Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, is not only a Grammy-winning rapper but also one of the most talked-about celebrities in pop culture. Her journey from the Bronx to global superstardom has been fueled by her talent, authenticity, and bold personality. Yet, alongside her music and outspoken character, one part of Cardi B’s transformation that has gained enormous attention is her teeth makeover.
Before her rise to fame, Cardi B was self-conscious about her smile. Fans and critics frequently pointed out her dental imperfections, and Cardi herself often addressed the topic in interviews and social media posts. Eventually, she invested in a cosmetic dentistry procedure — porcelain veneers — that gave her the flawless Hollywood smile she proudly shows off today.
This article dives deep into Cardi B’s dental journey: her teeth before fame, the procedure she chose, the cost, the results, and how her transformation influenced cosmetic dentistry trends worldwide.
Cardi B’s Teeth Before Fame
When Cardi B was still Belcalis Almánzar living in the Bronx, her teeth were noticeably different from her current smile.
Key Features of Cardi B’s Teeth Before Veneers:
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Spacing issues: noticeable gaps between her teeth
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Misalignment: uneven positioning that affected her bite
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Discoloration: staining and dullness that reduced the brightness of her smile
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Asymmetry: certain teeth appeared smaller and not proportional
In her early career — especially during her appearances on Love & Hip Hop: New York — her teeth were one of the most discussed topics online. Some viewers even mocked her, but Cardi B, known for her blunt honesty, did not hide from the conversation. Instead, she acknowledged her dental insecurities and eventually made a life-changing decision.
The Turning Point: “Love & Hip Hop” Days
During her time on Love & Hip Hop: New York, Cardi B was already showing signs of the star she would become. However, criticism about her smile persisted.
In one memorable moment, Cardi B responded directly to online comments, saying:
“You know what, I’m getting my teeth fixed, and y’all not gonna be able to talk about me no more.”
This declaration marked the start of her dental transformation. She sought help from one of the top celebrity dentists in New York, a move that would soon redefine her image.
The Procedure: What Did Cardi B Do to Her Teeth?
Cardi B turned to Dr. Catrise Austin, a well-known cosmetic dentist often called the “Queen of Smiles.” Dr. Austin specializes in transforming celebrity smiles using advanced techniques in cosmetic dentistry.
Treatment Chosen: Porcelain Veneers
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What are Veneers? Thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve shape, alignment, and color.
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Why Porcelain? Strong, stain-resistant, and natural-looking compared to cheaper alternatives like composite bonding.
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Number of Veneers: Most of her visible teeth (typically 8–10 top and bottom front teeth).
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Timeframe: The procedure usually takes 2–3 visits over a few weeks.
Cost of Cardi B’s Veneers
Cosmetic dentistry, especially when performed by a celebrity dentist, is not cheap.
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Estimated Cost for Cardi B: Around $12,000–$15,000 USD
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Typical Veneer Cost in the U.S.: $800–$2,500 per tooth
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Maintenance: Veneers usually last 10–15 years with good oral hygiene
For Cardi B, the investment was not just about looks — it was about confidence, career growth, and brand image.
Cardi B’s Smile After Veneers
After her procedure, Cardi B’s transformation was dramatic. Her smile went from being a source of insecurity to one of her most striking features.
Features of Cardi B’s New Smile:
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Perfect Alignment: Straight, symmetrical teeth
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Bright White Shade: Natural yet glamorous, camera-ready
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Proportional Size: Balanced with her facial structure
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Confidence Boost: She often credits her new smile for helping her feel unstoppable
Her veneers were revealed publicly in 2017, and fans immediately noticed the difference. Soon after, she mentioned her dentist in interviews and even rapped about her new teeth in her songs.
Cardi B’s Lyrics About Her Teeth
Cardi B is known for turning personal experiences into lyrics. After her smile makeover, she proudly referenced it in her hit track “Bodak Yellow” with the line:
“Got a bag and fixed my teeth / Hope you hoes know it ain’t cheap.”
This lyric became iconic — not just for its catchy delivery but also because it showcased how she turned a past insecurity into a celebrated success story.
Why Veneers Were the Best Choice for Cardi B
Laminate dental veneers perfectly matched Cardi B’s needs:
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Quick Transformation: No need for years of braces or aligners.
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Hollywood Finish: Ideal for her career in music and entertainment.
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Stain Resistance: Important for someone constantly photographed.
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Durability: Veneers last 8–12 years with proper care.
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Confidence Boost: Her new smile aligned with her bold public persona.
Cardi B’s Influence on Cosmetic Dentistry
After Cardi B’s dental transformation, many people began asking for the “Cardi B smile makeover.” Cosmetic dentists across the U.S. and beyond reported a spike in young patients requesting veneers after being inspired by Cardi B’s story.
Cultural Impact:
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Normalization: Cardi B openly discussed her dental work, reducing stigma.
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Representation: She showed that investing in cosmetic dentistry is not just for Hollywood elites.
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Trendsetting: “Cardi B teeth before and after” became one of the most searched dental makeover terms online.
Cardi B’s Dentist: Dr. Catrise Austin
Dr. Austin has become widely known thanks to her work with Cardi B and other celebrities. She emphasizes how a smile can influence confidence, social success, and career opportunities. Cardi B’s case became one of Dr. Austin’s most famous makeovers, further cementing her reputation in the world of cosmetic dentistry.
Comparison With Other Celebrity Smile Transformations
Cardi B’s dental journey is often compared to other stars who underwent smile makeovers:
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Kylie Jenner: Used veneers and whitening for her Hollywood smile.
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Tom Cruise: Had dental alignment and veneers early in his career.
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Miley Cyrus: Veneers and cosmetic reshaping for a balanced smile.
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Kanye West: Famously admitted to having diamond-encrusted grills and cosmetic work.
By placing Cardi B in this lineup, her transformation is recognized as one of the most influential in modern celebrity culture.
Cardi B Teeth Before and After: Side-by-Side Analysis
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Before: noticeable gaps, misalignment, discoloration, uneven appearance
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After: laminate dental veneers, symmetrical smile, radiant white finish
This drastic improvement is why Cardi B’s teeth makeover is considered one of the best celebrity smile transformations of the decade.
Did Cardi B Get Any Other Dental Work?
Aside from veneers, there is speculation about minor gum contouring and professional whitening to maintain her look. However, the primary transformation came from porcelain veneers. Cardi B has not undergone full mouth implants or braces veneers alone were enough to deliver the results she wanted.
Lessons From Cardi B’s Transformation
Cardi B’s dental journey offers key takeaways for anyone considering cosmetic dentistry:
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Confidence Is Priceless – A smile can change how you feel about yourself.
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Quality Matters – Investing in porcelain veneers ensures long-lasting results.
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Own Your Story – Cardi B didn’t hide her dental work; she celebrated it.
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Impact Beyond Looks – Her smile makeover became part of her personal brand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cardi B’s Teeth
Q1: What is Cardi B’s real name?
Her real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, though she is famously known as Cardi B.
Q2: What dental procedure did Cardi B have?
She had porcelain veneers to correct gaps, misalignment, and discoloration.
Q3: How much did Cardi B’s veneers cost?
The estimated cost was around $12,000–$15,000 USD.
Q4: Who was Cardi B’s dentist?
She worked with Dr. Catrise Austin, a celebrity cosmetic dentist in New York.
Q5: How long do veneers last?
With proper care, veneers last between 10–15 years.
Q6: Did Cardi B get dental implants?
No, Cardi B’s transformation was achieved with veneers, not implants.
Q7: Why did Cardi B mention her teeth in her songs?
She proudly referenced her dental makeover in her lyrics as a symbol of self-investment and success.
Conclusion: Cardi B’s Smile as a Symbol of Transformation
Cardi B’s journey — from Belcalis Almánzar in the Bronx to an international superstar — has many chapters, but her teeth transformation is one of the most memorable. By investing in her smile, Cardi B not only boosted her own confidence but also influenced millions of fans to consider cosmetic dentistry.
Her veneers became more than a dental treatment; they became a cultural statement. Today, when people search “Cardi B teeth before and after,” they are not just looking at a dental case study — they are witnessing the power of transformation, confidence, and unapologetic authenticity.
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardi_B
