Thinking: “If it takes too much time and money, is it really worth it…?”

You might be wondering that. Indeed, ceramic treatments can sometimes cost more and take longer compared to fillings and crowns covered by insurance. However, ceramic treatments offer many significant benefits that make them a valuable “investment for the future,” including:

• No worries about metal allergies
• Natural tooth-like beauty
• Significantly reduced risk of cavity recurrence

In this article, Dr. Hiroshi Miyashita, Director of Tokyo International Dental Clinic Roppongi, provides a clear explanation tailored for those considering ceramic treatments, covering:

• The process of ceramic treatment
• Tips to shorten treatment duration
• Secrets to creating long-lasting ceramic restorations

(At our clinic, we focus on highly aesthetic treatments using ceramics such as zirconia. Dr. Miyashita studied for a year under Dr. Junpei Fujimoto, a prosthodontic specialist studied in US. Hiroshi obtained his certification shortly after completing postgraduate training in 1989-1990. He also introduced surgical microscopes into his practice in 1994 in Sweden, striving for maximum precision, ensuring high-quality ceramic treatments that support both lasting beauty and health for our patients.)

Why Are Ceramic Treatments “Beautiful”?

— Made from materials that closely resemble natural teeth —

Ceramics feature a natural white coloration and transparency, creating a realistic, beautiful appearance akin to real teeth. They are:

• Metal-free, alleviating worries about allergies
• Smooth surface that resists plaque buildup
• Highly durable, maintaining their beauty over time

These outstanding features make ceramic treatments ideal for people who:

• Feel uncomfortable with the appearance of silver fillings
• Suffer from metal allergies
• Want whiter teeth

Ceramic Treatment Process

— Secrets to completing in as few as “2 appointments” —

Typically, there are two main methods:

1. Traditional Ceramic Restorations
   Dental technicians craft ceramic fillings or crowns based on the patient’s dental impressions.
   Advantages:
   • Precise color and shape matching accommodate detailed adjustments
     Disadvantages:
   • Longer treatment times
   • Usually more expensive due to coordination with external labs
2. CEREC (In-Clinic Milling System)
   Uses a computer-controlled milling machine to design and produce restorations directly in the clinic.
   Advantages:
   • Significantly reduces treatment time
   • Lower cost since manufacturing stays in-house
     Disadvantages:
   • Limited cases suitable for this method
   • Slightly lower aesthetic quality compared to handcrafted work

At Tokyo International Dental Clinic Roppongi, we prioritize quality and do not perform CEREC treatments. We carefully consider each patient’s needs, ensuring the best customized approach.

Three Tips to Shorten Treatment Time—Even for Patients from Far Away

While traditional ceramic treatments take about a month, we have implemented three strategies to greatly shorten this period:

1. Precise Diagnosis
   • Conduct detailed examinations to identify the best treatment plan, avoiding unnecessary procedures.
2. Utilizing Advanced Equipment
   • Use digital scanners to capture oral impressions and design restorations digitally, saving time.
3. Close Collaboration with Skilled Dental Technicians
   • Our in-house experienced technicians enable seamless communication and speedy production.

Thanks to these efforts, we can often complete ceramic treatments in as short as two visits.

Summary

This article covered the process of ceramic treatment and provided tips to shorten the overall treatment duration.
Ceramic treatment is not just about achieving beautiful teeth but also about eliminating metal allergy concerns and reducing the risk of cavities recurring—making it a valuable investment.

If you’ve been hesitant because of the time involved, we invite you to consult with Tokyo International Dental Clinic Roppongi.
With precise diagnosis and short-term treatment, we will help realize your ideal smile.

Tokyo International Dental Clinic Roppongi Contact & Location
Address: TIDS Building 2F, 5-13-25 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-5544-8544
Nearest Stations:

• Azabu Juban Station (Namboku Line / Oedo Line)
• Roppongi Station (Hibiya Line)