Look at Cardi B today and you see a walking, talking billboard for luxury. The Birkins, the Bentley, the massive oval diamonds. But if you were scrolling through Instagram or watching Love & Hip Hop: New York back in 2015, the image was a lot different. People were ruthless. They went after her for her accent, her past, and especially her smile. Honestly, the obsession with cardi b teeth before her glow-up wasn't just about dentistry; it was a weirdly personal way for critics to try and gatekeep success.
She had crooked teeth. So what?
Most people don't realize how much that specific physical trait defined her early brand. She was the "Reglar Deglar Girl" from the Bronx. Her snaggletooth was almost a badge of authenticity in an industry that was becoming increasingly plastic. But Cardi is smart. She knew that to play the global game, she had to level up. When she finally dropped the bag on a new set of veneers, it wasn't just a dental appointment. It was a declaration of war on her haters.
The Reality of Cardi B Teeth Before the Fame
Before "Bodak Yellow" went triple platinum, Cardi was grinding on reality TV. Her teeth were misaligned. She had a noticeable overbite and some crowding on the bottom row. If you watch old clips of her Vine videos—the ones that actually made her famous—she never hid them. She talked loud. She laughed wide. She didn't care.
But the internet is a dark place.
While she was building a massive following, the comments sections were flooded with insults. People called her "buck-toothed" or worse. It’s wild to think about now, but back then, her dental work (or lack thereof) was a constant talking point. Cardi, being Cardi, didn't cry about it. She monetized the conversation. She leaned into the "rough around the edges" persona because it made her relatable to millions of women who couldn't afford a $40,000 smile makeover either.
Why the Snaggletooth Mattered
There’s something very specific about the way Cardi B carried herself. She represented a raw, unpolished version of the American Dream. In the hip-hop world, image is everything. Most female rappers at the time were chasing a very polished, "Barbie" aesthetic. Cardi broke that mold. She proved you could have a thick Bronx accent and "imperfect" teeth and still be the most charismatic person in the room.
The fixation on her teeth before the fame really highlights the classism in the beauty industry. High-end cosmetic dentistry is expensive. It’s a gatekeeper. By showing up as she was, she forced the industry to look at her talent instead of her dental records. Of course, that only lasted until she had enough cash to change the narrative on her own terms.
The $40,000 Transformation and Dr. Catrise Austin
In 2016, everything shifted. Cardi reached out to Dr. Catrise Austin, a celebrity dentist based in New York who has worked with stars like DJ Khaled and Busta Rhymes. This wasn't a subtle change. It was a total overhaul. We’re talking porcelain veneers that were bright, straight, and—most importantly—expensive.
She spent roughly $40,000.
Think about that for a second. That is a down payment on a house for most people. But for Cardi, it was a business investment. She debuted the new look during Season 7 of Love & Hip Hop, and the reaction was instantaneous. Suddenly, the thing people used to mock her for was gone. She took away their ammunition.
Dr. Austin actually saw a massive spike in her own business after the reveal. She called it the "Cardi B Effect." People weren't just looking for "perfect" teeth anymore; they wanted the "Cardi B smile." It became a status symbol. It wasn't just about health; it was about showing the world you had finally "made it."
"Got a Bag and Fixed My Teeth": The Lyrics That Solidified the Legacy
You can’t talk about cardi b teeth before without mentioning the line that changed everything. In "Bodak Yellow," she raps: "Got a bag and fixed my teeth / Hope you hoes know it ain't cheap." It’s a flex. A legendary one.
Usually, celebrities try to pretend their transformations are natural. They claim they just "drank more water" or "grew into their face." Cardi did the opposite. She shouted it from the rooftops. By putting the cost and the action into her lyrics, she turned a perceived weakness into a symbol of financial power. She basically told her detractors that their insults were now obsolete because she was rich enough to delete the flaws they hated.
The Psychological Shift
When you look at photos of her now versus the old days, her confidence is different. It’s not that she wasn't confident before—she was—but there’s a poise that comes with a "perfect" smile in Hollywood. She stopped being the "underdog" and started being the "A-lister."
Interestingly, some fans actually missed the old teeth. There’s a segment of her fanbase that felt the "snaggletooth" was part of her charm. They felt like the veneers made her look like "everybody else." But you have to wonder: would she have landed the cover of Vogue or Harper’s Bazaar with her original smile? Probably not. The fashion world is notoriously elitist, and the dental transformation was her "all-access" pass to those spaces.
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Common Misconceptions About Her Dental Journey
A lot of people think she just got braces. That’s not true. Braces take years and wouldn't have given her that specific "blinding white" look that veneers provide. Veneers involve shaving down the natural tooth and bonding a porcelain shell over it. It’s a permanent, invasive, and high-maintenance procedure.
- Did she have a "flipper" or temporary teeth? No. She went straight for the permanent veneers.
- Was it just for vanity? Mostly, yes. But crooked teeth can also cause bite issues and long-term jaw pain, so there was likely a functional benefit too.
- Does she regret it? She’s never said so. In fact, she’s one of the biggest advocates for cosmetic surgery when it makes a woman feel better about herself.
She’s been very transparent about the upkeep, too. You don't just get veneers and forget about them. You have to be careful with what you eat, avoid staining liquids, and get them replaced every 10 to 15 years. It’s a lifelong commitment to the "bag."
How to Approach Your Own Smile Transformation
If you're looking at Cardi's journey and thinking about your own, there are a few things to keep in mind. You don't need $40,000 to improve your confidence, but you do need a plan.
First, identify what actually bothers you. Is it the color? The alignment? The shape? Sometimes, simple professional whitening or basic clear aligners (like Invisalign) can do wonders without the heavy price tag of veneers.
Second, find a dentist who specializes in "cosmetic" work, not just general dentistry. Look at their "before and after" gallery. If everyone in their portfolio has the exact same "chiclet" teeth, run. You want someone who understands facial symmetry. Cardi’s teeth look great because they fit her mouth and her personality.
Lastly, be honest about the maintenance. Veneers are a "forever" choice because once your natural enamel is shaved down, there’s no going back. You are locked into that lifestyle.
Actionable Steps for a Better Smile
- Get a professional cleaning first. You’d be surprised how much "tartar" and surface staining can make teeth look more crooked than they actually are.
- Consult for aligners. If your issue is purely spacing or crowding, aligners are a healthier way to fix the problem than veneers because they preserve your natural tooth structure.
- Research porcelain vs. composite. Composite veneers are cheaper and require less shaving of the tooth, but they don't last as long as porcelain.
- Save the "Bag." If you really want the Cardi B look, start a dedicated savings fund. Don't go to "veneer techs" on Instagram. Go to a licensed Board Certified Dentist. Cheap dental work can lead to infections, nerve damage, and thousands of dollars in corrective surgery later.
Cardi B's teeth will always be a part of her "started from the bottom" narrative. She showed the world that you can change your circumstances, your look, and your tax bracket, all while staying true to your voice. She fixed her teeth, but she never changed her tongue. That’s the real win.