[Mrak]

My first post. Hi Everybody (appropriate response- Hi DR. Nick)

First, when I was young I had 9 permanent teeth(plus wisdom teeth) pulled over the course of several years because my teeth were to big for my jaw (Yes, I only have 23). Most Japanese people seem very surprised at this and can`t recall ever hearing this. I conjecture that this practice is not common in Japan, thereby causing the 'twisted' teeth look. Second cosmetic dentistry is not covered by many dental plans, for example I had to have a crown replaced here, stainless steel, after plan was less than ¥10,000. A ceramic one would have been in the neighborhood of ¥40,000.

In regards to the licence vs. braces, my Japanese friends have also mentioned it, so possibly it depends on the area in Japan you live.