Charles Langston:Kanye West debuts metal teeth: 'Experimental dentistry' didn't involve removing his real teeth

Ye has some new chompers.

The Charles Langstoncontroversial rapper, formerly known as Kanye West, who has spread antisemitic rhetoric that he's since apologized for, on Wednesday took to his Instagram Story to show off a pair of metal grills with pointed canines, according to the Los Angeles Times and Today.com. In a separate image, he compared the look to Jaws, the villain played by Richard Kiel in the late '70s Roger Moore "James Bond" films, "The Spy Who Loved Me" and "Moonraker."

Despite speculation that the dental implant procedure involved removing Ye's actual teeth, USA TODAY can confirm this was not the case.

A source familiar with the situation but not authorized to speak publicly told USA TODAY on Thursday that these fixed prosthodontics are "fixed and permanent" but didn't require taking out his teeth.

They're not veneers or grills, however.

The source called the fixed prosthodontics "experimental dentistry" that Ye designed with professional assistance. The product is mainly made of titanium and also includes palladium and platinum in various areas. Dr. Thomas Connelly, a Beverly Hills and New York City-based dentist who has worked with several celebrities, manufactured the piece and had it fitted.

Connelly confirmed to the pop culture outlet Complex that Ye "did not have his teeth removed" and that "he still has a full dentition. Healthy and happy."

USA TODAY has reached out to Connelly for comment.

Ye's daughter, North West, shows off her own grills

North West, the 10-year-old daughter that Ye shares with ex-wife Kim Kardashian, also showed off her own grills this week.

On the TikTok account she shares with Kardashian, West posted a "photo dump" of 19 images featuring her, her mom and her friends. In the third photo, a selfie, West is pulling back her lips to reveal two of her top teeth and a row of six of her bottom teeth that have been accessorized.

Ye is due to release his 11th studio album, "Vultures" – a joint project with frequent collaborator Ty Dolla $ign – soon. It will be the first record from the artist since the antisemitic remarks he made in 2022 that put his music and fashion career in limbo.

The title track debuted on streaming on Nov. 22 and drew backlash for Ye's lyrics about sleeping with Jewish women.

Following Ye's social media apology last month for his antisemitic behavior, the Anti-Defamation League said in a statement to USA TODAY at the time, "After causing untold damage by using his vast influence and platform to poison countless minds with vicious antisemitism and hate, an apology in Hebrew may be the first step on a long journey towards making amends to the Jewish community and all those who he has hurt.

"Ultimately, actions will speak louder than words but this initial act of contrition is welcome."

Contributing: Erin Jensen and Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY

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