銀歯から白い歯へ「YAMAKIN」国内初開発の《樹脂ブリッジ》が保険適用、治療費は3割減 (26/06/29 19:15)

A groundbreaking new product has been developed by a dental materials manufacturer that has produced numerous "Made in Kochi" products. This is the first of its kind in Japan, allowing for white teeth instead of silver fillings. Announcer Yuka Miki: "We've come to YAMAKIN, a dental materials manufacturer in Konan City. Until now, the common treatment for losing a back tooth was a silver filling, but now it's white teeth. A resin-based product has been developed, and it's covered by insurance." YAMAKIN, which boasts the top market share in Japan for dental materials, has newly developed this resin block. From this block, the shape of the tooth is designed using a computer to match the patient's needs, creating a three-unit connected tooth. It's called "Shinbo." It has recently become covered by insurance. This is the first time in Japan that a resin material for bridge treatment has been developed and covered by insurance. YAMAKIN President, Kiku Yamamoto: "When a tooth in the middle is lost, the teeth on either side are shaved down, and the three teeth are fitted together in what's called a bridge shape, like this." When a molar is lost due to cavities or other reasons, "bridge treatment" involves fixing an artificial tooth using the teeth on either side as support. Until now, because of the need for strength in the connecting part of the three teeth, the only options were silver fillings or expensive private treatment. However, by inserting a glass fiber core into the center of a resin block, they have achieved strength comparable to metal. Furthermore, the resin "Shinbo" blends naturally in feel and color, just like a real tooth. YAMAKIN, which has created a product that overturns conventional wisdom, has its origins in the manufacturing and processing of precious metals. A company that started with precious metals has created a metal-less product that meets high demand. YAMAKIN President, Kiku Yamamoto: "I felt that our technological capabilities have greatly improved now that our long-held concept has taken shape." He says the most difficult part of the development was adjusting the position of the central glass fiber. Even a 1mm deviation from the center will compromise the strength. YAMAKIN President, Kiku Yamamoto: "There's a fiberglass core in the middle, and precisely centering it while ensuring the core material is perfectly straight and doesn't sag is quite challenging." "Shinbo" was developed through industry-academia collaboration. The safety of the materials was based on the expertise of Kochi University School of Medicine, and Kochi University of Technology provided technical cooperation in combining resin and fiberglass. Incidentally, the product name "Shinbo" comes from the fact that there's a "core rod" in the center of the block, and from the "patience" and perseverance put into the research and development. YAMAKIN President, Kiku Yamamoto: "This will reduce the financial burden on patients, and aesthetically, the white teeth look very natural, so we hope patients will be pleased. We also believe that the digitalization will improve the working environment for dental technicians." "Shinbo," which began insurance coverage on June 1st, is a new product from Kochi Prefecture, and expectations are high that it will become the mainstream of bridge treatment. YAMAKIN President, Kiku Yamamoto: "It aligns with our company's dream: we want to become a global YAMAKIN. We currently export to about 45 countries, but we want to increase that to around 100 countries." With insurance coverage, the treatment cost will be about 30% cheaper than conventional treatments. The day when this technology born in Kochi becomes the standard for future treatments may be near.