The Teeth Chess Set: A Unique Blend of Dentistry and Strategy

The World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries is home to some of the most fascinating chess sets ever created, and we’re highlighting a genuinely unique piece from our collection: the Teeth Chess Set. This isn’t just a game; it’s a clever fusion of two seemingly disparate fields: chess and dentistry.

This set, created by Viade Products, Inc. in 2009, was a gift to the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries from Dr. Carolina Blanco, a renowned orthodontist and Woman International Master in chess. With a king standing just 1.5 inches tall, this plastic set reimagines the classic game with dental-themed pieces, bringing a whole new meaning to “strategic thinking.”

The Connection Between Chess and Dentistry

For Dr. Blanco, the link between her two passions is clear. She sees a powerful connection in the precision, planning, and attention to detail required for both a masterful chess game and a successful dental practice. “In chess, strategy is all about planning several moves ahead… In dentistry, strategy is key in diagnosing, treating, and maintaining oral health,” she explains.

This philosophy inspired her to create Chessmile, a line of chess-themed dental brackets. The design brilliantly links the 32 teeth in a complete set of permanent teeth with the 32 pieces on a chessboard. Each bracket is subtly modeled after a different chess piece, a detail you can see for yourself when you visit the WCHOF. This remarkable Teeth Chess Set and the story behind it are a testament to the diverse and surprising ways chess has influenced art, culture, and even science. Sets like this and other incredible pieces are included in the World Chess Hall of Fame and Galleries’ permanent collection, which spans over 1,500 years of chess history, featuring everything from antique ivory sets to sets owned by legendary players and even those with fun, pop-culture themes.