Let’s be real for a second. If you were around for the early days of Love & Hip Hop: New York, you remember Cardi B. Not just the "Bodak Yellow" chart-topper we know now, but the raw, unfiltered, and hilariously blunt Belcalis Almánzar from the Bronx. Back then, people weren't just talking about her "shmoney" or her one-liners. They were obsessed with her smile. Specifically, the Cardi B before teeth era that became one of the most documented dental transformations in pop culture history.
It wasn't just a vanity project. It was a career move.
Most people look at a celebrity glow-up and assume it’s just about looking "better." But with Cardi, the decision to fix her teeth was deeply personal and, frankly, a bit of a middle finger to the internet trolls who wouldn't leave her alone. She didn't hide the process. She didn't pretend she woke up with a Hollywood smile. Instead, she rapped about it.
"Got a bag and fixed my teeth," she famously spat in 2017. That line wasn't just catchy; it was a receipt.
What Did Cardi B’s Teeth Actually Look Like Before?
If you scroll back to 2015, you’ll see the "original" Cardi smile. It wasn't "bad" in a medical sense, but it was definitely asymmetrical. Her natural teeth were a bit smaller—what some dentists call "microdontia"—and they were visibly misaligned. There was a noticeable overlap in her front teeth and some crowding on the bottom row.
Honestly, it gave her a lot of character. It was part of that "regular degular shmegular girl from the Bronx" charm. But the internet is a cruel place.
As her star rose on VH1, the comments sections became a war zone. People were brutal. They called her names, made memes, and focused more on her dental alignment than her talent. Dr. Catrise Austin, the New York cosmetic dentist who eventually performed the procedure, later noted that while Cardi was tough, the constant social media harassment actually did get to her.
She decided to make a change not just for the cameras, but for her own peace of mind.
The Transformation: How Dr. Catrise Austin Changed Everything
Cardi didn't just go to any dentist. She went to the "Queen of Smiles."
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The journey began during Season 7 of Love & Hip Hop. Unlike most celebs who disappear for a month and come back looking different, Cardi let the cameras in. We saw the consultations. We saw the vulnerability.
The Porcelain Veneer Process
So, what did she actually get done? It wasn't braces. Nobody has time for two years of metal wires when you’re trying to become a global superstar. Instead, she opted for porcelain veneers.
- The Prep: This involves shaving down a tiny amount of the natural tooth enamel to create space.
- The Design: Dr. Austin worked to create a shape that was "perfect" but still fit Cardi’s face. They weren't just white chiclets; they had to look like her teeth, just upgraded.
- The Application: Custom-made porcelain shells were bonded to her natural teeth.
The result? A straight, blindingly white, symmetrical smile that debuted right as her music career was about to explode.
The Cost of a "Bag" (and the Teeth)
In "Bodak Yellow," she says it "ain't cheap." She wasn't lying.
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While prices for cosmetic dentistry vary wildly depending on the zip code and the prestige of the doctor, reports generally pin Cardi’s specific transformation somewhere between $12,500 and $40,000.
Why the big gap in numbers? Well, a single high-quality porcelain veneer in NYC can run you anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 per tooth. If you’re doing a full "smile makeover" (usually 8 to 10 teeth on the top and bottom), you’re easily looking at the price of a mid-sized SUV. For Cardi, this was one of her first major "boss" investments. It was a sign to the world that she was playing for keeps.
Why the "Before" Era Still Resonates
There is something deeply relatable about the Cardi B before teeth era. It represents the "hustle" phase.
In 2026, we’re so used to "filtered" perfection that seeing someone’s genuine, unpolished beginnings feels refreshing. Cardi’s old smile is a reminder of where she started—stripping in New York clubs, making Instagram videos in her kitchen, and dreaming of something bigger.
She didn't erase her past; she just polished her presentation.
Interestingly, even with the new teeth, she’s had her mishaps. In 2024, she famously posted a TikTok showing a gap where one of her veneers had actually fallen out while she was eating a hard bagel. She laughed it off, did a funny voice, and showed the world she’s still that same girl. That’s the E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) of her brand: she’s an expert at being herself.
Common Misconceptions
- Did she have "rotten" teeth? No. There’s no evidence of decay or poor hygiene. It was strictly a structural and aesthetic issue.
- Did she get implants? Nope. Implants require drilling into the jawbone for missing teeth. Cardi had her natural teeth; she just covered them with veneers.
- Is it permanent? Sorta. Veneers usually last 10 to 15 years. She’ll likely have to get them refreshed at some point in the future.
What You Can Learn from Cardi’s Journey
If you’re looking at your own smile and thinking about a "Cardi-level" glow-up, there are a few things to keep in mind. Cosmetic dentistry isn't a one-size-fits-all situation.
- Consultation is King: Don't just go to a dentist; go to a cosmetic specialist. Check their "before and after" gallery. If everyone in the gallery has the exact same "fake" looking teeth, run.
- Veneers are a Commitment: Once you shave that enamel, there’s no going back. You are a veneer person for life.
- Maintenance Matters: You can still get cavities under veneers if you don't floss. Also, stay away from the hard bagels if you want to avoid a Cardi-style dental emergency.
Cardi B’s teeth aren't just about dental work. They’re a symbol of her transition from a reality star to a mogul. She took the very thing people mocked her for and turned it into a lyrical flex that defined a generation of hip-hop.
If you're considering a similar path, start by researching local cosmetic dentists who specialize in porcelain work. Most offices now offer "digital smile design" where you can see a 3D preview of your new look before any work actually begins. It's a heavy investment, but as Cardi proved, sometimes fixing the "flaws" is the final piece of the puzzle in building your confidence.
Practical Next Steps for Your Own Smile Journey:
- Verify Credentials: Ensure your dentist is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD).
- Ask About Material: Choose lithium disilicate (E-Max) or high-quality porcelain for the most natural translucency.
- Check Financing: Most high-end offices offer payment plans like CareCredit, making a $20k smile feel more like a monthly car payment.