Michael van Gerwen’s cold stare and lightning-fast throws frightened rivals for years. However, he was no longer able to ignore the medical reality that lay behind that competitive fire. His biggest struggle took place inside his own jaw, not on stage.
Van Gerwen has talked candidly in recent months about having extensive jaw surgery, a procedure as intricate as his dart accuracy. His story, which includes numerous surgeries, braces, and extended rest periods from competition, provides an incredibly intimate look at athletic resilience. It’s far from over, too.
Michael van Gerwen – Bio and Surgery Timeline (for WordPress Embedding)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael van Gerwen |
| Nickname | Mighty Mike |
| Date of Birth | April 25, 1989 |
| Place of Birth | Boxtel, Netherlands |
| Nationality | Dutch |
| Profession | Professional Darts Player (PDC) |
| Titles | 3× PDC World Champion (2014, 2017, 2019), 150+ PDC titles |
| Condition | Severe underbite (Class III malocclusion) |
| Surgical Approach | First operation in 2023, second in 2024, with braces ongoing into 2026 |
| Impact Areas | Speech, breathing, sleep, bite alignment, overall facial structure |
| Spouse | Daphne van Gerwen |
| Children | Zoe (daughter), Mike (son) |
| Net Worth | Approx. £7 million |
“I Couldn’t Bite Through a Slice of Ham”
On the surface, that admission might seem amusing, but for van Gerwen, it represented years of unease. It was not only inconvenient that he had a severe underbite, where the lower jaw protrudes past the upper. It was medically urgent, painful, and disruptive.
Major orthognathic surgery has been performed by doctors during the past year. To put it simply, they broke and realigned both jaws, which is a physicallyJoaquin Phoenix’s Weight Loss, The Extreme Transformation That Defined ‘Joker’ and mentally taxing procedure. His lower jaw was pushed back three millimeters, while his upper jaw was pushed forward six. For those who have had braces in the past, this is not a check-up. It’s completely remodeled.
The Effects Were Not Only Physical
Van Gerwen withdrew from a few significant competitions in 2023. He was absent from the World Cup of Darts. It hurt to even speak in the weeks following surgery. “My voice and face may look a bit different for a while,” he also cautioned fans early on.
In sports, that kind of openness is uncommon. Van Gerwen allowed the public to see a different side of him by being vulnerable, showing them Michael, the man recovering, rather than Mighty Mike, the competitor. That openness felt very human for a steel-clad figure.
Return with a Cause
Amazingly, van Gerwen returned to competition and was winning a few weeks after surgery. In 2024, he won the Players Championship 21 title in Wigan, demonstrating that perseverance can overcome setbacks.
This was a symbolic return rather than merely a material one. Van Gerwen endured fatigue, swelling, and recovery procedures like a racer with weights strapped to their legs—all while averaging more than 100 on stage. Not only is that caliber of performance amazing, but it’s especially motivating.
Organizing Recuperation Like a Competition
Surgery was never going to ruin van Gerwen’s career. Rather, he approached it as a competition, something to prepare for, plan, and endure. “At least a year must pass between operations,” he said. “You schedule the majors around it.”
Not only is that kind of foresight admirable, it’s also very effective. Control is a concept that athletes frequently discuss: controlling form, mindset, and routine. Van Gerwen maintained his mental acuity while his jaw healed by treating his own recuperation like he would if he were pursuing a world championship.
The Family That Fuels the Smile—And Behind It
Michael was grounded by his family during his journey. On Instagram, in interviews, and behind the scenes, his wife Daphne and their kids have consistently been present. Professional hairdresser Daphne offers a gentler alternative to the competitive world of darts by frequently sharing photos of peaceful times at home and family vacations.
These private moments aren’t merely for show. They provide the emotional support an athlete needs to rebuild not only his physical condition but also his entire regimen. In van Gerwen’s case, the “team” is his family, but it’s remarkably similar to how teams come together to support players following an injury.
What Comes Next? Braces, Ambition, and Patience
Long-term braces are now being worn by Van Gerwen. He is anticipated to retain them until at least 2026. Meanwhile, he keeps competing and succeeding. “Time is everything,” he says. Even though it will take a while, the advantages are already becoming apparent.
Van Gerwen claims he’s feeling more alert than ever thanks to better sleep, fewer headaches, and a balanced bite. That could make him a more dangerous player in addition to being a healthier man. That is a startling idea considering his record.
Changing the Definition of Resilience
Casts or crutches are frequently mentioned in injury stories involving elite athletes. Van Gerwen’s included x-rays and elastic bands. His point is still very clear, though: even when it’s concealed, health matters.
He is changing the way fans perceive strength by sharing his struggle. Not simply as physical power—but as something immensely adaptable. A new type of championship mindset is the capacity to acknowledge pain, act, and recover better than before.
FAQs – Michael van Gerwen Jaw Surgery
What was the reason for his jaw surgery?
To correct a severe underbite that impacted eating, breathing, and speech.
How long will the full recovery take?
Around three years—including two years in braces post-surgery.
Did he miss darts tournaments because of it?
Yes, including the 2023 World Cup and a brief hiatus after Matchplay 2024.
How has it affected his game?
Temporarily slowed him, but he’s already won titles post-op.
Is this the end of his medical journey?
No, more adjustments and continued recovery are expected into 2026.
