Japanese Teeth

[Niko]

Why do the Japanese have messed up teeth?

I've been in Japan a few months now and I've noticed that a lot of Japanese people have really messed up teeth.

Why don't more people use braces here? It's really sad when I see an attractive Japanese girl with a shark mouth.

After a quick survey with my English students, I found out that Japanese parents can only afford to spend big on their children once.

Children have a choice of $3000 to get their driver's licence, or $3000 to fix their teeth and get braces. Usually they opt for the licence.

I suppose, a contributing factor is also the absence of fluoride in their drinking water.

Mickie Glein
(English Teacher - Nagoya, Japan)

I agree with that a lot of Japanese people have messed up teeth (not me), but it is not true that we have a choice to get a license or fix teeth. Where the hell did you get this information?

I agree with Mai. I think that's absolute nonsense what Mickie wrote. I live in Japan too, and to get a license is about ￥300,000, and to get orthodontic work is about ￥1,000,000. So, the "options" are not even close to being similar amounts.

Complete nonsense! Mickie, I wonder if you just wrote this to get a laugh?

I think you got something about the fluoride! My wife is Japanese and her teeth look fine, but they are weak as hell! I'm spending half my paychecks to fix her teeth!

I lived in Japan for about 4 years and I noticed the teeth problem too. I think its genetics.

As Tiffany said, it costs about 10,00,000 yen to fix teeth. I'm a kind of International person, so I do care for my teeth. But a lot of Japanese don't care even if they have messed up teeth. So, why are so many American people fat? Why don't they try to loose their weight? See, I think it's difference of attitude.

Fat Americans? You're spot on! And the situation isn't getting any better. Too much junk food and too little exercise. Instead of drinking green tea at a meal, Americans would drink Coke.

I would never let myself become so fat. Losing weight is way more cheaper than fixing your teeth.

When did anyone mention Americans? I find it utterly hilarious that you sad people turn this into an attack on Americans. No one even said they were American in here. No matter what the topic is, people like you attack them. I can't help but sympathize with Americans when you pull crap like this.

You should be ashamed of yourselves.

Nobody attacked Americans here it is just you. what difference does it make what country we use as an example because the odds are that some n00b like you will come along and be like, Oh why are you saying crap about that country oh you are such pigs.

what rubbish ANon think about what you say because

this topic was attacking Japanese about their teeth did you care about it ? no you made that clear already.

[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.

[englishaffairs]

Maybe don't assume every culture has the same view on appearance, teeth or anything else for that matter. I would suggest taking some time to get to know the culture and what is considered messed up or not before making these judgements.
And if you meet a pretty girl in Japan with teeth that you think are messed up, ask yourself why you have this idea in the first place. Maybe some of the local guys can give you their insight on what they think is attractive.
good luck with your time in Japan -
Cheers!
PS - They do spend a lot on a license, but if braces were desired, many would have them as well.