Pulled higher by gold’s rally, silver prices have also surged, with their rate of increase outpacing gold. The surge in silver prices could even affect the medals used at the Winter Olympics beginning in February. Rising gold and silver prices are also lifting other precious metals, including platinum and palladium. At Mito Dental Clinic in Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward, soaring metal prices are squeezing dentists who rely on insurance-covered treatments. Although commonly called “silver teeth,” dental alloys also contain gold and palladium, and the rapid rise in metal prices has outpaced insurance reimbursements.