Metal-Free Dentistry | Making Silver Fillings White, with Consideration for Metal Allergies

ABOUTWhat is Metal-Free Dentistry?

Metal-free treatment mindful of the risk of metal allergy. Metal restorations may corrode or release metal ions over long-term use. Using materials chosen for natural beauty and biocompatibility, we support a healthy oral environment.

For those with these concerns

You are bothered by silver fillings showing when you smile or open your mouth
You have been diagnosed with a metal allergy, or are worried about one
You are concerned about the color or condition of the gums around a crown
You would like to replace the metal in your mouth with materials that are gentler on the body

* Diagnosis of a metal allergy requires testing such as a patch test at a medical facility (e.g. a dermatology clinic). Where necessary, we coordinate with medical practitioners.

* Skin and systemic symptoms can have a variety of causes, and it cannot be stated definitively that removing metal restorations will improve such symptoms.

PROCEDUREProcedure and Treatment Flow

Materials Used

Metal restorations in the mouth (silver amalgam fillings, metal crowns, etc.) are replaced with materials that contain no metal, such as ceramic or zirconia. Depending on the site and the state of your bite, we propose the following materials.

Ceramic Inlay: Small fillings are restored with ceramic in a shade close to that of the natural tooth.
Premium Ceramic (front teeth): A crown for the anterior teeth, with emphasis on translucency and shade.
Premium Zirconia (molars): A metal-free crown used for the back teeth, where strength is required.

Treatment flow

Counseling and examination: We check the condition of your mouth and the position and extent of metal restorations. If a metal allergy is suspected, we may refer you for testing at a medical clinic.
Proposal of a treatment plan: We explain the extent of the replacement, the materials, the cost and the number of appointments, and begin treatment only once you have agreed.
Removal of metal restorations and tooth preparation: The existing metal is removed and, where necessary, caries treatment and the fabrication of a post-and-core (Fiber Core) are carried out.
Placement of a provisional tooth: Until the final prosthesis is ready, a provisional tooth maintains appearance and function.
Placement of the ceramic or zirconia prosthesis: The prosthesis is fitted while shade, form and occlusion are checked.

The treatment period and the number of visits vary according to the condition of the mouth. Please ask us when you make your appointment or when you visit.

PRICECost (excl. tax)

Metal-Free Dentistry is not covered by insurance. Costs vary according to the site treated, the number of teeth and the materials used.

Ceramic Inlay	¥30,000〜¥50,000
Premium Ceramic (front teeth)	¥130,000
Premium Zirconia (molars)	¥130,000
Provisional Tooth	¥10,000
Fiber Core	¥20,000

* Prices shown exclude tax (tax added separately).
* Costs vary according to the condition of the mouth. An accurate estimate is presented after examination and diagnosis.

RISKS & SIDE EFFECTSRisks and side effects

Because the tooth is prepared, dentin hypersensitivity (for example, sensitivity to cold or sweet foods) may occur.
Ceramic and zirconia prostheses may fracture or come loose if subjected to strong forces.
Changes in the condition of the gums (such as recession or inflammation) may occur.
Depending on the condition of the tooth, pulp removal (root canal treatment) or additional procedures may become necessary.
Removing metal restorations may place a temporary burden on the teeth and gums.

Before treatment, we explain the anticipated risks and side effects in full. Please do not hesitate to ask if anything is unclear.

ALTERNATIVESAlternative treatment options

Besides Metal-Free Dentistry, the following options are also available depending on your condition and wishes. After explaining the advantages and limitations of each, we decide on the treatment plan with respect for your own wishes.

Replacement of metal restorations under insurance coverage: A method of replacement using materials covered by insurance (metal, hard resin, etc.). Costs can be kept lower, but the materials may contain metal and there are constraints on shade and strength.
Insurance-covered CAD/CAM crowns and hybrid resin: At sites that meet the conditions, it may be possible to choose a white crown under insurance coverage. There are restrictions on the applicable sites and materials.
Monitoring the condition over time: If there is no problem with the metal restoration and no symptoms are present, one option is to monitor the situation rather than replace it immediately.

Which method is suitable differs depending on the condition of your mouth. Please ask us when booking or at your visit.

CASEMetal-Free Treatment Case

Case of replacing metal restorations with ceramic (woman in her 40s)

Chief Complaint: Woman in her 40s. She had been troubled by facial redness for many years and was also concerned about the metal restorations in her mouth, so she requested metal-free treatment.
Treatment: While receiving examinations and consultations from medical physicians, metal-free treatment was performed at the patient's request, replacing the metal restorations in her mouth with ceramic. In the course of follow-up after treatment, in the director's overall assessment, improvement was also seen in the redness around her face.
Duration / Visits: Approx. 1 month, 4 visits (estimate).
Cost (excl. tax): Zirconia, 1 tooth ¥130,000
Ceramic Inlay, 1 tooth ¥50,000 × 2 teeth
*Self-pay (non-insured) treatment
Main Risks & Side Effects: Breakage or detachment of restorations and changes in gum condition may occur. Additional procedures may be required depending on symptoms and treatment.

Changes around the mouth (before and after treatment) — Changes around the mouth

Intraoral, before treatment — Intraoral (before treatment)

Intraoral, after treatment — Intraoral (after treatment)

* Photos are published with the patient's consent.

* Results vary by individual.

* This case is one example of the course following metal-free treatment and does not guarantee similar results.

* Facial redness and skin symptoms have various causes, and we work with medical physicians as needed.

RESERVATIONAppointments & Consultations

If you would like to make silver teeth white, or are concerned about metal allergy, please start by consulting us. Our clinic is appointment-preferred.

Book on the booking site

Phone: 03-4500-6939

For those with questions before booking

If you have questions in advance about the treatment or costs, please feel free to contact us via LINE.

When contacting us, please include the following details

Name
Treatment you would like (e.g. cleaning / bite / whitening silver fillings / concerns about bad breath)
Whether you prefer insured or non-insured treatment (if undecided, "undecided" is fine)

Consult via LINE

Dates and times are confirmed through the booking site.
After consulting with us via LINE, you can make your appointment on the booking site.