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| Gan Wangxing Reveals Years of Dental Struggles After Mockery at School and Online. (Credits: Sohu/Weibo) |
Chinese actor Gan Wangxing has revealed that one of the biggest battles of his life had nothing to do with auditions, cameras or scripts — it was simply learning how to smile without fear.
Speaking candidly on variety programme Memories Beyond Horizon, the rising star shared how years of mockery over his uneven teeth left him deeply insecure, forcing him to hide his smile for more than two decades. For someone now working in front of cameras, the irony writes itself.
According to Gan Wangxing, his school years were marked by classmates teasing him about the appearance of his teeth, with hurtful nicknames becoming part of daily life. What some people likely saw as playground jokes clearly landed far harder than intended.
He said the experience shaped his habits for years, leaving him reluctant to laugh openly and often covering his mouth whenever he smiled. Some people collect hobbies in school. Others apparently collect unnecessary cruelty.
The actor also admitted that the comments did not stop once he entered entertainment. During his time on CHUANG 2021, online criticism continued, with some viewers targeting his looks rather than his talent.
Social media once again proving that some people wake up each morning determined to review faces no one asked them to judge.
As his acting career developed, Gan Wangxing said he began to understand how important facial expression is on screen. A smile, a subtle reaction, even a brief emotional shift can shape a character.
That realisation pushed him to seriously address the issue that had followed him since childhood. It was no longer only about appearance — it was about confidence, performance and finally feeling comfortable in his own skin.
He first chose Invisalign treatment and even underwent the removal of five teeth. Later, however, he felt progress was too slow.
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| Gan Wangxing Opens Up About School Bullying Over His Teeth — And the Long Road Back to Confidence |
After seeking advice elsewhere, he was reportedly told those extractions had not been necessary for his case. Not exactly the glowing customer experience anyone hopes for.
Refusing to give up, the actor continued treatment through a different route. He wore a jaw expansion device for around six months before moving on to conventional braces.
The full process took several years, but he said it eventually delivered the result he had hoped for. More importantly, it helped rebuild confidence that had been chipped away long before adulthood began.
Now, Gan Wangxing says he can smile more freely and express emotion more naturally in his acting roles. For viewers, that may seem like a small change.
For someone who spent over 20 years hiding it, it is anything but small. Sometimes the biggest transformation is not cosmetic at all — it is finally dropping the shield.
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Cnetz have reacted strongly to the story, with many praising his honesty and resilience. Some said his openness would comfort others dealing with insecurities, while others criticised the harsh beauty standards often placed on young entertainers.
Many also questioned how casually people comment on someone else’s appearance, online or offline, as if it carries no weight. Plenty called his current smile one earned through perseverance rather than polish.
The story has also sparked wider discussion around confidence, bullying and the pressure placed on public figures to look “perfect”.
If Gan Wangxing’s experience proves anything, it is that personal growth can take years — and sometimes starts with refusing to keep your mouth shut. What do you think of his journey, and have beauty standards gone far too far?