We Westerners like and ire white, flawless teeth, and even invest fortunes in braces to correct them, but we know that not everything is the same around the world. In Japan, having crooked teeth is something normal and can even be considered beautiful, attractive, and makes people look more childish.
Japan has always had problems with dentists, who don't seem to care about the alignment of teeth and aren't interested in investing thousands of yen to correct them. Appearance in Japan is a liberal thing, some Japanese even consider crooked teeth to be a fashion style.
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What does Yaeba mean?
In Japan, crooked teeth or those with different alignments are known as "Yaeba [八重歯]", which literally means "double tooth". This term specifically refers to the upper canine teeth that become misaligned with their neighbors, creating an appearance reminiscent of the fangs of a cat, rabbit, or even a vampire.
The Japanese don't keep their teeth crooked for fashion reasons, but rather for reasons such as the high cost of orthodontic treatment and a lack of concern for dental aesthetics. In Japan, appearance is not usually a determining factor in people's assessment.
Interestingly, despite this, "Yaeba" has become a trend, to the point where there are surgical procedures to intentionally create this effect, through false canines. This procedure is especially popular among girls, who choose not to correct their teeth but rather to make them resemble the fangs of animals.
Yaeba Tsukuri
Those who wish to adopt the yaeba look in Japan can resort to specific procedures carried out by specialized dentists. There are two main techniques: the use of resin veneers to shape prominent canines or the application of small temporary prosthetics that simulate misalignment.
This process, known as "yaeba tsukuri," is relatively quick and can be removed or adjusted according to personal preference. The price, however, varies widely and can reach high amounts depending on the quality and durability of the work.
- Resin faces: Direct application on the teeth, molding the yaeba effect.
- Removable prosthesesStructures that fit over natural teeth, ideal for those who want to test the look.
- Reverse orthodonticsIn more extreme cases, permanent adjustments are made to maintain the naturalized effect.
Despite being popular, the procedure is not without its critics, especially in the West, where dental aesthetics are more associated with oral health and visual perfection. However, in the Japanese cultural context, adopting yaeba is seen as a legitimate and charming way to express individuality.
The origin of Yaeba
The origin of this trend is not entirely clear. It may be related to the influence of sagas like "Twilight", animes, dramas, or even the well-known love of Japanese people for cats. Some believe that "Yaeba" gives a person a younger appearance, as it resembles the baby teeth of childhood.
In the beginning, yaeba was not a forced phenomenon. It was simply the natural result of dental formation in a society that, for a long time, did not prioritize orthodontics as a beauty standard.
Although yaeba has always existed naturally, its explosion as an aesthetic trend began in the 2000s. Japanese media, especially TV dramas and fashion magazines, started portraying celebrities with yaeba smiles as icons of natural beauty and cuteness, known in Japan by the term "kawaii".
Idols like Tomomi Itano, from the group AKB48, helped further popularize the look. Her public image showed how yaeba was not only accepted but could also be a trademark of charisma and identity.
It is not an exaggeration to say that yaeba has, at a certain point, become a true aesthetic signature, even attracting curious tourists and inspiring debates in magazines and variety shows.
Do the Japanese like crooked teeth?
On social media, it is often said that the trend in Japan is to have crooked teeth, and indeed, from a general perspective, we find many Japanese people with misaligned teeth. But is this really a trend?
The focus of this article is really to highlight a style, but having crooked and yellow teeth is something completely different. The fashion in question deals with specific alignments and not crooked teeth in any way.
The Japanese are embarrassed by their crooked teeth, so much so that most women have the habit of covering their smile with their hand over their mouth. The fact that most Japanese have crooked teeth is a matter of priorities rather than fashion.
Yaeba through the Media
Not even anime escapes, it's normal to find several characters from anime, manga and games with a vampire-like tooth, now we know why.
Even in dramas and TV shows, actresses do not go unnoticed, we always ask: They are rich, why don't they fix their teeth? Now we know why.
It is also normal to see groups of Idols with crooked teeth, making their presentations and without the slightest shame of smiling and singing, some even undergo surgical procedures to have their teeth more crooked and less aligned.
Finally, watch some Japanese videos showing a little about yaeba and the procedure used to turn teeth into vampire fangs. What do you think of this fashion style? Don't forget to share!
