Lamar Jackson’s Teeth: Diamond Grillz Explained, Before & After, and What They Really Cost
If you’ve watched a Baltimore Ravens game in the last few years, you’ve probably done a double-take when Lamar Jackson flashes his smile. Those aren’t just any teeth catching the stadium lights — Lamar Jackson’s teeth have become one of the most talked-about accessories in professional sports, sparking curiosity from fans, dental professionals, and style enthusiasts alike. Whether you spotted them glittering during a post-game press conference or gleaming after a playoff win, there’s a lot more to the story than meets the eye.
What Does Lamar Jackson Actually Have on His Teeth?
Let’s clear this up right away, because a lot of people see Jackson smile and assume he’s had some kind of permanent dental procedure. He hasn’t. What Lamar Jackson wears are diamond grillz — custom-crafted, removable dental accessories that fit snugly over his natural teeth like a glove.
These aren’t the basic, off-the-shelf pieces you might find online for a few hundred dollars. Jackson’s grillz are high-end, bespoke jewelry — meticulously designed to fit the exact shape of his teeth and loaded with princess-cut diamonds that catch light from every angle.
The “10 on 12” Setup Nobody Talks About
Here’s a detail that most articles completely gloss over: Jackson has a very specific configuration called a “10 on 12” setup. This means his grillz are molded to cover 10 teeth on his upper row and 12 teeth on his bottom row. He’s spoken about this arrangement himself, noting that it works better for what he calls “better presentation.” In other words, it’s not random — every detail of his grillz was a deliberate choice.
The princess-cut diamonds used in the pieces are among the most reflective diamond cuts available, which explains why his smile looks so intensely bright under stadium and broadcast lighting. This isn’t a costume accessory. It’s luxury jewelry, engineered for a specific look.
Lamar Jackson’s Teeth: Before and After
Jackson didn’t always have a smile that stopped traffic. Like most athletes who grew up without celebrity budgets, his teeth in his early years were completely natural — healthy, functional, and entirely unmodified.
During his college years at Louisville, photos show a young man with a genuine, unpretentious smile. His teeth had the kind of minor imperfections that most people have: a small gap between his front teeth, slightly uneven whiteness, and the occasional misalignment that you’d never notice unless you were specifically looking for it. There was nothing wrong with his teeth — they were just ordinary.
As he entered the NFL draft in 2018 and began his professional career with the Baltimore Ravens, his appearance started to evolve alongside his platform. By around 2020, something changed — and fans noticed immediately.
| Stage | Appearance | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| College (2015–2017) | Natural, unmodified | Slight gap, natural off-white shade, minor alignment quirks |
| Early NFL (2018–2019) | Natural, improved hygiene | Brighter, cleaner — likely professional whitening |
| 2020–Present | Grillz added | Custom diamond grillz, “10 on 12” configuration |
The introduction of grillz marked a clear turning point. It wasn’t that his natural teeth had suddenly deteriorated — it was that Jackson, now one of the most recognizable athletes in America, chose to express his success in a way that felt authentic to who he is and where he came from.
Why Does Lamar Jackson Wear Diamond Grillz?
This is the question that gets to the heart of the story. And the answer, in Lamar’s own words, is rooted in culture and personal growth.
In a 2024 interview with GQ Sports, Jackson explained his choice with refreshing honesty. Growing up in Pompano Beach, Florida — a city with deep ties to Southern hip-hop culture — gold jewelry was simply part of the environment. Gold grillz, gold chains, and flashy accessories were symbols of ambition and success in the community he grew up in. But Jackson, now older and playing at the peak of his powers, decided to skip straight to the top.
“In Florida, we known for gold, to be honest with you — we get gold first,” he said. “But, I was like ‘I’m older now, I might as well just skip the gold and just get my diamonds.’ That’s just what it was.”
It’s a remarkably straightforward explanation, and it tells you something important about how Jackson views himself. The grillz aren’t a performance. They’re not a brand deal or a publicity stunt. They’re a personal expression of where he came from and what he’s built.
Interestingly, Jackson has mentioned that he actually got his first set of grillz back in high school. He just didn’t wear them much at the time because football was the only thing on his mind. Making it to the NFL — becoming great — came first. The diamonds came after.
How Much Do Lamar Jackson’s Diamond Grillz Cost?
This is easily the most searched sub-question on this topic, and it’s also the one with the least definitive answer. Jackson has never publicly disclosed the exact price he paid. However, based on what’s known about the materials, craftsmanship, and configuration of his grillz, experts and industry insiders have offered some informed estimates.
The grillz community generally categorizes pieces by material, diamond quality, and coverage. Here’s how the pricing landscape typically breaks down:
| Grillz Type | Diamond Quality | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Basic gold grillz (2–4 teeth) | No diamonds | $200 – $800 |
| Gold with accent diamonds | SI1–SI2 clarity | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Full diamond set (single row) | VS1–VS2 clarity | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Full “10 on 12” diamond set | VVS1–VVS2 clarity | $15,000 – $50,000+ |
Given that Jackson’s setup covers 22 teeth total with princess-cut diamonds — and given his status as a two-time NFL MVP who can clearly afford the best — most industry observers place his grillz firmly in the five-figure range, with some estimates going considerably higher if the diamonds are VVS quality or above. The exact number remains unknown, but bargain-priced they are not.
Are Lamar Jackson’s Grillz Permanent?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions about his dental style, and the answer is a clear no. Grillz — even the most expensive, intricately designed celebrity pieces — are removable. They are not bonded to the teeth, implanted, or in any way a permanent modification.
Jackson’s grillz are custom-molded to his specific dental structure, which gives them a secure and precise fit. But he can take them out whenever he wants — before eating, before sleeping, before a dentist appointment, or simply when he doesn’t feel like wearing them. This is an important distinction that often gets lost in the conversation.
Grillz vs. Veneers: What’s the Real Difference?
Many people confuse grillz with dental veneers, but they’re entirely different things. Veneers are thin porcelain or composite shells that are permanently bonded to the surface of natural teeth, often requiring some enamel removal to place correctly. They change the actual structure of your teeth and are not removable at home.
Grillz, by contrast, sit over the teeth like a decorative cap. They require no drilling, no bonding agents, and no alteration of the natural tooth structure. A custom set is made by taking a dental impression of your teeth and fabricating the piece to match exactly. You snap them in, you take them out. The teeth underneath remain completely untouched.
For athletes like Jackson, this matters a great deal. He still wears a traditional mouthguard during games to protect his jaw and teeth — the grillz are a fashion and lifestyle choice, not a game-day replacement for protective equipment.
What Do Dentists Actually Think About Grillz?
This is a section you won’t find in most articles on this topic, but it’s genuinely useful. The dental community has a nuanced view of grillz — they’re not inherently harmful, but they’re not without risks if worn carelessly.
The American Dental Association notes that wearing grillz for short periods and removing them regularly for cleaning is generally safe. Problems arise when people wear them around the clock, particularly while eating or sleeping. Food particles and bacteria can accumulate between the grill and the tooth surface, creating conditions that promote decay and gum irritation over time.
The good news for Jackson — and for anyone who follows a similar approach — is that the removable nature of grillz actually makes responsible care straightforward. Remove them before meals. Clean them daily. Maintain normal oral hygiene for the natural teeth underneath. Do those three things, and grillz pose very little dental risk.
The bigger concern, according to some dental professionals, is the use of low-quality metals in cheaper grillz. Certain base metals can cause allergic reactions or staining. High-end celebrity pieces like Jackson’s, typically made with gold or platinum settings, don’t carry the same risks.
Other NFL Players Who’ve Embraced the Grillz Trend
Lamar Jackson isn’t alone in bringing dental jewelry to the gridiron. Several other NFL players have made grillz a part of their personal brand, reflecting the deep cultural crossover between professional football and hip-hop aesthetics.
Wide receivers and skill-position players in particular have embraced the look — players known for their personality and showmanship as much as their performance. While Jackson might be the most prominent active grillz-wearer in the league right now given his MVP profile and prime-time visibility, the trend has been building for years and shows no signs of slowing down.
The cultural overlap makes sense when you consider how many NFL players grew up in cities and communities where hip-hop and its associated fashion culture were central parts of life. Grillz aren’t just jewelry in those contexts — they’re a statement about identity, success, and authenticity.
How to Get Grillz Like Lamar Jackson
If Jackson’s smile has you curious about getting grillz of your own, here’s what the process actually looks like. Custom grillz — the kind worth wearing — always start with a dental impression. You either visit a jeweler who specializes in grillz in person, or some high-end makers send impression kits by mail. The mold of your teeth is used to fabricate a piece that fits your mouth specifically.
From there, the choices are almost unlimited: yellow gold, white gold, platinum, open-face designs, diamond-encrusted tops, single teeth, full rows, or the kind of multi-row configurations that Jackson wears. The craftsmanship and material quality determine both the look and the price. For a piece that’s genuinely comfortable, durable, and safe to wear, it’s worth investing in a reputable maker rather than buying a generic fit-over piece from a novelty retailer.
Ready-made grillz exist and are far cheaper, but they’re designed for average tooth shapes and rarely fit well. A poorly fitting grill can actually put pressure on the teeth and gums over time, which is precisely the kind of risk a custom piece avoids.
Conclusion
Lamar Jackson’s teeth have become as much a part of his signature as his scrambling ability and his back-to-back MVP trophies. What started as a cultural touchstone from his Florida upbringing has evolved into one of the most recognizable smiles in professional sports. His custom “10 on 12” princess-cut diamond grillz are a deliberate, thoughtful expression of personal identity — not a gimmick, not a sponsorship, but a genuine piece of who he is.
For the fans wondering whether they’re real, whether they’re permanent, or how much they cost — now you know. And for anyone inspired enough to explore the world of custom grillz themselves, the path is well-established. Just be sure you’re working with quality materials, a reputable maker, and the discipline to take care of both the grillz and the natural teeth underneath them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Lamar Jackson’s diamond teeth real diamonds? Yes, all evidence and his own statements point to genuine diamonds, specifically princess-cut stones. There has been no credible report suggesting otherwise, and the visual brilliance of the pieces under broadcast lighting is consistent with real diamonds rather than cubic zirconia or simulants.
Does Lamar Jackson wear a mouthguard or grillz during games? He wears both, though they serve different functions. His grillz are a fashion and lifestyle accessory, while a traditional athletic mouthguard is worn during games for jaw and tooth protection. The two are completely separate items.
Did Lamar Jackson get dental veneers? There is no confirmed reporting that Jackson has had veneers. His natural teeth appear to have been improved through professional whitening over the years, but the dramatic visual transformation most fans associate with his smile is almost entirely due to his custom grillz, not permanent dental procedures.
How much does a custom diamond grill cost for an average person? Entry-level custom grillz in gold start around $200 to $500 for a simple single-tooth or small set. A quality diamond-set piece covering multiple teeth typically ranges from $2,000 to $15,000 depending on diamond clarity and coverage. A setup comparable to Jackson’s “10 on 12” with high-clarity stones would likely run $20,000 or more.
Where can I get grillz made? Reputable custom grillz makers operate in most major cities, particularly in Atlanta, Houston, New York, and Los Angeles — cities with strong hip-hop jewelry traditions. Many top makers also accept mail-in dental impressions for clients who don’t live nearby. Always verify the metals used and request information about the diamond grading before committing to a purchase.
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