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Medically necessary treatments are generally covered under Japan's national health insurance (国民健康保険 / 健康保険). The following treatments are typically included:

• Cavity Treatment Fillings (inlays) and crowns are covered depending on the severity of the cavity. Coverage applies to standard materials such as amalgam and composite resin.
• Periodontal Disease Tartar removal (scaling) and treatments to control gum inflammation are covered.
• Wisdom Tooth Extraction Extraction is covered when the tooth is causing pain or affecting other teeth.
• Dentures Creation and adjustment of dentures are covered, though material options are limited to those approved under insurance.
• Mouthguards (for bruxism / TMJ disorders) Covered when prescribed for medical reasons such as teeth grinding or jaw joint disorders. Not covered for sports use.

Cosmetic and advanced procedures are generally not covered by Japan's national health insurance and must be paid in full by the patient:

• Teeth Whitening Whitening treatments to improve the color of teeth are considered cosmetic and are not covered.
• Orthodontics (Braces / Aligners) Orthodontic treatment is generally not covered unless it is addressing a severe functional issue (e.g., significant jaw misalignment).
• Dental Implants Implants used to replace missing teeth are not covered by insurance. The full cost — including surgery, abutment, and crown — must be paid privately.

Japan distinguishes between insurance-covered materials and higher-grade private-pay materials:

Many patients choose private-pay ceramic or zirconia options for front teeth due to their natural appearance, while insurance-covered materials remain a practical choice for back teeth.

Japan's dental insurance system offers broader coverage than many Western countries, where dental care is typically not included in public health insurance at all.

• Universal Coverage All residents in Japan — including foreign nationals enrolled in national health insurance — are eligible for covered dental treatments at 30% co-pay (for most adults).
• No Referral Required You can visit any dental clinic directly without a referral from a general practitioner.
• Low Cost for Covered Treatments A standard checkup, cleaning, or cavity filling is significantly more affordable under insurance compared to private-pay dental systems in the US, UK, or Australia.
• Clear Separation of Covered vs. Private Clinics clearly separate insurance-covered treatments from private treatments. You can choose to mix both within the same visit in some cases.