Direct BondingWhite Fillings

At TOTAL TOOTH TREATMENT AKASAKA, we focus on direct bonding.
Direct bonding is a treatment method that restores both the aesthetic appearance and functionality of teeth by applying a white filling, matched to the color of the teeth, to areas damaged by cavities or other issues, and then hardening it with a special light. Our direct bonding is ideal for filling small cavities in both front teeth and molars, as well as for beautifully restoring gaps between teeth (black triangles), offering a superior level of aesthetics.

Our Cases

CASE 01: Improvement of Black Triangles on Upper and Lower Front Teeth with Direct Bonding

Area	Upper and lower teeth #3–#3
Cost	¥462,000 (including tax) * ¥38,500 per tooth (12 teeth)
Risks	Rarely, fillings may come off Some color change over time may occur
Comments	This treatment is usually performed without any drilling.

This direct bonding method requires a high level of skill from the dentist, so not all dental clinics offer it. If you would like white fillings for molars or front teeth, find metal fillings unattractive, or have concerns about gaps between teeth (black triangles), please feel free to contact us (appointment required).

CASE02．上下前歯のブラックトライアングルをダイレクトボンディングで改善

Features of Direct Bonding

• Only dentists with specialized training in direct bonding will handle this treatment (appointment required).
• The small decayed part is minimally removed and filled with a white material. Unlike metal fillings, there is no need to remove a large portion of the healthy tooth. (Metal fillings often require removal of a larger portion to maintain strength and adhesion.)
• For front teeth, the filling may be applied in multiple layers to minimize its visibility (layering technique).
• Unlike ceramic inlays or laminate veneers, which require several weeks for fabrication by dental technicians, direct bonding can be completed in a single visit.

Are You Experiencing Any of These?

• Concerns about black triangles
• Have Metal allergies
• Prefer to avoid metal fillings
• Want to replace silver or gold fillings with white ones
• Fillings have come off, broken or chipped
• Concerns about gaps in front teeth
• Slight chipping at the tips of front teeth
• Concerns about discoloration or past fillings in front teeth
• Want to have white fillings on the same day
• Want to preserve as much of the existing tooth as possible

Cost

Per Tooth	¥30,000–¥35,000 (excluding tax)

Costs may vary depending on the extent and size of the treatment.

FAQ

Will there be discoloration? Do they last long?

The material used is for private treatments and has durability and strength. However, it may discolor or wear, similar to natural teeth. The lifespan is generally estimated to be around 10 years, but this can vary based on oral conditions.
The shortest expectation for discoloration or durability is around 4–5 years, but again, this depends on individual oral conditions. Discoloration can sometimes be removed through brushing or maintenance at our clinic. Factors such as diet and bite alignment can affect lifespan, discoloration, and durability.

Do all dental clinics offer direct bonding?

Not all dental clinics offer this treatment. Direct bonding requires specialized training and experience. Also, the procedure can take 1 to 2 hours per session, making it difficult to implement at all dental clinics.

Can the treatment be completed on the same day (in a single visit)?

Same-day treatment is possible but not always. It may not be completed in a single visit if, for example, cavity treatment needs to be addressed first, you prefer to complete only the diagnosis and quotation during the first visit, or if the cavity or filling size is extensive.

What is the extent of the area (size) per tooth?

For molars, it is typically small, referred to as Grade I, which is about 1/4 of the tooth’s head. For larger areas, we generally do not recommend it because the strength might not be adequate.
However, if the patient is aware of and accepts the shorter lifespan, it is possible to perform direct bonding over a larger area.

How long does one treatment session take?

The treatment usually requires as short as 1 to 2 visits, but chair time (treatment time) for each session is approximately 1 hour for small areas and about 1.5 hours for larger areas.

Can the treatment be completed in one day?

For small areas without symptoms like cavities, it can be possible to complete the treatment in one day. Typically, the first visit involves detailed examination and design planning, so most cases require 2 visits to complete.

How does it differ from insurance-covered composite resin (CR)?

Direct bonding is for private treatments. The main differences are the time, skill, and cost involved. We focus on achieving a texture close to that of natural teeth, providing meticulous treatment for each tooth.
Our bonding process involves careful control of materials and methods, including humidity control with a rubber dam. In some cases, the result can be indistinguishable even to a dentist.

Which manufactures’ materials do you use?

We use various materials from different manufacturers, such as Gradia Direct and Estelite Asteria, depending on the teeth texture, color, and oral environment of the patient.