You’ve seen the sparkle. If you’ve followed Jeffery Lamar Williams—better known as Young Thug—since the early days of 1017 Thug or Barter 6, you know his face has changed. It isn't just the tattoos or the high-fashion evolution. It’s the mouth. The young thug teeth before and after transition is one of the most drastic physical glow-ups in hip-hop history, moving from a standard, slightly crooked natural set to a blindingly white, diamond-encrusted permanent fixture.
He didn't just get a cleaning. He bought a house in his mouth.
Actually, he spent more than most people spend on a starter home. When Thugger first hit the scene, he had what most would call "normal" teeth. They were slightly crowded, a bit yellowish—the kind of teeth most people have before they become multi-platinum superstars with a penchant for luxury. Then, around 2016, everything shifted. The transformation wasn't just about vanity; in the world of Atlanta rap, your grill is your resume.
The Rough Cut: What Young Thug’s Teeth Looked Like Early On
Before the fame, Thug's smile was humble. If you dig up old interview footage from 2013, you'll see a young man with a much narrower smile. His lateral incisors were slightly pushed back, and there was some visible crowding on the bottom row. It wasn't "bad" by any stretch of the imagination, but it didn't scream "Slime Season."
Rap culture has a long-standing obsession with dental aesthetics. From the gold slugs of the 80s to the iced-out pull-out grills of the early 2000s, the mouth is prime real estate for showing off wealth. Thug, being a pioneer of the "New Atlanta" sound, eventually decided to make his status permanent.
Most people don't realize that the "before" phase wasn't just about looks. Crowded teeth can lead to hygiene issues, especially with the lifestyle of a touring artist. But let's be real: Thug did it for the aesthetic. He wanted that "fridge" look—so cold it hurts to look at.
The $200,000 Transformation
So, what actually happened? He didn't just go to a local mall dentist. Thugger sought out Dr. Mario DuPrey of DuPrey Vita Dental Arts. If you want the best, you pay for the best.
The young thug teeth before and after change involved a two-step process that most people confuse. First, there was the corrective work. You can't just slap diamonds on crooked teeth and expect them to stay. He likely underwent a series of porcelain veneer applications to straighten and brighten the underlying structure.
Then came the heavy lifting. The diamonds.
Why his veneers are different
Most celebrities get "Chicklet" teeth. You know the ones—perfectly rectangular, unnaturally white, and so thick they change the person's speech. Thug’s journey was different because he went for a combination of high-end porcelain and literal gemstones. According to various reports and interviews with celebrity jewelers, the total cost for his dental overhaul hovered around the $200,000 mark.
Think about that.
That is $200k for something you use to chew steak.
The work included 24-karat gold accents and VS diamond inlays. Unlike the "pull-out" grills worn by legends like Paul Wall or Nelly, Thug opted for permanent work. This means the stones are bonded or set in a way that they don't come out before bed. It’s a commitment. It changes how you eat. It changes how you talk—that slight lisp you sometimes hear in his interviews? That’s the sound of $200,000 of jewelry hitting his tongue.
The Risks Nobody Mentions
Everyone wants the "after," but nobody wants the surgery. Getting permanent diamond teeth isn't like getting a piercing. It’s invasive.
When you get veneers or permanent grills, the dentist often has to shave down the natural enamel. Your teeth become little pegs. It’s irreversible. If you decide in ten years that you want your "normal" teeth back, you're out of luck. You are essentially married to the porcelain and the stones.
There's also the weight.
Diamonds and gold are heavy. Over time, this puts pressure on the jaw and the gums. Celebrity dentists often warn that without meticulous hygiene—we’re talking specialized water flossers and frequent professional cleanings—the gum line can recede, leading to "black triangles" between the expensive new teeth. Thug seems to have maintained his well, as his smile has remained consistent since the mid-2010s.
The "New Smile" Influence on Hip-Hop
Thug wasn't the first to do it, but he made it look high-fashion.
Before him, grills were often bulky and aggressive. Thug’s dental work, much like his clothing style, bridged the gap between "street" and "luxury." Since his transformation, we've seen a massive influx of rappers getting permanent "diamond dust" or "deep cut" sets.
- Lil Yachty spent six figures on his.
- Post Malone famously had diamond fangs installed.
- Kodak Black went through several iterations of gold and diamond sets.
But Thug's young thug teeth before and after remains the blueprint. It was a clean transition. It took him from a promising indie-adjacent rapper to a global icon.
How to Spot the Difference
If you're looking at photos and trying to figure out the timeline, look at the "Lifestyle" music video versus "Hot."
In "Lifestyle" (2014), his smile is natural. He’s leaning into the camera, and you can see the natural variations in tooth color and alignment. Fast forward to any public appearance after 2016, and the "wall of white" is unmistakable. The "after" isn't just about the diamonds; it's about the symmetry. His midline is perfectly centered. The length of his central incisors is mathematically "perfect" according to the golden ratio often used in cosmetic dentistry.
Honestly, it’s a feat of engineering as much as it is a dental procedure.
Actionable Insights for Your Own Smile
You probably aren't going to drop $200,000 on diamond-encrusted incisors this week. However, the fascination with Young Thug’s dental journey offers some real-world lessons for anyone looking to upgrade their own look.
Consult a Cosmetic Specialist, Not Just a General Dentist If you’re looking for a "celebrity" smile, a general dentist might not have the artistic eye for facial symmetry. Look for someone who specializes in veneers and "smile design." They look at the width of your smile and how much of your gums show when you laugh.
Understand the "Permanent" Part Before you get veneers to mimic that straight Thugger look, remember that your natural enamel is being removed. If you’re young, consider clear aligners (like Invisalign) first. It’s better to move your natural teeth than to shave them down if you don't have to.
Maintenance is a Lifestyle If you do get high-end dental work, your "after" will only stay looking good if you invest in a high-quality electric toothbrush and a water flosser. Diamonds might be forever, but the gums holding them in certainly aren't.
The Cost of Confidence Thug’s transformation shows that a smile is often the biggest confidence booster. You don't need diamonds to achieve that. Professional whitening or minor bonding can create a "before and after" that is just as impactful for your personal life as Thug's was for his career.
If you are serious about changing your smile, start by booking a consultation for a 3D scan. Most modern offices can show you a digital "after" before they even touch your teeth. It’s the safest way to ensure you don't end up with buyer's remorse on a procedure that’s meant to last a lifetime.
