Believe it or not, there was a time when the world wasn't talking about Cardi B’s Grammys or her Birkin bag collection. They were talking about her mouth. Specifically, people were obsessed with Cardi B old teeth. Before the "Bodak Yellow" era turned her into a household name, Cardi was a breakout star on VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: New York, and her smile was... well, it was different.
She had what she called a "regular degular" smile. Honestly, it was a bit crooked. There were some noticeable gaps, and her front teeth didn't exactly line up in that perfect, porcelain row we see on magazine covers today. But here’s the thing: Cardi didn't hide it. She was loud, she was proud, and she was hilarious about the whole situation, even as the internet did what the internet does—troll.
Why Cardi B Old Teeth Became a Viral Talking Point
When Cardi first hit the scene, social media was ruthless. Every time she posted a video ranting on Instagram or appeared in a scene on Love & Hip Hop, the comments were flooded with people poking fun at her alignment. It’s kinda wild to look back on now, but her teeth were basically a secondary character in her early career.
She didn't have that "Hollywood" symmetry. Her natural teeth were smaller, slightly discolored (which is normal for most of us, let’s be real), and had some crowding issues. Specifically, her upper arch had an overlap where one front tooth sat slightly in front of the other.
The pressure to look "perfect" in the entertainment industry is heavy. Most people would have probably shrunk away or stopped smiling in photos. Not Cardi. She leaned into it until she decided she was ready for a change.
The Famous $12,500 Transformation
In 2016, Cardi decided she’d had enough of the comments. She didn't go to some random clinic, either. She went to Dr. Catrise Austin, a celebrity cosmetic dentist in New York who’s worked with everyone from DJ Khaled to Missy Elliott.
What exactly did she get done?
It wasn't just a simple whitening job. To fix the issues she had with her original smile, she opted for porcelain veneers.
- Veneers vs. Braces: Instead of wearing metal brackets for two years, veneers allowed her to "fix" the alignment, shape, and color in just a couple of visits.
- The Cost: In her breakout hit "Bodak Yellow," she famously rapped, "Got a bag and fixed my teeth, hope you hoes know it ain't cheap." She wasn't lying. Reports and interviews with Dr. Austin suggest the total makeover cost around $12,500, though some estimates for full-mouth reconstructions of that caliber can climb much higher depending on the number of units.
- The Procedure: It basically involves shaving down a tiny bit of the natural enamel and bonding thin porcelain shells over the front. It’s a permanent commitment.
The Cultural Impact of the "New" Teeth
The moment the world saw the "after" photo, the search for "Cardi B old teeth" skyrocketed. It wasn't just about the gossip; it was about the transparency. Usually, when a celeb gets work done, they pretend it’s just "drinking more water" or "using a new toothpaste."
Cardi did the opposite. She told everyone. She even filmed a promo video for her dentist, telling fans, "If you don't feel comfortable, if you are tired of people talking about you, then go and fix it."
This move actually did something interesting for the dental industry. Dr. Austin reported that her business literally tripled after the shout-out. Regular people realized that if they didn't like their smile, there was a path to changing it—provided they had the "bag" to pay for it.
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The "Bagel Incident" and the Reality of Veneers
Even with a $12k+ smile, things can go wrong. Fast forward to early 2024, and Cardi went viral again for her teeth, but for a different reason. She posted a video showing she’d actually lost a veneer while eating a bagel.
It was a stark reminder that even the most expensive dental work isn't indestructible. Porcelain veneers can chip or pop off if you bite into something too hard or if the bonding fails over time. Most veneers have a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years, so maintenance is a real thing.
Lessons from Cardi’s Dental Journey
If you’re looking at your own smile and thinking about taking the leap, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, veneers are a "point of no return" procedure because the dentist has to prep your natural teeth. You can't just decide to go back to your "old" teeth later.
Also, the "Hollywood White" look isn't the only option anymore. Many people now opt for "natural" veneers that have slight imperfections and more varied shading so they don't look like a row of white piano keys. Cardi went for the high-glam, ultra-white look because it fit her brand as a global superstar.
Your Next Steps for a Smile Makeover
- Get a Consultation: Don't just look at Instagram photos. Every mouth is different, and you might need a "gum lift" or Invisalign before you even qualify for veneers.
- Check the "Prep": Ask your dentist about "minimal prep" veneers if you’re worried about losing too much of your natural tooth structure.
- Budget for Maintenance: Remember that $12,500 is the entry price. You’ll need to factor in replacements eventually and regular deep cleanings to keep the gums healthy around the porcelain.
Cardi B's old teeth might be gone, but they played a huge role in her story. They were part of her "regular degular" Bronx roots, and her decision to change them was one of her first big "boss moves" that proved she was playing for keeps in the industry.