undergone several dental procedures to help correct his condition. This included the insertion of false teeth to fill in the gaps left by his missing adult teeth. So, while his teeth were technically "fake" in season 2, they were still Matarazzo's real teeth, just with a little help from modern dentistry.
The Importance of Representation
While the use of false teeth may seem like a minor detail, it actually has a much larger impact. By allowing Matarazzo to use his real teeth in the first season of Stranger Things, the show was able to provide representation for individuals with cleidocranial dysplasia. This is incredibly important, as representation helps to normalize conditions that might otherwise be stigmatized or misunderstood.
By continuing to feature Matarazzo's character with his real teeth, even as he undergoes dental procedures to correct his condition, the show is able to continue this representation. It also provides an opportunity for viewers to learn more about cleidocranial dysplasia and the challenges faced by those who live with it.
The Bottom Line
So, were Dustin's teeth fake in season 2? Yes, but only in the sense that they were false teeth used to fill in gaps left by his missing adult teeth. They were still actor Gaten Matarazzo's real teeth, and his use of false teeth is actually an important aspect of representation for individuals with cleidocranial dysplasia.
By featuring a character with this condition and allowing that character's real-life experiences to inform the storytelling, Stranger Things is able to provide representation and education on a topic that is often overlooked in mainstream media.