I want to whiten my silver fillings! Can I get it covered by insurance? Costs, methods, and experiences [2025 update]
"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
- 💎3 ways to whiten silver fillings
- 🦷 Summary: How to choose the whiter teeth that's right for you
- Treatment I received: "Hard resin veneer crown (veneer metal crown)"
- 🕓 Actual treatment period, number of visits, and costs
- 🌸 Impressions after treatment
- 🌿 Summary
- Afterword: My body is a car I can never replace
🩺 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"
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.
| method | Insurance coverage | Features |
|---|---|---|
| ① Hard resin veneer crown (front metal crown) | 〇 | The inside is made of metal and is strong, and only the outside can be white. A good balance between looks and durability. ![]() |
| 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. ![]() |
| ③ Ceramic crown (free medical treatment) | ✕ | Not covered by insurance. It is the most beautiful and long-lasting, but expensive. ![]() |
① Hard resin veneer crown
Covered by insurance/White on the outside only

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

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

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.
| method | Insurance coverage | Appearance | durability | Estimated cost (1 bottle) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hard resin veneer crown | ○ | Only 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)"
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?

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.

🕓 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.

- 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!"

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.

🌸 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
| point | Content |
|---|---|
| Name of whitening treatment covered by insurance | Hard 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 visits | Twice every two weeks |
| Reasons for non-application | Due to the bridge structure, CAD/CAM crowns are not possible. |
| finish | The front side is white, giving it a natural and clean look. |
| effect | Eliminate 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.




