"I'm worried about my silver fillings showing when I smile" "I close my mouth when taking pictures"
I think there are many people who have such concerns.
Previously, the only option for white teeth was expensive ceramic treatment,
Nowadays, it is possible to replace your teeth with white fillings covered by insurance.

In this article, based on the author's own experience of whitening silver fillings, we will clearly summarize the costs, treatment process, duration, and effects.

🩺 Why more and more people want to whiten their silver fillings

There are three reasons why you might want to whiten your silver fillings:

  • I'm worried about my silver fillings being noticeable in photos and when I smile
  • There is a growing awareness of beauty and cleanliness
  • I want to return to being "the person who can laugh naturally"
Mascot character: Futaba

I (the author) have always been bothered by the silver fillings that peek out when I smile.
More than 10 years ago, when I asked another dentist I went to for whiter teeth, they told me it would cost 70,000 yen per tooth, which scared me off.

However, when I went for my regular checkup in October 2025 and heard that "you can now get your teeth whitened with insurance," I couldn't help but feel more positive!

💎3 ways to whiten silver fillings

There is actually more than one way to whiten silver fillings.
Each has different features, costs, and appearances,
It's important to know which choice is right for you.

methodInsurance coverageFeatures
① Hard resin veneer crown
(front metal crown)
The inside is made of metal and is strong, and only the outside can be white.
A good balance between looks and durability.
硬質レジン前装冠(前装金属冠)の画像。内側が金属、外側が白いレジンで覆われた保険適用の被せ物。
② CAD/CAM crown
(CAD cam crown)
Conditional 〇The whole thing is white and natural.
Depending on your bite, it may not be applicable.
CAD/CAM冠の構造と見た目を示す画像。全体が白く、保険適用の範囲で自然な歯のように仕上がる被せ物。
③ Ceramic crown
(free medical treatment)
Not covered by insurance.
It is the most beautiful and long-lasting, but expensive.
セラミック冠の画像。金属を使わず、全体が白いセラミックでできた審美的な被せ物。自然な透明感と高い耐久性が特徴。
Image credit:Dental terminology

① Hard resin veneer crown

Covered by insurance/White on the outside only

硬質レジン前装冠(前装金属冠)の画像。内側が金属、外側が白いレジンで覆われた保険適用の被せ物。
Hard resin veneer crowns are made by covering the metal surface with white resin. They offer a good balance of strength and appearance, and are a typical treatment method that can be whitened and covered by insurance.

It is a covering made of white resin attached to the surface of metal.
Only the outside can be whitened,Improved appearance of smiling faceRecommended for those who want to.
Also suitable for bridge treatmentThis will give you a natural finish.

💬 merit

  • Insurance coverage keeps costs down (approximately 3,000 to 5,000 yen per tube)
  • It is strong and can be used for bridges

⚠️ Disadvantages

  • The inside is made of metal, so the way light shines through it is a little unnatural.
  • The resin may yellow over time.

② CAD/CAM crowns

Insurance coverage available/All-white type

CAD/CAM冠の構造と見た目を示す画像。全体が白く、保険適用の範囲で自然な歯のように仕上がる被せ物。
CAD/CAM crowns are made entirely of white resin and ceramic. If certain conditions are met, the treatment can look natural and is covered by insurance.

A crown made by machine-carving out a "hybrid resin" similar to ceramic.
Metal-free insurance treatmentIt has become popular in recent years.

💬 merit

  • No need to worry about metal allergies
  • It looks natural and shows white teeth when you smile

⚠️ Disadvantages

  • The areas that can be covered by insurance are limited (such as upper and lower premolars)
  • It may break in people with a strong bite.

③ Ceramic crown (all-ceramic crown)

Private medical treatment/The most natural white appearance

セラミック冠の画像。金属を使わず、全体が白いセラミックでできた審美的な被せ物。自然な透明感と高い耐久性が特徴。
Ceramic crowns are white fillings made without metal. They are highly transparent and have the most natural appearance, but are not covered by insurance.

The entire cap is made of ceramic (porcelain material), which gives it a high level of transparency and excellent aesthetics.
Because no metal is used,Natural shine and lusterIt is also characterized by its resistance to discoloration.

💬 merit

  • The most natural and beautiful result
  • No discoloration or metal allergies
  • Long-term stable aesthetics

⚠️ Disadvantages

  • Because it is an elective medical treatment, it is expensive (approximately 70,000 to 150,000 yen per tooth)
  • May break under strong impact

As an aside,A drama called "It's embarrassing to run away, but it's useful"So, when the main character, Mikuri, was asking her aunt for advice on treating her cavities, saying "teeth are so expensive," she remembered being told, "Plastic only lasts for five years, so ceramic is the only option." (laughs)

🦷 Summary: How to choose the whiter teeth that's right for you

The costs are just a guideline, so please check with your clinic.

methodInsurance coverageAppearancedurabilityEstimated cost (1 bottle)
Hard resin veneer crownOnly the outside is white★★★Approximately 3,000 to 5,000 yen
CAD/CAM crown○ (Conditions apply)Entirely white★★★★Approximately 5,000 to 8,000 yen
Ceramic crowns✕ (Free medical treatment)All white/natural★★★★★Approximately 70,000 to 150,000 yen

💡 In my case (bridges for teeth 4 and 5), CAD/CAM crowns were not applicable, so I had to go with "hard resin veneer crowns" (which cost 7,000 yen per tooth).
I was able to get the outside whitened with insurance, which helped me get rid of a long-held complex.
(You can also discuss with your dentist what color you would like your temporary teeth to be.)

I hope you find the perfect treatment for you 🌸

Treatment I received: "Hard resin veneer crown (veneer metal crown)"

Futaba

I will also explain why my treatment was not a CAD/CAM crown. I hope this will be helpful to those in the same situation.

Some people may be wondering, "If I can whiten my silver fillings and have it covered by insurance, wouldn't a CAD/CAM crown be a better option?"

Actually, myThe fifth tooth is missing, and the fourth and sixth teeth are bridged.We are forming a team.
This structure was the reason why CAD/CAM crowns could not be used.

🔍 What is a bridge?

ブリッジ治療の模型図。抜けた歯の両隣の歯を削って土台にし、人工の歯を橋のように固定する治療法。
Bridge treatment involves grinding down the teeth on either side of the missing tooth to create a base, and then attaching an artificial tooth like a bridge. This can restore your appearance and chewing ability.

In the past, I had the teeth on either side of the missing tooth (numbers 4 and 6) filed down, and the three teeth were joined together to create a bridge-like covering.

However, because CAD/CAM crowns are made of resin,
It cannot withstand structures that support other teeth, such as bridges.That's why.

Therefore, the teacher

Although teeth whitening is covered by insurance,

In this case (in the case of a bridge), it is possible to whiten only the outside.

He explained:

You can also choose the color of your teeth

I chose "A2" as I expected my teeth to become discolored and yellow.

歯の色見本(シェードガイド)。W1・W2が最も白く、A3.5が日本人の平均的な歯の色を示している。
A shade guide that serves as a standard for tooth whiteness. W1 and W2 are celebrity-level whiteness, while A3.5 is the average color for Japanese people. Source:EPARK Dental Clinic

🕓 Actual treatment period, number of visits, and costs

  • 1st time(10/24): Examination, impressions taken, temporary teeth fitted (color also discussed with doctor)

During the first consultation, the condition was assessed and temporary teeth fitted.
The cost at this time is 4,720 yen (30% copayment).
Everything went smoothly from the consultation to the temporary teeth, all within the scope of my insurance.

銀歯を白くする治療の初回明細書。再診料や仮歯の装着料など、初回費用4,720円の詳細が記載されている。
The first visit, including fitting temporary teeth and a diagnosis, costs approximately 4,700 yen, which is covered by insurance.
  • Second time(11/05): Remove temporary teeth, insert real teeth and complete

At my second visit, the white bridge was finally fitted.
The cost at this time is 19,240 yen (30% copayment).
It looks natural and there is no metallic glare when viewed from the side.
I was overwhelmed with joy, thinking, "I finally have white teeth!"

銀歯を白い歯に変える治療2回目の領収書。ブリッジやレジン装着など本治療の費用、合計19,240円が記載されている。
The second session involved the actual bridge being fitted, for a total of 19,240 yen. We live in an age where you can get teeth this white without worrying about insurance.

The period isApproximately 2 weeks, 2 visitsIt was.
The procedure is almost painless,
I was filled with joy that I no longer had silver fillings 💖✨️

I went home and smiled at myself in the mirror many times (laughs).

🩹 Aftercare after treatment

After treatment, I received a "Crown and Bridge Maintenance Instructions."
This is the tooth after installation.Regular checks over two yearsThe purpose is to manage the product so that it can be used comfortably for a long time.

ブリッジ治療後に歯科医院から渡されたクラウン・ブリッジ維持管理の説明書。治療した歯の位置(6・5・4番)と管理期間が記載されている。
Once the bridge is fitted, there is a two-year maintenance period, during which it is checked regularly to ensure it can be used comfortably for a long time.

🌸 Impressions after treatment

The finished teeth look very natural when viewed in the mirror.
The back is metal, but it looks white when you smile, so it doesn't bother me.
The complex disappears,I can now smile in photosThat's what makes me happiest.

We are grateful that insurance can help us achieve this much.

Treatment to whiten silver fillings is not for cosmetic purposes,
Self-care to improve oral hygiene and self-esteemI realized that this is the case.
I'm really glad I decided to consult with them.

🌿 Summary

pointContent
Name of whitening treatment covered by insuranceHard resin veneer crown (metal veneer crown)
The cost I paid (for three bridges)Approximately 8,000 yen per book (30% copayment)
(Total cost: 23,960 yen / 3 bottles)
Number of visitsTwice every two weeks
Reasons for non-applicationDue to the bridge structure, CAD/CAM crowns are not possible.
finishThe front side is white, giving it a natural and clean look.
effectEliminate complexes and boost self-esteem

Afterword: My body is a car I can never replace

I would like to conclude with some famous quotes from the famous investor, Warren Buffett.

The message is, "Take good care of your body and mind like a car you'll own for life."

If there was the least little dent or scratch, I'd have it fixed right away because I wouldn't want it rusting. I would baby that car, because it would have to last a lifetime. That's exactly the position you are in concerning your mind and body. You only get one mind and one body. And it's got to last a lifetime. Now, it's very easy to let them ride for many years. But if you don't take care of that mind and that body, they'll be a wreck forty years Later, just like the car would be.(source:Inc.com – Warren Buffett’s Classic Genie Story)

(translation)

If there's even the slightest dent or scratch, I'll fix it right away because I don't want it to rust.
The car has to last a lifetime, so you'll take good care of it.

Your mind and body are in exactly the same position.
We are only given one mind and one body.
And they have to last a lifetime.
If you leave it alone, it will work fine for years to come.
But if you don't take good care of your mind and body, after 40 years it will fall apart, just like a car that hasn't been maintained properly.

Once you lose a tooth, it cannot be replaced.
Regular checkups and cleanings, as well as "efforts to keep your teeth white,"
Not only beauty,healthy life expectancyIt is an action that prolongs

To borrow a metaphor from Warren Buffett,
Whitening silver fillings is just like "polishing your car and driving it for a long time."
Taking care of your mind and body is the best investment you can make to keep living a fulfilling life.

I hope you all can move forward today as well✨️🦷✨️Have a great day✨️

🌷P.S.🌷
"As the seasons change, it's important to pay attention to maintaining your body.
For example, medical information that is also covered by insurance
Flu Vaccination 2025: Best Time to Get Vaccinated, Costs, and Side EffectsBe sure to check out " as well.

🌿✨️Have a nice day✨️🌿
ここまで読んでくださってありがとうございます🌸
                                 UTA.🌿✨️